Kayaker Trapped Underwater Saved by Friends' Quick Reactions

www.epictv.com
On Saturday the 2nd of November James Bradley, Pete Henderon, Carl Ross, Mark Shackleton, Justin Gale, Mark Hardingham and Simon Morse were going for an afternoon paddle down the Lyn in Devon UK.
In one of the drops Mark Hardingham is pushed offline and becomes 'vertically pinned' with his body trapped and his head held underwater by the current! This GoPro clip shows the reactions of his friends who pull him out of this sticky situation just in time.
This video is a great reminder for us all of the unpredictable nature of whitewater and the importance of always paddling with good friends and carrying safety gear.
Video by Barny Young. For more information check out / gradientandwater
Kayaker Trapped Underwater Saved by Friends' Quick Reactions
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[@Tigercup9]

That helmet saved his life. And in the most unorthodox fashion.

[@dragonslayer9541]

Over 570 likes and no comments Ok hello

[@logan2906]

I think he could have bailed he just would have gotten bruised up from falling.

[@kerfitten1234]

@@logan2906 he would have been held under the water like his green kayak was, it didn't pop back up till halfway through the video. While he was being held under he would have been dashed against the rocks at the bottom repeatedly, like a washing machine filled with gravel on spin cycle.

[@logan2906]

@@kerfitten1234 exactly, I would have bailed if I was about to drown in my kayak. I wouldn't have kayaked without someone else though in case of a situation like this.

[@gregduncan5225]

That’s what a good helmet is designed to do 🤔

[@arslongavitabrevis7241]

So the guy who just leaped like a frog over the rushing water from safety onto that boulder in the middle of the rapids, with out a thought, without slipping. Frogman

[@NoSympathyXPSN]

arslonga vitabrevis I know I was in Costa Rica and tried to walk on some and busted my fucking ass

[@colleenharrison1638]

@@NoSympathyXPSN awww tht sucks

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@N.A.R Channel The rock was probably slippery af

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@N.A.R Channel I read your comment. Mine was an addition, not a dispute.

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@N.A.R Channel All good pal.

[@Mr_Reb3llion]

That dude who jumped from the rock on the eddie to the rock next to his trapped mate is a ledge.

[@APheonixPretense8]

Only part of the video when I said ‘fuck yea’ out loud. Nailed it.

[@sory4beinanonymous]

I can tell ur an aussie by your use of the word “ledge”

[@christeenn.]

I had to reread this comment at least four times

[@mauricem7007]

*legend... I can tell he is Aussie by the koala!!!

[@mauricem7007]

But I agree, epic jump!

[@harryshin3209]

A big part of the reason why he was so calm was because he could still breathe with all that water rushing past his head. His helmet and head created opportune pockets of air. So basically, he could breathe fine, he was stationary, and he knew his friends would get him. Good on him AND his friends

[@LRuso]

really? thanks

[@rivertrash9862]

yeah good eye. i bet it was still a little scary though.

[@derpferguson5400]

way to crack the case Sherlock

[@fionacollie7627]

Couple of dicks in the comments here lmao. Who knew the helmet would protect his head from something other than blunt force trauma. Awesome

[@uAintliveifudontthiz]

Fiona Collie ya videos like this are amazing I know I would panic. I’m sure they’re experienced but scary situation either way.

[@ItzSeagull]

3:21 That hi-five though 😂👋🏼

[@seriousdopamine4404]

That was smooth.

[@achingwoody4306]

Lol.😂

[@Virus-ln4eq]

👈🏽👋🏻

[@yourerightbro8807]

More like here is your escaped-death five

[@Blaze-hu6py]

Just sling him back in the water for that the old bastard

[@peter8488]

Go with people who know how to handle a crisis, "can you breathe" "let's get him stabilized".

[@heidiscott4363]

Tiny guy took hot bath.

[@lj3912]

@@heidiscott4363 lmao

[@danielhenderson762]

I think it's staged for viral video

[@Noises1444]

@@danielhenderson762 no its definitely not

[@TropicalCyc]

@@danielhenderson762 how the heck do you stage a really dangerous white water drowning machine? If that person didnt have a helmet or toppled over when going down that he would be battered like an alligator death rolling you.

[@TenThumbsProductions]

"You breathing alright?" Props to do the dude for staying calm.

[@trabajobamos]

He did great. Great leadership

[@WtfYoutube_YouSuck]

I believe the goal is to float "on" the flowing water.

