Splitting time between a mechanical engineering masters in Mexico City and an expedition kayaking PHD in the hollowed gorges of the Rio Alseseca, at 22 Rafael Ortiz is already one of the most able and notable personalities in whitewater. In addition to high profile steep, waterfall descents in US, Brazil and Canada, Rafa is also a big river tamer with first Descents in the himalayan Pakistan and India. Yet Rafa's heart will always be in exploring the rivers of Mexico. To that end, he joined up with Red Bull Mexico to make a state by state whitewater exploration of his homeland and promote whitewater kayaking through the Screaming Falls Tour and film. You can see Rafa in action in YGP's Source 582's Here & Now, Hotel Charley Vol's 2 and 4, and this falls upcoming Red Bull video release of the Screaming Falls Tour.
--Ben Stookesberry

Check out the rest of Rafas photos here
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