As a veteran rider of "the gorge", I give you a lot of credit for making this ride with only 8 weeks of riding under your belt. In fairness though, the fun really starts a mile or so upstream. You experienced about 35% of what lies ahead. We have riden all the way to the whirlpool. The waves grow BIG and the speed of the current is unreal. Relentless. Did you notice the vertigo you get if you try to match the current while looking up and to the sides?
I am hoping to go again this summer. That particular trip was just after a few days of heavy rain, so the water was higher and running faster (so Mark Forest told me as he did it the year before)
I grew up along the lower Niagara river. I’ve seen many bodies pulled from that river. And many to never be seen again. I hope you realize how you and your friend are extremely lucky. No joke, those rapids and current are always changing.
You should go watch when they shut the water off it gets diverted and they search the bottom for things I will say,rings,wallets etc my dad was there in the 60s when they did it I'm waiting for that boat to come lose and go over
Agreed. I live in NF too and the whirlpool actually reverses direction depending on water level, which can fluctuate at any time of day depending on how much water (most of it, usually) is diverted to hydroelectric tunnels above the falla and how much is released to actually go over the falls. When there are surges it is magnified at the downstream rapids as the gorge narrows sharply.
We gather here today to remember Nigel, who died while fixing his selfie cam while driving a 11 foot boat through a Whirlpool . He will be missed, but his final moments were captured so its worth it.
I go fishing out there regularly. That water is so heavily oxygenated from the falls and whirlpool it affects buoyancy. Class six rapids, the most dangerous in the world. You guys are very lucky
Grew up along the river. You need to realize just how utterly dangerous this act was, and how getting yourself into danger would also have put search and rescue responders in danger too. It is not just a 'personal' act or 'private' when you wade into those waters, you are committing rescue personel to put thier own lives at risk when they wade in to save you. These are some of the most dangerous waters in the world and they deserve to be treated with reverence and an attitude of serious reserve.
I live 10 minutes from there and am a firefighter. Please keep Emergency services workers in mind when attempting something like this on this unforgiving river. You turned around at just the right time. Much further and you'd maybe be a statistic. Those Jet boats are a whole different ball of wax and they dont even go to the whirlpool. Looks like alot of fun but.......
My son died in that river.... he was fishing slipped and fell in his body was found 4 days later. He fell in at the whirlpool area. You guys got lucky. We were lucky to recover his body. That river huants me
I live 10 minutes outside of Niagara Falls and I KNOW THAT RIVER!!! You say only 8 weeks experience and you're going into water that could swallow your sled whole, with you with it. I'm sorry to say this and I don't mean to be rude but WITH ONLY 8 WEEKS OF EXPERIENCE, YOU ATE FOOLISH FOR EVEN ATTEMPTING THIS!!! Those currents can throw you around and swallow you like nothing. Possibly the most idiotic thing I've seen. Only 8 weeks. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU HAVE 300 YEARS IF EXPERIENCE. THE RIVER DOES NOT CARE!!! I'm glad you made it back safely. Please do more research before doing something like this again. The tours they run have over 1000 HP to combat those rapids. That's why you're getting thrown around. I'm glad you turned back when you did. And the Jetboat is a huge jet ski. They're both powered by the force of water.🙂👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I've watched the entire thing and you didn't even have the confidence to be anywhere near that river. I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE OK!!! God Bless you my friend!!!👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I truly am sorry if I came off a bit heavy but that river is vicious and I was quite concerned at the beginning. I usually don't blast people but I knew that was a bad idea as soon as I read the title. I am happy that you were wise enough to know your limits. Again, sorry if I came off heavy but I was a bit concerned for yuh. And I really don't want kids to try this. Happy and safe jetskiing.🫡👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I did say that was a bad idea. I was invited out with another rider. I knew that I didn't want to go any further and turned around. I have no intention of going back beyond the Queenston Bridge
@@NigelHayit's like a 50/50 chance you might come back alive even in Devil's Hole it's not near the falls it's a couple miles down and you can die. There's a park you look down it's a swirling hole I've seen it it's insane to go there but I better get lots of views lucky you you're alive. I wouldn't say it's on my bucket list unless I want to die and go over the falls
Thanks Nigel. I just changed the Thumbnail to "what was i thinking?" which is more appropriate, i still can't grasp the fact that i tried it. It was truly an amazing ride but looking back you realize how dangerous it was
We just ran part of this last week about to where you did . The first set of narrows after the dams. What we went through was much rougher. The water levels seemed lower the waves were insanely high and would launch over them. We stopped as we were not in wet suits and i fugured if one went off a wetsuit and life jacket would be much safer. Considering a lanyard onto the machine as well so you can pull yourself back to it. Good for you for pushing yourself to your limit but respecting it at the same time.
Nice man, I live right at the point there by Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY. My daughter and I walk down to watch the river outlet every night! We just moved here a year ago and Ive been considering getting a boat or ski... after watching this, I'm hooked! Time to find a ski Great journey, cool to see a different perspective of something I see everyday. By the way, the water higher up the river absolutely boils and whirls... it looks so intense from the shore. Crazy to ride in that, and hear the depth!