[@j8thgen479]

@@WtfKZbin_YouSuck no shit dicchead

[@sassykat2000]

@@WtfKZbin_YouSuck And sometimes the water has other plans.

[@Its_just_me_again]

based on the trapped guys post reaction - i dont think he was calm, i think he fell asleep

[@j1bone]

This is how you know the group of people your with can be trusted to handle whatever comes their way. These are friends. Top notch work.

[@heidiscott4363]

Whitewater chp

[@Cre8tvMG]

Textbook example of clear thinking and quick action. Well done!

[@heidiscott4363]

Not too sharp.

[@jaimegarza514]

It's crazy how calm they were as they helped him. I'll hire these guys to take me kayaking anyday 👍

[@banoodel5121]

Actually at 0:59 you hear him asking "you breathing alright" and the red helmet guy gives him a thumbs up... so basically the helmet createt an airpocket from all the water rushing by and that's why everybody was so calm...

[@bruhmomento1319]

Got to remain calm in those types of situations

[@teunlll]

@@banoodel5121 it's still pretty impressive

[@traningday]

Not there first rodeo seams to me

[@patrciaclemons8183]

Not crazy, this is a normal human. You've been indoctrinated to react by panic, just the way your government wants it.

[@TheRubinator13]

1:00 I love when the guy trapped underwater gives his buddy a thumbs up like "dont worry too much, i can kinda breathe" Super freaking scary though 😳

[@dantheguitarist5823]

Well done chaps! The kayaker who jumped to the other rock has balls of steel!

[@pizeblu]

he has some pretty good canyoning boots, but you are right jajajajj

[@uchihahikaku1630]

Na bro. He has inflatable balls. He knew if he fell in, he would float.

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@@uchihahikaku1630 You should call for a sit down with evolution.

[@korkunctheterrible4302]

@@aliasofanalias7448 What does that mean? Evolution(as if a cartoon character) should hear him and give men inflatable balls? Or he shat on the theory of evolution with a bad joke, Or he should learn more about evolution? Or... what? lol (not a native speaker, I'd appreciate if someone explained)

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@@korkunctheterrible4302 As in he should pitch the idea of floaty balls to evolution, as if evolution were an entity. Had to refresh my brain, this comment was ages ago. You don't think evolution is a probable theory?

[@DeutschMatheLehrer]

Wow, he has some great friends.

[@dickgeffen1782]

/wat zijn maagdenburger halve bollen

[@SungazerDNB]

@Dick Geffen Ik heb geen idee wat maagdenburger halve bollen zijn, en is dit uberhaupt nederlands?

[@joshjjjjj25]

your friends wouldnt try to save you? Who do you hang out with?

[@noahchicoine4780]

I do many extreme sports. Including white water like this. I don't know a single person who wouldn't drop everything to save ANYONE else out there, friend or not. It's about having fun "safely". Many of us would do as much as we could for anyone else out there with us.

[@noyou113]

@@joshjjjjj25 maybe he meant smart?

[@danielf7022]

Dam, such a great video and great skills to perform under pressure, but high five denied and awkward hand touch after the save :(

[@SteelHex]

Have you ever got trapped in a situation where your life was in danger? The guy was probably still in shock. He just stood there staring at the spot.

[@normalname8768]

Water pressure?(;

[@flclub54]

I imagine the poor guy was exhausted from the whole ideal.

[@thatpeskyrat]

estoban kupah ok boomer

[@flclub54]

@estoban kupah if you feel that strongly about Gen Z, I'd like to know your opinion on the parents that raised that "pathetic" generation 😂 oh the irony! #okboomer

[@JonathanMartinez320]

Cameraman is a quick thinker and natural leader. Good job mate

[@nm2795]

These men know why there doing for sure. Well done! Glad everyone is safe.

[@rbergs7193]

I think dude that saved him was happier than dude that got saved. Ida been bear hugging that hero of mine!!👍

[@BostonTransplant1]

Phenomenal quick assessment of the situation and stabilization of the boater. A plan was developed and communicated and then executed. This is why you train in swift water rescue if you are a boater, carry the appropriate gear, and boat with a group. Strong work all around!

[@jamesclark8962]

Team work, quick planning, good communication, proper state of mind, and luck. Perfect execution!!! Well done!!!

[@whitewatervpromo]

Every kayaker should see this.

[@LarsLarsen77]

They should also see the ones where people are trapped for endless amounts of time before they're rescued. It's not uncommon to be pinned for hours while a swiftwater rescue team tries to yank you out of there without breaking you in half.

[@andresbk93]

I saw this video before, and after seeing other crews rescues I have to say this is an incredible crew all around.

