The Maytag Effect

If you've ever pushed full-ocean scuba gear through the surfline and toward a favorite reef, especially on a day where the breakers were coming in pretty strong, chances are you've heard the term "the Maytag Effect." This is the time when, while wearing a wetsuit, lead weights, a 40lb tank, regulators, a bottom time computer and probably carrying a speargun, you find yourself caught in the biggest part of the surf and pounded mercilessly by all of the hydraulics involved. It can tear your facemask off of your face if you're not prepared. (Hint: Once you see it coming, go UNDER it and tuck your human pinipeds under yourself in a fetal-like position until the main agitation is over. Then resume your kick out to the place you're headed).

River kayakers get this idea, too. Especially on the Payette in Idaho during a record runoff. Sometimes its all you can do to keep the pointy-end facing downriver. Crabbing in the middle of the roiling whitewater is exhilarating beyond your imagination. Is that the river or your stomach churning??

No difference.

Props to the camerawork and assembly by Anson Fogel and team for their upcoming feature, "Wildwater."