Parks Canada has issued a request for individuals to refrain from ski jumping over the Rideau Canal following the circulation of a video featuring a member of a stunt group attempting the daring feat with narrow success, which quickly gained popularity.
The attention-grabbing stunt was captured at the beginning of a 22-minute video by a group known as The Jetskis, shared on YouTube on Christmas Eve. A condensed version of the same jump has been circulating on various other platforms.
In the video, 21-year-old Tai How is seen skiing through the trees near Parliament Hill’s slope by the Ottawa Locks, then propelling off a small snow ramp and flying over the 9.7-meter gap, with his arms flailing. He lands heavily on the opposite side, crashing into the snow as his skis detach and tumble into the empty lock below. Notably, he was not wearing a helmet during the stunt.
Subsequent to the stunt, Parks Canada, the federal entity overseeing the historic waterway and its renowned lock system, released a safety advisory earlier this week. The agency cautioned that unauthorized activities such as ski jumping are not permitted at the Rideau Canal National Historic Site, including the Ottawa Locks, stating that enforcement measures have been heightened and that infringements may lead to fines.
Tai How, currently residing in Nelson, B.C., shared with CBC that he executed the stunt in February while visiting Ottawa from Montreal, where he now resides and where he connected with the other members of the Jetskis group. Despite the failed landing resulting in broken skis and a minor thumb injury, How expressed confidence and enthusiasm for the stunt, emphasizing that it was a challenge he felt compelled to attempt.
Addressing concerns of potential imitators, Benjamin Gales, the visitor services manager for the Rideau Canal at Parks Canada, expressed apprehension about copycats emulating the dangerous activity after its widespread online exposure. Authorities highlighted the risks associated with such stunts, emphasizing the potential for severe injuries and the complexity of rescue operations in case of accidents.
Acknowledging the inherent dangers of extreme sports, How, currently unemployed and engaged in freeride skiing in British Columbia, emphasized the importance of pushing personal limits while also advocating for caution and careful consideration when attempting risky stunts.