Kayaker swallowed by whirlpool as mates watch and laugh

A kayaker has been sucked underwater by a swirling whirlpool, with only the tip of his watercraft visible above the turbulence.

Video of the dangerous run-in with mother nature shows a trio make their way down a river through some seemingly modest rapids.

As he flapped his paddle around wildly to regain balance, the tail of his vessel was suddenly sucked under water leaving the kayaker struggling to surface as he was pulled deeper under the surface.

While his companions look on laughing, the seemingly comical scene becomes alarming when the man fails to resurface for some time.

His head remains below water for approximately 20 seconds as he struggles to fight for a breath against the water’s pull.

Fortunately, with some help from his fellow boatmen, the kayaker manages to free himself from the treacherous water as they continue on their way – laughing if not a little shaken.