Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Madness, For A Cause

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New Year's Day - Water Skiing In The Mississippi 4

The announcer said the water temperature was 35 F / 2 C. The air was a notch warmer but then the river comes from way up north. Nevertheless, people put their bodies on and, inevitably, into it.

This was the annual New Year's Day water skiing excursion on the frigid Mississippi for the benefit of the Missouri Disabled Water Ski Association. They teach paraplegics and amputees how to water ski and take them out on the areas lakes and rivers. They are some kind of good people. I shoot this event almost every year and I never cease to be amazed that people do this voluntarily and claim it's fun.

The participant below may have been immune to the extreme environment. Who knew that Darth Vader likes frozen water sports?

New Year's Day - Water Skiing In The Mississippi 2

7 comments:

Jilly said...

Well, good for them. Love that second image, Bob.

Olivier said...

ça doit donner des frissons avec cette température, il vaut mieux être un pro ;o)
Reponse a ta question : les deux :
zooming en mode suprimpression et apres retravaille avec PhotoFiltre Studio.

Gunn said...

Great action shots!
The second image is my favorite:)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

What a fantastic group of people Bob, thank goodness for folk that 'do'!! Love the bottom image, he looks pretty togged up!!

Dave-CostaRicaDailyPhoto.com said...

I guess the extreme effort of water skiing in such cold waters helps draw attention to a very worthwhile cause. Julie and I were pleased to see that there was a gymnast with one leg who was a prominent part of the cast of Cirque du Soleil's tribute tour to Michael Jackson, which we saw on Friday evening. He was remarkable, and the crowd loved him.

T. Becque said...

Wow, that's some cold water, but neat thing they are doing. I dedicated my post to you today :)

Stefan Jansson said...

They do a good job. Nice photos as always.