JATELO
IV

Umzimkulu River – Polela to Centocow

Umzimkulu River – Polela to Centocow · kwazulu-natal

Grade

IV

Length

10km

Duration

3 to 4 hours

Type

pool drop

Log SessionSuggest Edit

About

A steep, rocky section of the Umzimkulu where several rapids lose significant height over short distances. At low water it is rocky and suits kayaks only; higher levels open the section up to wildwater racers. All levels are enjoyable for kayakers with some experience. The steep rapid below the train bridge always contains a sticky hole somewhere and must be watched. The next steep rapid develops serious holes at high levels and should be scouted and potentially portaged. Near the end, after the river swings sharply left and then right, a technical class 4 rapid demands precise lines. It carries pinning potential at low levels and bad holes when higher.

Access

Put-in

Polela confluence, where road comes close to river

Take-out

Centocow mission bridge

Permits

None

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