Be careful Nige, in the Seventies there was a bloke on the Fort Niagara side who used to fire 1" ball bearings out of a home made cannon at Fort George! Looks like you had a wild time
@@NigelHay Yes he was eventually arrested when the mystery of the missing clothesline items was solved! He was at the Riverview Inn which used to be in Youngstown in Tom Commerford's day.
Great video.. First video I've watched of yours, also enjoy Mark's videos and Yukon Bob's . What stood out for me was that you provided info from where you launched, map of your route and commentary of landmarks . I would rather hear that than the background music to be honest
Thanks for that Rick, I like to add that detail as often as I can, the 3 of us visit similar places but we all have our own style of commentary and editing. glad you like it.
"I'm not doing this again...I'm not doing this again!!!!" LOL So I guess we'll be seeing you back in 2022 like a boss. Great vid...actually amazing adventure, thanks!
I don't know if this was brave or stupid. Love that you took time to record. But this is one of those things that I would never recommend. Grew up down by the gorge growing up, hear stories all the time with tourists. Respect for nature here.
As a local your crazy mate friend would jet ski up the river and had to get saved by the coast guard one time but it’s quite the experience maybe stick to the jet boat next time lol
I hope you know coming from a local here. You are really crazy LOL. I honestly never thought I would see that on TH-cam. Because you fall in them rapids, You probably aren't coming out, that's no joke.
You did great knowing your limits and calling it when you felt uncomfortable. You knew the risks and didn’t push it to far. A lot of people bashing you for going but screw them that’s life to take chances but understand the line and when to not cross it. Well done
Thanks for that. Yes, as soon as I became uncomfortable, I was done. I looked ahead and only saw it was worse. It was a great thrill ride, but you never want to push your luck.
The long hill road on the left at 12:43. My dad drove behind me while I was on my bicycle going down that hill. I leaned far forward over my handlebars and locked the rear wheel and left a skidmark about 300ft long. The power company over the intercom told me I can't do that anymore. Fun times.
I took my 96 waveraider a much smaller ski almost as far as you went, which wasnt smart especially alone. I was 19, it was the 90s lol. One of The scariest parts was turning around into the current. The speedo says 15-20 but you look on shore and you dont seem to be progressing. Then start turning and that weird feeling that only those that have experienced it know happens, then you catch the current and ZIP you are flying back down river. Its confusing to the senses to be on semi flat water but the current moves in semi circles that make no sense, shifting you sideways and forward same time. You were smart to turn around, once you reach that mental limit, you can start to make mistakes.
You nailed that, it that turning sensation as the current tries to pull and turn you. Then you suddenly look up and it feels like the land is moving, like a surreal feeling. Then once you throttle and ride the current , then your heart rate drops again. Adrenaline rush but a close poop rush too lol
The whirlpool itself is a death trap. There is a video out there of a guy that fell off and is extremely lucky he wasn't pulled under. If you are confident enough you can make it to the whirlpool mouth but inwould stay away from the main rapids coming down from the falls. Only thing that can go into them is the Jetboat (no passemgers) for rescues
@@NigelHay I've seen footage of that I didn't even seen the whirlpool till the last second he's just extremely lucky it didn't took him under idk know much about whirlpools did it form right in front of him or it just shown up at the last second?
@anthonygarland8839 at the whirlpool section it's self, the swirl in constantly there with many fair sized ones suddenly forming. As for the ones on the river, majority are small, size of a tennis ball up to soccer ball, but as you ride over the football size ones, you can definitely feel it
@@saabtech3510actually that part of the river is called that because of a cave on the american side. The explorer (Lasalle)who explored it saw ghosts inside and had not so good luck the remainder of his life. You can google it.
I think the Aqua green is caused by the minerals in the rocks that surround the river, the water in many places along the Niagara River heading towards Lake Erie looks green to but not the lake
I always thought that there was a restriction and a cable across the river to catch boats that lost power or otherwise were heading for the falls. if you had lost power and dove off your jet ski, your survival would be slim at best. I have seen the falls and river many times.
Oh a side note yall are brave and crazy. As someone who has tons of hours prolly thousands on wave runners boata and jet skis since ive raced them for well over 20 years. I wouldnt be caught dead in the niagara river. Sure your vessel floats well but if you hit something or get caught in a very bad whirpool. That lifevest is gonna do very little to help you. Ive made hundreds of miles runs from tampa all the way down to the bahamas on a jet ski and thats never scared me. But a fast flowing river no thanks.