[@carmonanelson99]

That was amazing, and the camera guy sounds like thor!!

[@MonkeyKing3333]

Australian.

[@GeorgeSBlonsky]

Fast & calm reaction under pressure in life threatening situation.. well done lads..! Hats off how fast your read that and how quick you reacted..! Safe travels...

[@Gloomyraindrop]

They were calm once they knew he was ok because he asked if he could breath and the dude gave the thumbs up, relieving them of 50% or more of their stress.

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

goes to show you better practice and practice rescue before going out. And having reliable experienced people who know what to do is the key.

[@LegendaryNative]

That was scary... “look I’m a waterfall now”

[@flunkreaction6008]

Shawn from Ontario after know he was okay and watching the whole thing through, I laughed really hard when I read this

[@joloughlin577]

Shawn thanks for a much needed happy laugh to release anxiety from watching a couple of these water rescue videos. Well done! 😄❤️

[@yourgirlniki5582]

Hahahaha hahahahaha ah why is this comment so funny

[@chadmiller1120]

Well done. Keeping a calm head allows you to properly deal with the current situation. Kudos to all involved.

[@3434rocky]

You guys were all amazing! Quick thinking, quick reactions, and that epic leap to the other rock.

[@akaroamale475]

Great to have such great and competent mates around you, in your kayaking life and life in general.

[@RoamingTerry]

Experience does help he knew it was a dangerous drop and turned around and got ready for a rescue. Well done.

[@austinnipper6460]

Never thought about that, but if it's true that's smart.

[@seandepoppe6716]

Great job at staying calm and taking care of the situation. I would go out with you guys any day!

[@WTFtomahawks0]

His face at the end is what puzzles me, I think it’s a reaction to the lack of gratitude the man was showing after almost dying.

[@BobbyS8000]

I was searching for this, I feel the exact same way and the guy was kind of weird to be honest I would’ve been saying thank you right away

[@jonathanburgess1688]

Great example of why it's important to have the right equipment. Good save brother.

[@toordog1753]

Bad example of what to do if you're worried about dying....

[@WalsjeWouter]

Great rescue. I hope I'll never get in this situation. Thanks for sharing! Happy paddling guys!

[@THE______TRUTH]

Dude the response time from the friends was amazing.

[@budgiebreder]

Great teamwork and really good communication between close peers. The trust the trapped person had in the others shows massively as they all stayed calm. Well done!

[@deesabird6799]

God blessed you with these men dude.

[@cooldude2245]

That jump was amazing. I think if it was me, I’d probably slip into the water.

[@wearefucked7244]

Great response. Y’all acted so quickly and kept calm seriously can’t applaud you enough. He’s extremely lucky he came out of that one and lucky for some great friends

[@sarahstrong7174]

Thats great the way they got him into a position where he could breathe quickly. Important to practise with good friends & to keep a really good eye on each other.

[@daimlerblanco3493]

good friends indeed. what a great team plus they remain calm doing the rescue.good

[@liquid815]

One thing amazing of all the extreme sports I'm involved in, WW kayakers veteran or newbie are always ready n prepared for bad situations n I have noticed never a hesitation to assist no matter the circumstance....nice rescue, can't wait to get SW rescue certified and hope to never have to use it. GREAT JOB GUYS!!!!! Could of been ugly.

[@stevethomas760]

I'll have to say this one scared me and I knew the outcome. Cool heads, training and the gear in hand to pull off the rescue. Good work guys. Wish I could have run something with you. Now days I paddle board on class 2/3 and reminisce "the older I get the better I was"

[@mikeemmons4062]

Great job guys. Dude was fortunate to have calm, quick thinking and brave friends kayaking with him.

[@npeace312]

My heart was racing. What an amazing save!

[@skolnick44]

Smooth and decisive gentlemen. Good work.

[@Detox_832]

This made me feel emotional. Good set of buddies to have . badass.

[@TheScottThomas]

Amazing job, everyone stayed calm and knew exactly what to do. Even the guy in the guy that was trapped. Textbook work.

[@thisissostupidqsdfva]

3:37 the moment he realizes he is going bald

[@TheyForcedMyHandLE]

haha, he's like WFT!?

[@chewlew2818]

Quality comment 😂

[@mnlead]

Haha that had me laugh out loud!!

[@mauricem7007]

I'm bald and I 🤣🤣

[@Jake_Hynds]

Wow lmfao

[@MHTutorials3D]

This is one lucky dude

[@bn6398]

Yes, and he not even say thank you…

[@beverlyreiner-baillargeon6205]

Y'all are a bunch of hero's, thank you for thinking on the fly. awesome job!!!

