B RISKYUSINESS MAXI KNIEWASSER Rapid #9, Zambezi River, Zimbabwe


“Using a super wide angle in big water is something I wanted to do for a long time,” says Kniewasser. “Wide-angle photos give unique perspective.” But to make a wide-angle shot work, the photographer must be close to the action—a risky proposition in big water. “I stood delicately balanced in the current, focusing on not getting swept down the rapid.” Rapid #9 is the Zambezi’s most infamous, high-consequence class VI. Losing his balance would have likely resulted in a fatal swim. “Ric Moxon came with incredible speed, so framing and focus were very difficult. His paddle missed me by inches, my camera got soaked, but I got the shot.”


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FIVE WHITEWATER PHOTOGRAPHERS SHARE THE DARING, BORDERLINE RECKLESS AND UNQUESTIONABLY BRAZEN ACTS BEHIND THEIR MOST AMBITIOUS PHOTOS


AS TOLD TO MICHAEL MECHAN


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