This water is super unkind. Even the creek runoff has undertoe and a strong current. I can't tell you how many tourists we loose every summer. Anytime I see someone near the water, I warn them how dangerous it is and explain to them how to get out in case they ever find themselves in it. (Swim in to shore. You'll never swim against the current, but you can swim across it. Once you get closer to shore the current weakens and you can get out... but only if you're lucky)
as a crab and lobster fisherman off north pei for 42 years been in 40 feet waves and hurricanes seen many die pulled bodies out water never take water risk it always throws you a surprize those currents change every second ive gone to bottom of ocean in 90 feet lived to tell about it was hooked into a trap rope went over broken leg out of it but lucky a great vid be careful
A couple things, the point where you got to is a commonly fished area. Many people go in and out of there without incident. That said, I agree with a lot of people. That river is to be respected. You listened to what it told you which tells me you’re a smart boater.
In the fall, you’ll see 20-30 Lund fishing boats right where they were at. A little further is Devils Hole rapids. Thats where all boats with the exception of the Whirlpool Jet stop. All boats except mine. 30 years ago, I had a high horsepower boat, and I would go through Devils Hole and ride all the way up to the Whirlpool Rapids. I did it all the time in the spring, summer and fall. I’d get up into the Whirlpool and shut my boat off and just drift around in huge circles. That’s the cutoff though. Not even the Whirlpool Jet boat can go past there. EXCEPT…search TH-cam. There is a guy who built a special boat, and he made it through the rapids. He stayed very close to shore on the Canadian side. I thought I had a lot of balls until I saw that guys video.
@@JDderd yes!! Incredible! I used to live right off of the Robert Moses Parkway. I could walk a short distance and look at the rapids from the top of the gorge. And that’s what I did many times before I took my boat up into the whirlpool. I scouted out the route from the top, where I could see the rocks and plan my path (over Devils Hole Rapids). Once I got past Devil Hole Rapids, it was smooth as glass into the Whirlpool and I would pull right up to where the rapids start (or, actually end). It was amazing to look at those rapids up that close. I drove my boat up there dozens and dozens of times, and took a few brave (stupid?) people sometimes. But when you see those Whirlpool Rapids, you know that’s the end of the line…you’re not going any further. The big Whirlpool Jet boat couldn’t even get through that.
That could have been riding Sea Doos on any river in the world. Unless you go flying over the Falls, you just wasted 20 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.
After working on the maid of the mist boats for a week right next to the river and falls I will always respect them. Never go near that river unless its in a jet boat, Or excursion.
What? We 'boat' on the Canadian side of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River all the time. Stopped by Canadian Maritime Patrol only for a safety boat inspection, maybe 5 times in 20 years. (just keep the beer unopened and out-of-sight)
@@D7mSupra Yeah, right dude. Are you at all familiar with the rapids in the lower Niagara? Many hundreds of victims claimed over the years. You slip in from the shore and they 'might' find your body in Lake Ontario some day. Ask me how I know. Swimming?! You are out of your mind. These rapids are so bad that it is illegal to white water raft the one section.
Have you ever done it? The feeling of the back.of your ski being sucked downwards by a whirlpool or a compression rapid. You just can't stop otherwise you are gone
Oh and you Should Have learned one thing from that event it's turn towards the wake when the waves are coming from the Jet boats you don't stay side by side with them. Point your jet ski directly at the waves.And give it a little bit of gas.Don't just sit there and float because it'll wobble.You all around drive into the waves and it'll be a lot sturdy. I know that doesn't seem like you would expect.That would be the right choice to go towards the waves but it is.
This ride was a big learning curve, especially on how to handle my machine. It gave me a lot of confidence in myself. I often ride 40km out on to Lake Erie on my own to fish. Looking back, wasn't the smartest move doing the falls but I knew when I hit my limit, comfort zone
At 28:44 you see the Whirlpool and he hits it right on, throws the boat looks like too hard left if you would of fell of hight chance of being pulled under
That’s extremely dangerous obviously but like I don’t think you know ow how bad they are my grandpas 22 foot fishing boat went straight up and down and got sucked under and he drowned and your on a 8 mabey 9 foot ski soo 🙏
4, 400, or 4000 hours doesn't matter during a mechanical failure when you are that far up the river. She does not care who you are the river will take whomever she chooses.
You're right about that. I lost power at the top of the falls and the anchor skipped a few good times. Mother nature and physics are in control sometimes.
@_JamesBrown I wasn't really prepared for how close the mouth of Chippawa Creek was to be honest. I was able to get the kicker going but yes, of course, it was being stubborn too...
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY. Just to be clear this is the lower Niagara River, the falls is many miles upstream and this is the water that has flowed over the falls. Anyone watching this and thinking this is a good idea just don't. This is a very dangerous river on a large boat and to do it on a jet ski you are taking a big risk. If you end up in the water there are some very strong undertows and extremely fast currents that change direction frequently. If they would have gone upriver just a short distance they would have been on class 6 rapids which only the jet boats go through. I've seen too many bodies pulled from this river and some that went in were never found again.....
