Going Over Niagara Falls

January 16, 2008 12:58 PM

Vinyl Cafe: The Story of Roger Woodward. Stuart McLean tells the story of the last person to go over Niagara Falls - with only a lifejacket - and live to tell the story. (go to the 28:00 mark in the audio to get the story)

The first 28 minutes are fine too, but I think Roger's story is the best.

posted by GuyZero (6 comments total)

I just listened to this the other day. What an incredible story. The best part is the end, where Stuart talks to Roger about his experience and the story.
posted by arcticwoman at 1:43 PM on January 16, 2008

But what about that dude just a couple of years ago who went over without a lifejacket, and lived? Apparently he studied the water flow, theorized that there was a spot where you would survive the plunge, and then put it to the test. Or he was drunk, or was trying to kill himself or something; either way he survived.
posted by Flashman at 2:02 PM on January 16, 2008

And there was this guy, who walked to the edge of the falls, intending to commit suicide, then changed his mind and had to be rescued.
posted by The Card Cheat at 3:27 PM on January 16, 2008

I heard that one on the radio. Awesome story, and awesome telling. I was not always fond of Stuart, but he has grown on me some. Still a little saccharine somedays, and I still don't care for his accent (it grates on me a little), but sometimes you can't stop listening, and that says a lot.
posted by Bovine Love at 4:17 PM on January 16, 2008

I love Stuart's story. I am soooo glad he has started podcasting because I often have to be at work when CBC is streaming the Vynal Cafe. I imagine copyright infringement on the songs was holding him back from podcasting before.

Is today Niagara Falls day around here and no one told me?
posted by saucysault at 4:17 PM on January 16, 2008

I really really hate Stuart McLean but! that Niagara falls episode (which I heard on the radio the other day) was an exception. A great story, well told, with fewer affectations than usual for the gormless Stuart. The sad kid on the wrong number was good too.
posted by Rumple at 8:17 PM on January 16, 2008