A trio of adrenaline seeking junkies take the plunge off an 82ft waterfall, one by one riding down with thousands of litres of water a second.
Some of the best kayakers from around the world got together to race down the Agua Azul waterfalls to become ‘Rey del rio’ or King of the River.
Agua Azul waterfalls, near the town of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, is a naturally protected area well known by tourists from all over the world for its amazing beauty and swimming spots.
A trio of adrenaline seeking junkies take the plunge off an 82ft waterfall, one by one riding down with thousands of liters of water a second
Some of the best kayakers from around the world got together to race down the Agua Azul waterfalls to become ‘Rey del rio‘ or King of the River
Agua Azul waterfalls, near the town of Palenque in Chiapas, Mexico, is a naturally protected area well known by tourists from all over the world for its amazing beauty and swimming spots
Professional photographer Mauricio Ramos Vazquez-Mellado, from Mexico City, followed the trio on their adventure down the falls. He said: ‘I was on the south end of the river, running down the jungle path to follow each kayaker and take pictures of each drop. ‘This section of the river has four big drops between 10 and 25 metres each (32ft to 82ft). The kayakers had two runs to see who ran the best line but also to show their style on the lip of the fall.’
Mauricio, 48, added: ‘These waterfalls are beautiful, but they are extremely big – not many people can go out there. It was a great challenge. ‘Whenever you are taking pictures of adventure sports you are excited to be there, especially when you are working with some of the best athletes in the world. ‘It is pretty crazy when you actually think about it. These falls are big and the river is massive, so the current could be very dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, but these guys are elite athletes.
Professional photographer Mauricio Ramos Vazquez-Mellado, from Mexico City, followed the trio on their adventure down the falls
Pat Keller from North Carolina took 1st place to become King of the River at this once in a life time event
The Agua Azul waterfalls are formed by three rivers the Otulun, Shumulja and Tulija. The lower part of the river is controlled by the Zapatistas Army, so to gain access the organisers of the contest had to get permission from the army’s leader
‘When you are taking pictures you are 100 per cent concentrated on the shot, so you don’t think of anything else.’ Pat Keller from North Carolina took 1st place to become King of the River at this once in a life time event.
The Agua Azul waterfalls are formed by three rivers the Otulun, Shumulja and Tulija. The lower part of the river is controlled by the Zapatistas Army, so to gain access the organisers of the contest had to get permission from the army’s leader.