Many people drown in the falls, and when I say many, I mean dozens. These events rarely make it to the the news because most are Suicide and bodies are rarely recovered until weeks later. Once you go under the water line, many drown because the person is entangled on a branch or rock under the surface. I won't be doing that again. Queenston bridge is as far up as I will go.
not only did you put your life at risk for 97k views you could of risked the lives of the ones that would of had to rescue you. everyday for the past week there have been crews pulling people out of there. (08/04/2024)
It's no more dangerous than having one to many and trying to walk home. Everything comes with risk. It's how best to manage those risks. I knew where my limit was.
As a veteran rider of "the gorge", I give you a lot of credit for making this ride with only 8 weeks of riding under your belt. In fairness though, the fun really starts a mile or so upstream. You experienced about 35% of what lies ahead. We have riden all the way to the whirlpool. The waves grow BIG and the speed of the current is unreal. Relentless. Did you notice the vertigo you get if you try to match the current while looking up and to the sides?
I am hoping to go again this summer. That particular trip was just after a few days of heavy rain, so the water was higher and running faster (so Mark Forest told me as he did it the year before)
@@NigelHay That's great! Good luck, and be safe! 🙂
And everyone is freaking out
I had no intention of going to or near the whirlpool
I grew up along the lower Niagara river. I’ve seen many bodies pulled from that river. And many to never be seen again. I hope you realize how you and your friend are extremely lucky. No joke, those rapids and current are always changing.
Very true, very dangerous, I hung around Devils hole all the time as a kid, we always knew enough to respect the water and not to go in the water
You should go watch when they shut the water off it gets diverted and they search the bottom for things I will say,rings,wallets etc my dad was there in the 60s when they did it I'm waiting for that boat to come lose and go over
I will say white boys are real trill seekers and daredevils they will do things that no other races of peoples will ever dare doing 💯👍
Agreed. I live in NF too and the whirlpool actually reverses direction depending on water level, which can fluctuate at any time of day depending on how much water (most of it, usually) is diverted to hydroelectric tunnels above the falla and how much is released to actually go over the falls. When there are surges it is magnified at the downstream rapids as the gorge narrows sharply.
We gather here today to remember Nigel, who died while fixing his selfie cam while driving a 11 foot boat through a Whirlpool . He will be missed, but his final moments were captured so its worth it.
LMAO, i have come across so many messages that my mobile device is not showing me.
@@NigelHay Your phone decided you didn't need to hear your own eulogy.
He was a dim witted feeble man, oh how he met his fate children.
I go fishing out there regularly. That water is so heavily oxygenated from the falls and whirlpool it affects buoyancy. Class six rapids, the most dangerous in the world. You guys are very lucky
Never went that far up, thankfully.
The water is insane, the section before whirlpool coming down from the falls
Grew up along the river. You need to realize just how utterly dangerous this act was, and how getting yourself into danger would also have put search and rescue responders in danger too. It is not just a 'personal' act or 'private' when you wade into those waters, you are committing rescue personel to put thier own lives at risk when they wade in to save you. These are some of the most dangerous waters in the world and they deserve to be treated with reverence and an attitude of serious reserve.
Hence why we never went further up the river.
I've ridden in many dangerous conditions but I still believe I have a higher risk of death at work.
@@NigelHay? You feel safer on that river that your work place ? lol you might be crazy for that one
Search & Rescue...Not really we just wait until Mother Nature poop's you out at Fort Niagara. The fishing is great though.
I live 10 minutes from there and am a firefighter. Please keep Emergency services workers in mind when attempting something like this on this unforgiving river. You turned around at just the right time. Much further and you'd maybe be a statistic. Those Jet boats are a whole different ball of wax and they dont even go to the whirlpool. Looks like alot of fun but.......
You got that right. I knew I wasn't comfortable going further.
I have seen videos of a guy up in the whirlpool. Now that was really bad isea
My son died in that river.... he was fishing slipped and fell in his body was found 4 days later. He fell in at the whirlpool area. You guys got lucky. We were lucky to recover his body. That river huants me
I live 10 minutes outside of Niagara Falls and I KNOW THAT RIVER!!! You say only 8 weeks experience and you're going into water that could swallow your sled whole, with you with it. I'm sorry to say this and I don't mean to be rude but WITH ONLY 8 WEEKS OF EXPERIENCE, YOU ATE FOOLISH FOR EVEN ATTEMPTING THIS!!! Those currents can throw you around and swallow you like nothing. Possibly the most idiotic thing I've seen. Only 8 weeks. IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU HAVE 300 YEARS IF EXPERIENCE. THE RIVER DOES NOT CARE!!! I'm glad you made it back safely. Please do more research before doing something like this again. The tours they run have over 1000 HP to combat those rapids. That's why you're getting thrown around. I'm glad you turned back when you did. And the Jetboat is a huge jet ski. They're both powered by the force of water.🙂👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I've watched the entire thing and you didn't even have the confidence to be anywhere near that river. I AM SO GLAD YOU ARE OK!!! God Bless you my friend!!!👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I truly am sorry if I came off a bit heavy but that river is vicious and I was quite concerned at the beginning. I usually don't blast people but I knew that was a bad idea as soon as I read the title. I am happy that you were wise enough to know your limits. Again, sorry if I came off heavy but I was a bit concerned for yuh. And I really don't want kids to try this. Happy and safe jetskiing.🫡👍🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
I did say that was a bad idea. I was invited out with another rider. I knew that I didn't want to go any further and turned around.
