Designed to tackle the worst rapids, more than a dozen of the bizarre-looking vessels tumbled down the 104-vertical-foot drop of Washington’s Sunset Falls.
Darren Vancil, inventor of the Creature Craft, landed in the emergency room with serious injuries after thrashing in a violent set of rapids on the Skykomish River.
Scroll down for the video below that shows the accident.
Sunset Falls drops more than 100 feet over a 275-foot stretch of river. It’s a seriously technical and turbulent falls along the fast-flowing south fork of the Skykomish. Prior to last month, only seven boats descended this rigorous section of whitewater.
On May 21, 13 Creature Crafts with their patented inflatable roll cages added to that total. But Vancil took a blow to the head, lost consciousness, and suffered a fractured pelvis, sacrum, and significant bruising after he was pummeled on his attempt.
Yet, he still swears by the craft.
White Water Accident
The Creature Craft is designed with the ability to roll. An inflatable, cage-like construction prevents riders from being pinned underwater.
It also allows paddlers to traverse increasingly difficult sections of whitewater.
