Tooth Ache
- 5 Nov 07, 03:01 PM
Posted from: Abancay.
Today the rapids seemed to get even bigger. After lunch we reached one of the biggest, a grade 5+ called 'Tooth Ache', named after a large rock at the bottom that resembled a tooth. This was by far the most dangerous rapid to be tackled so a good recce was carried out first. Our head guide had the perfect spot for me to film from, on a small ledge of rock right opposite the tooth and straight above a mad torrent of foaming water.
The crew cruising down the river
To get there I had to first jump across an awkward gap and then slip belly-first down an 18ft slope and then onto the ledge. I didn't do this too gracefully - not surprising as my wetsuit boots were covered in sand that made walking on the polished rock very slippery. The guide lowered the camera and joined me to check I was happy. He told me that if I slipped in the water I should forget the camera (which I would) and hopefully I'd just get a spinning like in a washing machine and then be able to grab a rope from one of the safety guides set at three positions along the rapids. He then left, wishing me luck - I'm not sure if this was for filming or for remaining on the ledge!
Bruce prepares for the Tooth Ache rapids
By now the sun was baking and this was made worse by having to wear the wetsuit, life jacket and helmet in case I fell in the water. I had no drinking water and I'd forgotten my shades. The brightness bouncing off the water and rocks was incredible and I tried closing my eyes for a few minutes but this only made it worse when opening them again. Before Bruce would descend, the guides tested the first two boats on the rapid so I had to wait for at least 45 minutes on the ledge, and I got increasingly hot and dizzy.
Matt B wishes Bruce luck with ‘Tooth Ache’.
Finally, Bruce's boat set off and I managed to film a great 20-second shot as it bounced through the Tooth Ache, at one point only feet from the camera I was holding. I was then dragged up the slippery rock face - half climbing - a bit like Spiderman.
Next we rafted back down the river and along the way Effe pointed out numerous rocks that he had names for because they resembled animals or human faces. As we travelled further he pointed out rocks that more and more resembled erotic shapes. I think he'd spent too much time on that river!
Eric tackles the ‘Tooth Ache’ while the team watch in awe.
Having most of the shots in the can, we stopped filming and just had fun rafting the remaining grade 4 rapids. We were midway through one called 'Bambamboo' when our raft took on a load of water over the edge and veered steeply at a sharp angle. Sitting on the edge of the raft I did my best to stay in but stood no chance and was thrown over the side into the foaming water. I was then dragged along underwater for about 10 seconds as my foot was still caught in the foot strap. With my head just missing the rocks as the raft sped on downstream, another big wave bounced me back up and Zubin and Matt pulled me back into the boat. The guides had told us that whatever you do don't panic and I was fortunate that this tactic worked well this time!
The river trip has given us some great filming opportunities in an amazing environment and also a real adventure.
Comments