Vaal River – Barkly West

About

The Vaal's big surprise — suited to competent class 4 paddlers. The first kilometres are flat with a few small rapids. Once the first big rapid appears, scout everything that follows. The rapids are wide and fairly long with nasty pour-overs and large holes that must be avoided. Some carry lethal weirs on the side that feed irrigation channels — watch for them. Unlike many big-volume rivers, bombing the middle does not work here; precise manoeuvring is required. The intended lines are class 4, but missing them can drop paddlers into class 5/6 territory. The main section peaks with two significant rapids. Stairway Falls is almost a broken waterfall across the river, reaching 5m in places. Two lines are visible; if not committed, portage. Double Trouble starts small then steepens suddenly before ending in two massive pour-overs. Avoid these by skirting far left. The closing stretch is again flat with small rapids, except for Gong-Gong Falls near the end — a sloped waterfall on the left of an island that washes out at high levels. Above 400 cumecs the main section becomes huge, pools between rapids nearly disappear, and a swim can be long and dangerous. Excellent surf waves appear. The section is also worthwhile at lower flows when channels become visible and the rapids more technical.

Access

Permits

Permission from resort to put in. Ask and be friendly.

Recent sessions