Rob was jabbering at me via voicemail this weekend and I paid only slight attention cause I've been listening to him for eight years.  Did he really do it?  Really?

He did in fact. Got it straight from the horse's mouth today. I congratulate him.

...Even though I know that there will be many among the "armchair kayaker" demographic who will be quick to hold up their puny scorecards like an olympic gymnastics event. These assorted pieces of driftwood, miscellaneous wingnuts, and various spirit snipers will throw out their 2 cent opinions about why it does or doesn't "count".

But the fact remains: The man got in his boat, put on his skirt, and MADE THE COMMITMENT, something (as far as I know) Tao Bergman himself has yet to do.

Other "Johnny just started paddling yesterday (or last year, or three years ago, ect.)" types will express their own sensibilities about weather or not it was safe, smart, crazy, ill concieved, yada yada... I'd like to pre-emptively remind these folks that most of the decisions and judgements we make as paddlers are ultimately personal ones, and that it's important to repect other people's "River Realities", even if you don't personally understand them.

Lastly, keep in mind that regardless of how Rob's feat of paddling measures up on your scorecard, it is quite likely that he has just bushwacked the trail down that slide we call "Sunset Falls" for future paddlers. Perhaps by 2012 there will have been several clean decents at the appropriate water level(s). Perhaps by 2015 it will be common to run it, and there may even be a few young 16 year old hotshots firing it off?
Whitewater history has shown us that such a possibilitiy is concievable.

Congratulations, Rob!! And I'm very glad you're o.k.!!

jP

hahaha the Rob huck doll I love it!!! Well there is footage, it's high def and all. Rob and I have to make some decisions before it's put out there for everyone to see. As far as him getting ejected from his boat, I don't think there was any way he could have stayed in his boat unless we wrapped a 100 giant zip ties around his skirt. he was right where he wanted to be the whole way down, shit just got violent and crazy. So for the record, Rob did not pull his skirt, forces of nature said get out ya boat bitch!

Whether or not it's considered successful who gives a shit, it's the baddest thing I've seen go down in a kayak! and the footage is all mine!!! mine!!! mine I tell you!!!! my precious footage.. .my precious... ooohhh my precious.... all mine......

Oh man, I want's ta see ! Filthy hobits's..it's going to be a box office hit !!

Mr. Clean is the man.

WOooooooooooooooooooooooooHOOOOOOO!!

I agree with POW, besides, Rob isn't bendable, he's unbreakable.  Who's the champ?

Man, JP, why you gotta start hatin before anyone starts anything?

Glad you made it down ok Rob.

good work rob...how did that homemade dildo of a boat fare? 

Nice job Rob.
Like most of us here I've stood at the base of Sunset and said no f@cking way! That's an amazing feat that I'm certain few people will repeat (contrary to JP's rant).
I'm glad you're okay and looking forward to boating soon.
Ben