I have no intention of going back beyond the Queenston Bridge
Yeah when the other boats are professional huge tour jet boats with probably 2000+ HP
@@NigelHayit's like a 50/50 chance you might come back alive even in Devil's Hole it's not near the falls it's a couple miles down and you can die. There's a park you look down it's a swirling hole I've seen it it's insane to go there but I better get lots of views lucky you you're alive. I wouldn't say it's on my bucket list unless I want to die and go over the falls
That is so intense, really enjoyed this, lived in niagara most of my life and this is definitely one of the best videos of the river I've seen!
Thanks Nigel. I just changed the Thumbnail to "what was i thinking?" which is more appropriate, i still can't grasp the fact that i tried it. It was truly an amazing ride but looking back you realize how dangerous it was
Lived here my whole life. You're lucky that river didn't swallow you up and disappear you never to be seen again
Exactly
The mighty Niagara don't play! Love my backyard 😍
Thanks for the vid. River riding has been my favourite out east…next time launch off those wakes, grab some air and hold tight ;)
We just ran part of this last week about to where you did . The first set of narrows after the dams. What we went through was much rougher. The water levels seemed lower the waves were insanely high and would launch over them. We stopped as we were not in wet suits and i fugured if one went off a wetsuit and life jacket would be much safer. Considering a lanyard onto the machine as well so you can pull yourself back to it.
Good for you for pushing yourself to your limit but respecting it at the same time.
I was back up there around the same time on my own, I got to Queenston Bridge and went no way!!
Waves were bigger
Nice man, I live right at the point there by Fort Niagara in Youngstown, NY. My daughter and I walk down to watch the river outlet every night! We just moved here a year ago and Ive been considering getting a boat or ski... after watching this, I'm hooked! Time to find a ski
Great journey, cool to see a different perspective of something I see everyday. By the way, the water higher up the river absolutely boils and whirls... it looks so intense from the shore. Crazy to ride in that, and hear the depth!
You can't go wrong with a Ski. A lot of fun and less hassle than a boat
Sweaty palms, rapidly beating heart…… thanks for the wild ride
Hey Nigel. You kicked ass navigating through there. Your doin awesome on that Seadoo. Cheers
I love every ride on it, though this one left me thinking 'what was I thinking"
Be careful Nige, in the Seventies there was a bloke on the Fort Niagara side who used to fire 1" ball bearings out of a home made cannon at Fort George!
Looks like you had a wild time
I hope that guy has long gone
@@NigelHay Yes he was eventually arrested when the mystery of the missing clothesline items was solved! He was at the Riverview Inn which used to be in Youngstown in Tom Commerford's day.
Haha! Health and safety Brits. All they know is rain and the local pub😂😂
There is a lot of truth to that comment lol
Obviously not all, and I mean it in a friendly way. Im a Saffa, lived there for 13 yrs. Got kicked out of most pubs too🤣🤣
Great video.. First video I've watched of yours, also enjoy Mark's videos and Yukon Bob's . What stood out for me was that you provided info from where you launched, map of your route and commentary of landmarks . I would rather hear that than the background music to be honest
Thanks for that Rick, I like to add that detail as often as I can, the 3 of us visit similar places but we all have our own style of commentary and editing. glad you like it.
Great adventure video Nigel I really injoy watching
Don’t let go of accelerator when you hit these wakes. I fell over doing that!!!! GREAT VIDEO!!!
"I'm not doing this again...I'm not doing this again!!!!" LOL So I guess we'll be seeing you back in 2022 like a boss. Great vid...actually amazing adventure, thanks!
I think i might do it again, but it will be when it's not rained for a week or so, that way it may be a little easier
Happy to see you guys do it so I don’t have to. That was wild.
Maybe I'll try again, but after a long dry spell when the river is not as fast flowing
Way to go Nigel!! Thats living right there. Probably one of the top 10 experiences i've had.
Just listening to you is very entertaining! 😅 You're brave, I wouldn't have the nerve to go past the Queenston Lewiston Bridge!
Looking back, the scariest part was on the return right at the bridge. That was the closest I was to feeling like I was going to fall.
You did well and at least you know your limits and are careful.
Great as always. Was looking forward to this one.
It was a little long but I decided not to edit the footage of that part of the ride
Did that last summer, it is now off my bucket list and I feel no need to go back again. That river can kill you very, very quickly.
Nigel you are nuts!😆
Wow. I am pretty sure that you were my GO driver on the Milton line back in the day.
That is a big maybe!!