[@davidpainter6940]

Omg. That was terrifying to watch. Glad he made . Props to his buddies and all who saved him

[@marsharupe8112]

Great work, guys.

[@Commandodesigns]

Holy sh!t... Great response... Why was he stuck in his boat.? I would've gone for the boat, my reaction would've been to jump on the boat and try to get it unpinned. Thanks for this vid. Every rescue adds experience to the community. I'd love to hear your thoughts... This video might change my first reaction.... Much respect.

[@agsystems8220]

Because he could breath. Safer to hang tight when not in imminent danger than risk getting stuck half out of your boat in a position where you can't breath. That looks like one of those ones that are far more nerve wracking for the rescuers than the guy stuck.

[@matthewbibby8921]

That might've been a bad idea, depending on the current under the water, you could've found yourself trapped in a sideways whirlpool literally called a "frowning machine". They're more of a threat around dams but similar currents can definately be found around strong waterfalls like this

[@Noadvantage246]

@@matthewbibby8921 It's called a "drowning machine" but yeah, getting caught in a strong drowning machine current is an almost guaranteed death sentence if you're alone and your chances are still pretty slim even with help.

[@Acreyman]

Looked to me like he was pinned and had to stay put. Tons of water going over the rocks there, he is lucky.

[@ThomasKundera]

_"Why was he stuck in his boat.?"_ Water pressure, on his back and on the boat. It's pressing on the kayak, locking your legs in.

[@erikatefft3527]

The kind of teammates and friends you must have

[@bigyin2794]

Never gets old this clip, flipping well done guys!

[@superyamagucci]

Slick work there guys, well done. Had to laugh seeing B there at the end - carnage magnet!

[@bikinggal1]

One more reason to add to my "Why I will never kayak" list

[@shaikymandel7593]

This was the 1st video I haven’t skipped through in a while

[@eriekayak]

Very dangerous situation handled perfectly! Great job guys!

[@ROBwithaB]

*THAT is what friends are for*

[@williamwhite9481]

Not mine apparently

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@@williamwhite9481 Not friends

[@williamwhite9481]

@@aliasofanalias7448 Exactly my point

[@aliasofanalias7448]

@@williamwhite9481 Friends are likes leaves of a tree; they come and go. I feel you man. I think the most important thing is accepting people for who they are. That and family. Well that got deep.

[@williamwhite9481]

@@aliasofanalias7448 Haha, thanks

[@albertovalencia9156]

Legend says he’s still waiting for that high five.

[@iskrentsekov104]

The way they helped him was so quick and professional calculated just amazing great team.

[@karenbartlett1307]

What a fantastic job! Cool, calm and collected. I'm very impressed.

[@madhukiran4037]

1:47 Ooooh! That jump!

[@user-pe2yx9kt4e]

Not really safe unless they knew the area and that the rock wasn’t slippery though

[@user-pe2yx9kt4e]

Like how was he going to get back as well if it were actually really deep foamy water?

[@marx4325]

That folks is how its done. Quick response and ascertaining he could breathe, then devising a plan. Thumbs up very quick and organized

[@timfredrickson3889]

This is also a good reason to wear the life jackets with the collar, it would pop up and create a pocket of air making it even easier for him to breath.

[@suep9445]

There was no collar, his helmet made that pocket, so to speak. But your point about the PFD (life jacket) is most important. I'll add that he had it tightened up appropriately, so that when they lifted him by the shoulder straps, it didnt ride up at all. That's the way to wear a PFD.

[@ryanbroos5143]

How can anyone dislike coming to the aid of someone needing help? Even if he could breathe fine, it's still a very dangerous situation where something could have changed and created a different outcome. Kudos for quick reactions and realizing assistance was needed.

[@TomTom-xp2jb]

Well done!!! Great rescue!!! Those guys deserve a medal for their effort!!! 👍👍

[@Samwillis515]

The one filming I had as a teacher today

[@Sub2Dylan]

my friends would’ve just laughed at me.

[@masteroogway5082]

@estoban kupah Fuck you buddy. I'm a university student, at least a third of our kayaking team have advanced white water rescue training.

[@masteroogway5082]

@32rush He's just mad because his last erection was in 1999

[@masteroogway5082]

@32rush Maybe he's just cranky cos his nurse dropped his teeth in the toilet, and now his mouth tastes of ass.

