The feeling of falling

Hands grip onto the rocks and push. The boat slides, popping off the rocks. The momentum carries you into the current and now you must set up. You see the curler and put your left edge next to it as you reach the lip. The lip is flat on the right, but you know that below lurks a kicker that would send you twisting mid-flight. You draw the bow of your boat to the left as water drops below you. The slide starts. You see the massive white explosion below. You curl up against your boat as if it provided some sort of security, some kind of refuge against what will ensue. It doesn't.

The kayak connects first and slams up against your body. Then your body gets pushed back, the water struggles against all parts of you. You check with your body to make sure that all parts are still intact. You are alive!

The feeling of falling.