Now based in Niagara Falls
@NigelHay you came to my then bf's family cottage on 6th line. We had a big fire and everyone went skinny dipping.
I don't know if this was brave or stupid. Love that you took time to record. But this is one of those things that I would never recommend. Grew up down by the gorge growing up, hear stories all the time with tourists. Respect for nature here.
As a local your crazy mate friend would jet ski up the river and had to get saved by the coast guard one time but it’s quite the experience maybe stick to the jet boat next time lol
I hope you know coming from a local here. You are really crazy LOL. I honestly never thought I would see that on TH-cam. Because you fall in them rapids, You probably aren't coming out, that's no joke.
NGA sounds more fitting, Nigel’s Great Adventures, don’t cheapen yourself, these are fantastic videos!
Great video !!!
You did great knowing your limits and calling it when you felt uncomfortable. You knew the risks and didn’t push it to far. A lot of people bashing you for going but screw them that’s life to take chances but understand the line and when to not cross it. Well done
Thanks for that.
Yes, as soon as I became uncomfortable, I was done.
I looked ahead and only saw it was worse.
It was a great thrill ride, but you never want to push your luck.
Great layover video. Thanks Nigel
The long hill road on the left at 12:43.
My dad drove behind me while I was on my bicycle going down that hill.
I leaned far forward over my handlebars and locked the rear wheel and left a skidmark about 300ft long.
The power company over the intercom told me I can't do that anymore.
Fun times.
You are a better rider after something like that, the experience may help someday. If you go to the 1000 Islands for instance.
I took my 96 waveraider a much smaller ski almost as far as you went, which wasnt smart especially alone. I was 19, it was the 90s lol. One of The scariest parts was turning around into the current. The speedo says 15-20 but you look on shore and you dont seem to be progressing. Then start turning and that weird feeling that only those that have experienced it know happens, then you catch the current and ZIP you are flying back down river.
Its confusing to the senses to be on semi flat water but the current moves in semi circles that make no sense, shifting you sideways and forward same time. You were smart to turn around, once you reach that mental limit, you can start to make mistakes.
You nailed that, it that turning sensation as the current tries to pull and turn you. Then you suddenly look up and it feels like the land is moving, like a surreal feeling. Then once you throttle and ride the current , then your heart rate drops again.
Adrenaline rush but a close poop rush too lol
How big does the whirlpools get in that part of the river ive seen a few small ones but im curious if they some bigger ones along that river?
The whirlpool itself is a death trap.
There is a video out there of a guy that fell off and is extremely lucky he wasn't pulled under.
If you are confident enough you can make it to the whirlpool mouth but inwould stay away from the main rapids coming down from the falls.
Only thing that can go into them is the Jetboat (no passemgers) for rescues
@@NigelHay I've seen footage of that I didn't even seen the whirlpool till the last second he's just extremely lucky it didn't took him under idk know much about whirlpools did it form right in front of him or it just shown up at the last second?
@anthonygarland8839 at the whirlpool section it's self, the swirl in constantly there with many fair sized ones suddenly forming.
As for the ones on the river, majority are small, size of a tennis ball up to soccer ball, but as you ride over the football size ones, you can definitely feel it
Yeah. It's called "Devil's Hole" for a reason.
@@saabtech3510actually that part of the river is called that because of a cave on the american side. The explorer (Lasalle)who explored it saw ghosts inside and had not so good luck the remainder of his life. You can google it.
Loved every minute of it. Definitely recreating this adventure. Bringing extra shorts. 😂
You were in the lower Niagara in Lewiston. No where near the falls.
The water from Lake Erie is such an aqua green.
I think the Aqua green is caused by the minerals in the rocks that surround the river, the water in many places along the Niagara River heading towards Lake Erie looks green to but not the lake
I lost my gopro stuck on a sticky mount the other day while on the jetski.
I would suggest putting a gopro floaty on your gopros and a tether
Nice video 👍👍
I always thought that there was a restriction and a cable across the river to catch boats that lost power or otherwise were heading for the falls. if you had lost power and dove off your jet ski, your survival would be slim at best. I have seen the falls and river many times.
This is after the falls in the lower part of the river
@@sheismymom I am glad to hear that, thank you.
Guy Infront is a master
I would trust Mark Forrest on any ride. He knows water and currents well.
We will finally see how crazy Nigel is lol
will it be another "i think i pooped my pants" moment
We did this below Grand Coulee Dam. The whirl pools really affect the jet ski. Our goal was to get as close as we dare without getting arrested!
With whirlpools, your really need to have your ski in Sports mode. If you don't accelerate quick enough it will start dragging you.
you didn't even make it to the rapids... Devils hole is just ahead of that massive standing wave class 5 rapid.
We did it on stand ups hahaha
Definitely the most dangerous place to be in all of niagara!
