Umkomaas River – Hella-Hella to Josephine’s Bridge
Umkomaas River – Hella-Hella to Josephine’s Bridge · kwazulu-natal
Grade
IV
Length
1) 14 km 2) 26 km
Duration
1) 3 to 5 hours in a kayak, depending on water level and the time spent playing. 2) 3-5 hours in a K1.
Type
pool drop
About
Classic pool-drop. Start of the annual Umkomaas marathon — biggest rapids on any K1 race. Less-experienced K1 paddlers should trip it several times (preferably low water) before racing. Options: 14km to a riverside camp, or 26km to Josephine's Bridge. Arrange take-out and shuttles in advance. Major rapids numbered 1-8, plus House-Rock between 6 and 7, and several unnumbered rapids nearly as large. Action starts immediately at rapid 1 — walking back before the start is an option. Long rapids with big holes and boulders. Rapids 5 and 6 form one long rapid, identified by a pinnacle rock at the top centre of the main channel. Scout from the right. Most K1 paddlers should portage or take the far-left chicken run (when not too low). Below rapid 8 the rapids shrink and space out. Kayakers usually take out here; K1 paddlers often continue to Josephine's for easier shuttles. The rapid-8-to-Josephine's stretch suits less experienced paddlers.
Access
Put-in
Take-out
Permits
Arrange with Umko Whitewater Rafting at take-out, who also provide shuttle drives.
Recent sessions
Community notes
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