Forward Lean In Whitewater Kayak

[LesPalenik]

Intentional lean into a fast rapid - or momentarily abstract

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

Maybe he's just kneeling to pray for deliverance.
Great catch.

[LesPalenik]

Whatever the reason, it worked, he got through the rapid in one piece.
Thank you, Eric

[Alan Klein]

Definitely praying.  Nice shot Les. 

[LesPalenik]

Thank you, Alan
And here is the result of another fast water manouver, this time fully unintended.

[Alan Klein]

Thank you, Alan
And here is the result of another fast water manouver, this time fully unintentended.

He didn't pray hard enough.

[LesPalenik]

I guess so. Here is a question:

What do you think, which kayak shot (crop) is more effective, the top one or the one below with the rocky shore above the paddler?

[Alan Klein]

I like the aesthetics and composition more on the second one.  It's a little confusing though what's happening.  The first is more understandable.  But the composition is imbalanced and the pole going through the paddler's head doesn;t help. 

[LesPalenik]

It's not a pole, it is a shaft of the paddle which he is holding. The other dark line must be a shadow of the paddle or some marking on the boat.

That was the first lesson they taught us in the whitewater course - whatever happens, never let go off the paddle.

[Alan Klein]

Seems like he was "up the creek without a paddle."

In any case, I was referring to the green and white course pole. 

[LesPalenik]

Seems like he was "up the creek without a paddle."

In any case, I was referring to the green and white course pole.

I see, I was comparing only the two kayak crops.
Interestingly, in the second image the with the slalom gate, the two floating objects navigated successfully between the slalom poles.

[armand]

First crop, it reduces it to the essence. What's happening in the periphery it's irrelevant.

[Eric Myrvaagnes]

It's a close call. The second version with the rocks is scarier, but I think I agree with Armand that the first version captures the essence.

[RSL]

I agree. Good grab, Les.

[brandtb]

Nice capture. I think the image with rock context has some possibilities  - both seem to be too tightly cropped on left and bottom - and I don't think that helps. Especially with the tips of kayak on edge of frame. The first might be better just cropping in making a powerful closeup about hands, paddle, head, dynamics of form, and water. Little brighter too/shadows up...accentuating action.

[LesPalenik]

Alan, Armand, Brandt, Eric, Russ - thank you all for your kind comments.