Along with the rewards of fun, adventure and camaraderie that whitewater kayaking provides, there’s the ever-present downside of danger. Kyle “Smitty” Smith reflects on the death of a friend and how he and the kayaking community in Chile dealt with the blow.

Editor’s Note: Out of concern for the rights and feelings of people associated with the tragedy discussed in this article, we have removed the text from Duct Tape Diaries.  If you have any questions or comments, please share them in the comments section below or email service@nrs.com.