Oh a side note yall are brave and crazy. As someone who has tons of hours prolly thousands on wave runners boata and jet skis since ive raced them for well over 20 years. I wouldnt be caught dead in the niagara river. Sure your vessel floats well but if you hit something or get caught in a very bad whirpool. That lifevest is gonna do very little to help you. Ive made hundreds of miles runs from tampa all the way down to the bahamas on a jet ski and thats never scared me. But a fast flowing river no thanks.
I think I may of made a similar point in the video towards the end "what was I thinking"
Done it once, no intention of trying again
0:59 Sorry , but I didn't get. You need to check in & pay to use that ramp ?
Just hiked that area in Devils Hole State Park and that river is intimating. Them class 6 rapids by the whirlpool gave me anxiety, lol.
Foolhardy. No attempt should ever be made to rescue idiots.
where are the falls?
This water is super unkind. Even the creek runoff has undertoe and a strong current.
I can't tell you how many tourists we loose every summer.
Anytime I see someone near the water, I warn them how dangerous it is and explain to them how to get out in case they ever find themselves in it.
(Swim in to shore. You'll never swim against the current, but you can swim across it. Once you get closer to shore the current weakens and you can get out... but only if you're lucky)
Come on, i thought you were going to ride up to where the falls drop off. I wasted 5 mins of my life for this.
I never stated i went to the Falls, that section of river is in Niagara Falls
I knew they were down stream of the falls because I know where the bridge is. The water near the brink is very shallow about 2 feet deep.
@@NigelHay Video title is: Niagara Falls on a Jetski - sounds like a statement to me.
Go look up Ben Marr Niagara. You'll be happier with his video.
I thought he was gonna jump off them 😅
Better safe than sorry my man live to fight another day 👊
You guys need some head sets to talk to each other.. Great video and no I would not do that run..!
That water is beautiful!!
as a crab and lobster fisherman off north pei for 42 years been in 40 feet waves and hurricanes seen many die pulled bodies out water never take water risk it always throws you a surprize those currents change every second ive gone to bottom of ocean in 90 feet lived to tell about it was hooked into a trap rope went over broken leg out of it but lucky a great vid be careful
Thanks, safety comes first.
Accidents can happen at anytime, but over all, I know my limits and I do respect the water.
lol I can imagine them out there on Yamaha Wave-blaster’s😅 That would be a super white knuckled but fun experience.
That can suck you down in one second you hit a whirlpool and you're gone.
*that wake nearly killed me 💀🤣 bro it DID kill me 😅😭💀💀💀
I've honestly never seen anyone jetski in the river only in the lakes by the beaches
I had heard a few people had done it so I had to try
I really want to do the Niagara River great watching you guys do it, I dropped you another email. Really enjoyed the video
A couple things, the point where you got to is a commonly fished area. Many people go in and out of there without incident. That said, I agree with a lot of people. That river is to be respected. You listened to what it told you which tells me you’re a smart boater.
In the fall, you’ll see 20-30 Lund fishing boats right where they were at. A little further is Devils Hole rapids. Thats where all boats with the exception of the Whirlpool Jet stop.
All boats except mine.
30 years ago, I had a high horsepower boat, and I would go through Devils Hole and ride all the way up to the Whirlpool Rapids. I did it all the time in the spring, summer and fall. I’d get up into the Whirlpool and shut my boat off and just drift around in huge circles. That’s the cutoff though. Not even the Whirlpool Jet boat can go past there. EXCEPT…search TH-cam. There is a guy who built a special boat, and he made it through the rapids. He stayed very close to shore on the Canadian side.
I thought I had a lot of balls until I saw that guys video.
@@zenlandzipline those rapids past the whirlpool are more impressive than the waterfall itself.
@@JDderd yes!! Incredible! I used to live right off of the Robert Moses Parkway. I could walk a short distance and look at the rapids from the top of the gorge.
And that’s what I did many times before I took my boat up into the whirlpool. I scouted out the route from the top, where I could see the rocks and plan my path (over Devils Hole Rapids).
Once I got past Devil Hole Rapids, it was smooth as glass into the Whirlpool and I would pull right up to where the rapids start (or, actually end). It was amazing to look at those rapids up that close. I drove my boat up there dozens and dozens of times, and took a few brave (stupid?) people sometimes.
But when you see those Whirlpool Rapids, you know that’s the end of the line…you’re not going any further. The big Whirlpool Jet boat couldn’t even get through that.
That could have been riding Sea Doos on any river in the world. Unless you go flying over the Falls, you just wasted 20 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.
After working on the maid of the mist boats for a week right next to the river and falls I will always respect them. Never go near that river unless its in a jet boat, Or excursion.
That's the upper river ....these guys are in the lower river
Dude I was nervous just watching this. Lol. Thinking if the jet ski breaks down you’re dead.
Surprised you didn't get harassed by border patrol, it seemed like you guys crossed the U.S. part of the river a few times which is in the center.
What? We 'boat' on the Canadian side of Lake Erie and the Upper Niagara River all the time. Stopped by Canadian Maritime Patrol only for a safety boat inspection, maybe 5 times in 20 years. (just keep the beer unopened and out-of-sight)
You guys got balls
Looking back, I won't do it again.
