On June 5, 1990 Jesse Sharp attempted to ride his polyurthane kayak over Niagara Falls. The 28 year old from Ocoee, Tennessee wasn't experienced whitewater kayaker. His 3. 6 m (12 ft), 16 kg (36 lb) kayak was named “Rapidman”. Friends that accompanied Sharp to videotape the event said that he was planning it for years and it would be used to springboard a career in stunting. He didn't wear a helmet or life jacket. After challenging Niagara Falls, Sharp planned to continue down river, through the Great Gorge and over the class 6 Rapids. He even made dinner reservations. As Jesse Sharp went over the brink of the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, in a triumphant show, he lifted his arms and oars above his head. Authorities recovered and slightly damaged kayak later that day. His body was never found.