Tennessee-born Dane Jackson, already one of the greatest whitewater kayakers of all time, has accomplished what could be recognized as the landmark achievement of his stellar career by descending the 134-foot Salto del Maule waterfall.
Mr.
Jackson, who routinely launches himself into first descents of waterfalls while racking up first place finishes in competitions around the globe, has had his sights set on Salto del Maule for over five years. During that time, he along with a crew of Chilean kayakers, gathered knowledge of the Maule river and the daring drop to learn about the ideal conditions needed to pull off this astounding feat. Today, it all came together in epic fashion.
“This is what happens when obsession becomes reality,” Mr. Jackson said when reflecting on his accomplishment.
As dramatic as it is difficult, Salto del Maule has a mystical look about it as the Maule river drops 134 feet from the volcanic ridge above. On hand to capture Mr. Jackson’s triumph was an all-star crew led by Corey Rich, FPV drone footage captured by Raphael Boudreault-Simard of Flow Motion Aerials and Produced by Novus Select.
Mr. Jackson’s latest achievement at Salto del Maule now ranks as the second tallest waterfall descent on record behind Palouse Falls Washington, USA (189’). The son of Olympic paddler, Eric Jackson, Dane has never stopped seeking new challenges and will continue to test the limits of what’s humanly possible to achieve in a kayak.
To check out his latest adventures, find him on his Instagram and YouTube channel.