Vaal River – Kloppers to Vischgat (or Groenoewers)

About

One of the best-known stretches for Gauteng-based K1 paddlers. Several races are held here each season, and paddlers frequently train on its relatively easy rapids to learn the many channels. Water level depends on releases from the dam; a suitable level is usually arranged with Rand Water for races. For races, Rand Water grants access and paddlers put in just below the dam wall. Otherwise, stop at the bridge below the wall and walk down river left to put in below the bridge. Kloppers' rapid sits at the put-in — easy in itself but notorious for chaos as races start just above it, with mass-start formats sometimes replaced by time trials. A 2km flat section below Kloppers' leads to the first weir. It can be run on the far left or far right at very low levels but has broken many boats; a quick portage is safer. Portage is essential at anything above very low flows. Beyond the weir the river channels considerably, producing interesting lines. The next major feature is the Chute, about 7km from the start, where the entire river is squeezed through a 5m gap. Race-level flows produce large standing waves; K1 paddlers must stay centred to avoid a flip when the bow catches the eddy fence. Nice surf waves form above 200 cumecs. More channels and small rapids follow for 2km before the notorious Vischgat rapid. At race levels the main line is on the right with a nice drop at the end, with a straightforward middle line and chicken runs on the far left. The rapid is long and the surrounding boulders make portage difficult. A scouting trip beforehand is advisable. At high levels huge holes form, but it remains runnable for competent kayakers. Vischgat weir below the rapid is shootable on the far right at some levels but is usually best portaged — at most levels it is a killer. The rapid itself is far enough above the weir for recovery after a swim. Kayakers typically take out at Vischgat weir on the right bank. The access road is often rough and requires carrying the boat up a small hill, so K1 paddlers usually continue about 6km to the Groenoewers picnic site on the left bank. This final stretch is mostly flat with a few shallow rapids.

Access

Permits

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