This section is characterised by flat-water, mostly small rapids and a couple of weirs and low-level bridges.
- Ideal for: Croc, K1, kayak at higher levels
- Grade: 1 to 2
- Length: 9km
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours in a K1, 3 to 4 hours in a croc
- Type: Narrow, pool-drop
- Put-in: Lanseria low-level bridge
- Take-out: Friday’s Farm low-level bridge
- Dam controlled: No
- Permits: None
- Commercial operators: Paddle Power
The biggest rapids of the section, called the Lanseria Falls, are found immediately after the put in. The first is a tricky section ending in a drop, followed by a second drop after a long pool. The main part of the second drop is quite rocky, but can be shot left of centre by competent K1-paddlers. At high levels a chicken run forms on the far right, close to the bank.
The first weir, approximately 3km downstream, can be portaged on the left. When the water is high, the chicken run on the right becomes shootable. The low-level bridge, 1km beyond the weir, can be portaged on the island in the middle, or shot at a high level on the far right hand side. Another smaller broken weir before Friday’s Weir can be shot under the trees on the extreme left-hand side at most levels.
About 1km before the take-out point, Friday’s weir presents a major obstacle, which should rather be portaged on the right, or over the dry middle chute at low levels. It is shootable, however, on the extreme right. Enter the drop with an angle of 45 degrees facing from right to left, and contemplate the wisdom of shooting it while going down. The weir has broken a number of boats in the past. The far left-hand side also offers an exciting chute for kayakers or brave K1-paddlers.
This river description is taken from my book “Run the Rivers of Southern Africa”.
If you have any pictures or recent information on this section of river to share, please contact me:
blog@cellierskruger.com
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