Paddling into Black Creek Rapid in an inflatable kayak added a whole new layer of intensity. The river narrowed and the current surged, pulling me quickly toward a series of crashing waves and sharp drops. Each wave felt bigger and closer from the low seat of the kayak, and the water slapped hard against the bow, spilling over the sides and soaking my lap. I dug my paddle deep to stay upright and on line, weaving between rocks with fast, reactive strokes. The kayak bucked and twisted through the wave train, every hit jarring but exhilarating. When I finally slid into calmer water, the rush of the rapid still echoed in my chest and the grin was impossible to hide.
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