Ash River
Ash River · gauteng, free state
Grade
IV
Length
19km
Duration
4 hours
About
The As (Ash) is suitable only for experienced paddlers with reliable rolls. The water is cold and fast, with serious strainers, low-level bridges and weirs. The reward is good playwaves and enjoyable rapids. Originally a minor stream, the Ash was transformed into a continuous, narrow river by water pumped in from the Lesotho Highlands Project. Its clay banks are unstable and the channel changes constantly. Put-in is just below a weir at the outfall. Downstream hazards include a 25m-high weir shortly after the start, two low-level bridges, a broken bridge, further weirs, a tree across the water, a 2m fall and severe strainers. The best playboating is between the second low-level bridge and the R711 take-out, which also contains a dangerous class 5 rapid. Below the R711 toward the N5 the river eases and becomes less hazardous. This description may date quickly, as new weirs and channels are under construction. Plans exist to develop parts of the section into an artificial Olympic-style slalom and freestyle course, provided water is not diverted to the Vaal Dam.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
None