Close Call sent by Jordan Kear:
I was in an open boat running the Ocoee. I put in at the ramp and was attempting my second time through Grumpies. I had a gopro on my helmet, and forgot to hit record. This is where it gets chilling.
As I was working the ferry across the river, I didn’t quite make it past the last hole, so I turned and squared up. Me and my boat made it over the ledge. However, the eddyline got me and my full canoe. As I prepped to roll the canoe, I couldn’t move. I tried again. Stuck. My GoPro was stuck in the webbing holding my bags in place.
After several attempts, I ejected myself out of the bulkhead, but was still stuck under my boat through the runout of grumpies. As I tried to push myself out of my boat, I only pushed myself deeper in the water. Do I take my helmet off?? One more try – new tactic, let go of my paddle and fight! I’m free after digging the GoPro free from my webbing.
Scary moment that needs to be known and talked aboutpeople wearing stuff on their helmets. It is definitely a new fear unlocked. I haven’t worn my GoPro since then.