The section on the Teebus is the first stage of the Gariep-Fish transfer scheme, and is therefore paddleable throughout the year.
- Ideal for: Kayak
- Grade: 1 to 3
- Length: 25km
- Duration: 4 to 5 hours
- Type: Fast-flowing, gradual gradient
- Put-in: At outlet of canal 31°26’43.6″S 25°38’58.7″E
- Take-out: Bridge 31°30’50.5″S 25°34’51.0″E or 31°35’45.0″S 25°29’43.0″E
- Dam controlled: Fish River Tunnel release
- Permits: None
Be careful at the put-in; don’t even consider getting in on the canal. Where it flows out into the river, the civil engineers have created a paddler’s worst nightmare. Follow the road next to the canal to its end and get in directly on the river.
The river is fast and continuous, but with no serious rapids. Nice surfwaves abound, especially on the section above the bridge at the halfway point. Paddlers who are more interested in playing can consider doing only the top section, from the put-in to this bridge.
There are, however, lots of weirs on the whole stretch. Most of them are runnable, but scout all of them properly.
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
I appreciate any contributions to keep this content up-to-date.