That was sick !
Where are the falls! 😂😂😂😂
Bro the water isnt going to consume you.. between the ski and your jacket you are going to be fine
BS, do you know how many people die in the falls each year? Compression rapids pull you down
@NigelHay yea ok.. he didn't even get up to them..I swim in a river w rapids all the time and I'm fine
@@D7mSupra Yeah, right dude. Are you at all familiar with the rapids in the lower Niagara? Many hundreds of victims claimed over the years. You slip in from the shore and they 'might' find your body in Lake Ontario some day. Ask me how I know. Swimming?! You are out of your mind. These rapids are so bad that it is illegal to white water raft the one section.
All rivers that flow into Hudson Bay flow north.
Crazy!
just think if somehow you fell off the jetski
Everything we do in life has risk.
I have a far higher chance of death on the Hwy daily.
Shit...uf you think that was a "pooped my pants" situation you should come out on a commercial fishing vessel.....now thats fun!
stick to the canadian side of the river. you can ride right up to the big whirlpool.
Tell us you have zero common sense without telling us you have zero common sense 😂
Try riding top side
you are going down the river not up-north to south.
I’m confused of what’s scary Here can anybody fill me in?
Have you ever done it?
The feeling of the back.of your ski being sucked downwards by a whirlpool or a compression rapid.
You just can't stop otherwise you are gone
Extremely dangerous water
Oh and you Should Have learned one thing from that event it's turn towards the wake when the waves are coming from the Jet boats you don't stay side by side with them. Point your jet ski directly at the waves.And give it a little bit of gas.Don't just sit there and float because it'll wobble.You all around drive into the waves and it'll be a lot sturdy. I know that doesn't seem like you would expect.That would be the right choice to go towards the waves but it is.
This ride was a big learning curve, especially on how to handle my machine.
It gave me a lot of confidence in myself.
I often ride 40km out on to Lake Erie on my own to fish.
Looking back, wasn't the smartest move doing the falls but I knew when I hit my limit, comfort zone
At 28:44 you see the Whirlpool and he hits it right on, throws the boat looks like too hard left if you would of fell of hight chance of being pulled under
And that's why I was scared. You really feel the water pulling
there is no 28:44 on this video
what in the gta 6 is going on here???????!!
Strange that when non-religious folk experience scares, they call out to God and Jesus Christ, the only source of spiritual help.
Oh Christ!
Oh god!
strange u think Jesus is God when he is a prophet of God
this is a dumb place to do this
@@hchaud5267 Wrong. He is a neighbor of God.
Runs out of gas
Senn 8ft waves...youd b gone that day
That's a big no for me, I've been on Lake Erie in 6-8ft waves and it's nasty and tiring
That’s extremely dangerous obviously but like I don’t think you know ow how bad they are my grandpas 22 foot fishing boat went straight up and down and got sucked under and he drowned and your on a 8 mabey 9 foot ski soo 🙏
4, 400, or 4000 hours doesn't matter during a mechanical failure when you are that far up the river. She does not care who you are the river will take whomever she chooses.
You're right about that. I lost power at the top of the falls and the anchor skipped a few good times. Mother nature and physics are in control sometimes.
@AN-kg4ei that's more dangerous than what these guys were doing.... But you did the right thing. Drop anchor and figure out the situation
@_JamesBrown I wasn't really prepared for how close the mouth of Chippawa Creek was to be honest. I was able to get the kicker going but yes, of course, it was being stubborn too...
Born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY. Just to be clear this is the lower Niagara River, the falls is many miles upstream and this is the water that has flowed over the falls. Anyone watching this and thinking this is a good idea just don't. This is a very dangerous river on a large boat and to do it on a jet ski you are taking a big risk. If you end up in the water there are some very strong undertows and extremely fast currents that change direction frequently. If they would have gone upriver just a short distance they would have been on class 6 rapids which only the jet boats go through. I've seen too many bodies pulled from this river and some that went in were never found again.....
Many people drown in the falls, and when I say many, I mean dozens.
These events rarely make it to the the news because most are Suicide and bodies are rarely recovered until weeks later.
Once you go under the water line, many drown because the person is entangled on a branch or rock under the surface.
I won't be doing that again. Queenston bridge is as far up as I will go.
Darn… when it comes to the Falls you don’t mess with it! This could’ve been your last video! 😮
not only did you put your life at risk for 97k views you could of risked the lives of the ones that would of had to rescue you. everyday for the past week there have been crews pulling people out of there. (08/04/2024)
How stupid can one be.
I live near Niagara Falls.
To jet ski in Niagara River near the Falls, the currents and whirlpools everywhere...smh
It's no more dangerous than having one to many and trying to walk home.
Everything comes with risk.
It's how best to manage those risks.
I knew where my limit was.
Driving slow ☠️😂
I fish in here all the time. Just have to find the jetty. It's not so scary if you do it enough.