[@nayten0324]

estoban kupah lol you’re hard

[@sgtplaya7]

me and my boys are gonna hell each other then immediately laugh at the dumbass who got caught up

[@Dojustdoandbe]

Excellent calm and clear response. You saved his life. Impressive!

[@theveefit]

They reacted so quickly. Thank you

[@R1Kyle]

I quit kayaking because of stuff like that, and for all the times I would go paddle alone.

[@Redzircon]

An exceptionally fine rescue, well done. As for the Hardline Feminist comment, its very hard to understand where so much hatred can come from.

[@valsedonia]

This was awesome! The main lesson in this is not to panic! People don’t think straight when panicked and in a crisis, every second counts.

[@coopj250]

Amazing how calm they were in that situation.

[@loopguru66]

The look of disgust on his face at the end when the guy refused to be a part of his selfie

[@MichelleSK6]

loopguru66 looks like he was shutting the camera off or in the process of flipping it back around. They patted backs and smiled. Now the rejected high five is what got me lmao 😅😩

[@joelmiller464]

loopguru66 thats not what happened

[@joesolo]

Good job boys I would paddle with you any time any where

[@genEricSVG]

Wow , that dude was blessed to have a couple of straight up legends there to help him out !

[@Chef07uk]

@GarhwaliTrend

[@pdkodude283]

Great rescue. Calm and organised. Glad the dude is okay.

[@Sumaxi]

Scary sport

[@Blogzer]

It's a magical, beautiful sport if one stays on rivers that are less likely to kill you. :)

[@K.A-87]

If his friends left him there he would turn in to a piece of art

[@Hamza-ry8jq]

Like genos?

[@pearlsr1880]

This gives me chills running down my spine

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Great ad for the helmet. What a quick rescue, fantastic! I was holding my breath all the way.

[@Trenasist]

Hard prick didn't even give him thanks. Hope he did eventually though! Amazing save and great initiative!

[@samstrahan1953]

He was probably in shock still. you can tell by the look on his face tho that he was thankful for their help.

[@normalname8768]

These guys performed well under pressure. Water pressure! (;

[@carolineautry4548]

That is crazy and terrifying. Makes me think twice about doing big rapids. That was a great rescue, they stayed so calm!

[@sunflower-oo1ff]

Lucky guy...so lucky those guys were there ! Awesome job you guys did! THE BEST !

[@bobvila4381]

Well he definitely had time to contemplate some things while he was under the water hah!

[@vergoldi_1383]

Just got this in my reccomendations in July, anyone else too?

[@D14N4_XOX]

Me too but in July 2020 xD

[@SuperKasper333]

Been out adventuring alone and got hurt. Learned my lesson. Until 3 weeks ago- when no one would go with me. So, went out adventuring alone. Still healing. So important to NOT go alone, no matter what. Glad that all are safe.

[@StuartVogt]

Best life saving vid I've scene to date. Wow! Amazing reaction time. I sure hope I'm as cool as the wonderful dudes in this vid. Absolutely wonderful reaction time. Flawless! So impressive I'm almost lost for words. No, I am lost for words. God bless these great Kayakers that know life is precious.

[@alexisace]

One of the many reason he made it out alive is because of his patients when he got stuck. Panicking would of probably made him drown. But good thing he was extremely calm and patient.

[@donnydont]

I didn't see any patients

[@rivertrash9862]

take the path less traveled they say... 🤔 maybe everybody uses the other path for a reason.

[@sugarmuffin319]

Hahaha what a great metaphor lol

[@karenbartlett1307]

That's for dang sure.

[@GetBusyDrift]

love how he turns camera around for a selfie😭😭 stayed calm the entire time what a professional

[@kennethhowell5291]

Good work! Great save! Good thinking and assistance by the one being saved also!

[@rlefebvre42]

Wow, nice work guys. An example of High Reliability people.

[@debimason5031]

Calm in crisis. Brilliant on everyone's part.

[@stephengeoghegan-doughty.5870]

Absolutely brilliant well calculated performance gentlemen Exellent rescue, thats a definite life saved 👏👏👏 from UK.

[@albertsutherland277]

It took that man almost damn near one minute to get back over to him , put his kayak up so not lost , and to pull the man to safety . All while plotting a plan to save his friend. Talk about quick reaction , and turned into that man's heroall within one minute of time. Bravo sir. Well done , well done.

[@michaelhill56]

To play devil's advocate, if they knew of this danger someone should have been in that eddy in case something like this happened. Time is of the essence on whitewater and every second counts.