Silent Descent
Silent Descent
One historic descent. A lifetime of return.
The story of Great Falls kayaking.
The Film
A reflective, historically grounded documentary centered on the first descent of Great Falls in 1975 by Tom McEwan, Wick Walker, and Dan Schnurrenberger — an achievement kept quiet for years. It explores their mindset, the ruggedness of the terrain, the evolution of whitewater paddling in the DC area, and the cultural humility of doing something monumental without seeking glory.
The RIVER & THE FALLS
Great Falls is more than a backdrop — it’s a force of nature, sculpted over millennia and revered by those who dare to navigate it. Just 15 miles from the U.S. Capitol, the Potomac River constricts into a violent ribbon of Class V+ whitewater, dropping over 75 vertical feet in less than a mile.
This is not a river you learn in a weekend. It’s a lifetime of scouting, portaging, watching, waiting. A proving ground for elite paddlers and a magnet for those who crave both beauty and danger.
To run Great Falls is to study it — and to respect it deeply.
40° 43' 46.6392" N
74° 0' 30.1572" W
