Two kayakers in Canberra have had an unexpected encounter with a hot air balloon, which knocked them into the waters of Lake Burley Griffin.
Eric Vu and William Lam were out for an early morning paddle on Saturday to watch the first day of the annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular.Â
During the festival, hot air balloons take off from the Patrick White Lawns in the National Triangle precinct, with some flying low over the lake and skimming the water beside kayakers who have gathered to see them.
Mr Vu and Mr Lam were busy snapping selfies from their kayak when they turned and noticed one of the balloons approaching.
Eric Vu and William Lam were kayaking on Lake Burley Griffin when they had a close encounter with a hot air balloon. (Supplied)
“We were really excited and said, ‘Oh, it’s going to fly overhead of us’,” Mr Vu said.
“I did my math wrong and it descended a bit faster than we expected so we collided [with] the hot air balloon and it flipped us over.”
The men were both wearing life jackets and escaped without injury or losing any belongings.
In fact, they managed to record the incident, and the moment they went underwater.Â
‘Lucky we have the video footage’
Mr Lam said the experience was “quite a surprise” as the pair had tried to stay away from the crowded part of the lake.
“When the balloon came at us, it was really fast — faster than anticipated,” added Mr Lam.
“We kind of panicked and started paddling really fast but in the end we were too slow.”
Mr Vu has described the experience as “hilarious”. (Supplied)
A different video posted on social media of the incident has already garnered more than 1 million views.
The pilot of the hot air balloon has since contacted the men and offered them a free flight.
Mr Vu described the experience as “hilarious”.
“I don’t know how I can explain this to my wife,” Mr Vu laughed.
“Go kayaking, get hit by a hot air balloon — lucky we have the video footage.”
William Lam and Eric Vu, all smiles after the incident. (Lily Nothling)
The experience has not put them off going out on the lake to watch the balloons again.
“Maybe we’ll stay away from them further this time,” Mr Vu said.
“Lesson learnt.”