Reading the River: John Webster Nails It

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOHN WEBSTER

“In the beginning, I hated kayaking,” says photographer John Webster. “I flipped and had the typical ‘overly-dramatic, I’m-going-to-die’ experience. I was a total beater.”

Ten years later, Webster is a hard-shell regular on Idaho rivers, and just won the 2021 Whitewater Awards Photographer of the Year presented by Gala International. “I spent a couple of years burning up in the hot sun, photographing my friends having a great time on the water. I tried again.”

Fortunately for Webster, his friends were whitewater devotees. They sacrificed the thrill of the big drops of the North Fork of the Payette to guide him down the Main until he gained the skill and knowledge to face big water. “They taught me how to catch the eddies, when to stop paddling— the real art of kayaking, which requires ‘reading the river.’”

Learning the essentials also taught Webster how, when, and where the most spectacular kayaking feats would present themselves to his lens. Ironically, he now admits that the best place to photograph those moments is from shore. Boise-born and -raised, Webster studied film at BSU, imagining a future in filmmaking. His talent in still photography evolved out of a personal passion for outdoor adventure and his professional skills evolved from an internship. These days, Webster holds a coveted position as a commercial photographer at Drake Cooper Advertising, a job he attributes to improving his adventure photography. “You wouldn’t think photographing a bowl of cereal could help— but working with a team of professionals, designing shots, lighting the set—taught me that great photography is not just about catching amazing moments. It’s also about taking risks, experimenting with light, and timing,” he says.

For example, Webster will drag a wire across the river to hang a strobe light and gain special effects. He has also learned to wait. “Patience is the best piece of advice I can offer. And always, be curious. Shoot a place over and over until you know how the sunlight falls every hour of the day. Discipline your eyes. See the shot before it happens,” he explains.

For Webster and kayakers alike, there’s one element they can’t control. Water. “The North Fork is bare bones right now,” he says. “It’s pretty scary to see such low flow this early.”

Last year, COVID. This year, drought. Looking at Webster’s recent award-winning photos, it’s clear he’s going to ‘catch the shot,’ no matter the challenge.

KAYAKING SLANG GLOSSARY:

Courtesy of John Webster

Beater (n.) A kayaker whose skill doesn’t match the level of whitewater paddled, often leading to a beat-down and much mirth—for everyone else.

Boof (vb.) A powerful stroke and hip thrust off the lip of a waterfall or rock. This maneuver helps avoid getting stuck in holes and makes you look stylish.

Bootie beer (n.) Punishment for swimming. Pour your beer in your bootie and chug.

Carnage (n.) What may happen if you blow your boof or huck. Often followed by a yard sale.

Class fun (n.) A rapid or stretch of river that offers more smiles than worries. Think: deep, big wave boogie.

Dirtbag (n.) A term of endearment for broke, unemployed kayakers dedicating their lives to chasing flow. Often found living in a dilapidated van down by the river, and spoken of with admiration and envy by kayakers with day jobs.

Huck (vb.) The act of throwing oneself over a waterfall.