This section of the Umkomaas River is a very pleasant run, popular for kayakers and K1-paddlers, and very accessible. All rapids are runnable with a K1 (easier than the section below Hella-Hella), and the flat stretches are not too long. For kayakers, this is one of the better play-sections in Natal, with nice waves and holes forming at all levels.
- Ideal for: Kayak, K1, croc
- Grade: 2 to 3
- Length: 10km
- Duration: 2-5 hours, depending on playtime
- Type: Pool-drop
- Put-in: Lundy’s Hill store on R617 between Boston and Bulwer. Turn off at store and go over small bridge across river. Put in upstream of bridge.
- Take-out: Take turn-off (2km from Lundy’s hill on R617) to Deepdale station. Drive 5km on dirt road till road comes right up against river. River turns sharply to the right with the road on the left bank.
- Dam controlled: No
- Permits: None
Allow enough time for the trip, as you might find more playspots than you had expected. At flood level some huge, perfect waves and holes form at a rapid around halfway and at most levels a nice wave/hole forms at the last rapid before take-out. But don’t wait for them before you start surfing, there are more waves to be found at all levels. There is a natural weir close to the end which is runnable at most levels, but it should be scouted first.
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.