New Route.
The 2026 Race will be a K1 event and is a CSA B-Grade Race.
K1 & K3 crews are welcome and with a constant, guaranteed good water level an enjoyable paddling experience is possible at even the lowest of levels.
This 2 Day stage race covering 44km of great river paddling, promising to be everything you’ve dreamt of and much more for paddlers and seconds alike!
Day 1
Marchand Bridge to Rino Rapid below Khamkirri – 21 km
The Start of day 1 will be a batch start at Marchand Bridge on the Perde-Eiland side of the river.
1. 2,7km – Perde-Eiland Weir – Keep to river left. The weir must only be shot at the pre-marked area where the safety marchels are.
2. 1.8km – Rapids – Shoot middle left depending on water level.
3. 5,5km – Whiskey Rapid – Stick to the right next to the reeds and avoid the rocks at the bottom.
4. 6,5km – Rapids – follow the mail flow of the water.
5. 800m – River Split – IMPORTANT! Keep to right channel. At low level there is no real left option, but at a higher level ther will be water going down the left chanel.
6. 1,6km – Rino Weir – This weir can be shot in the middle and will probable not be visible at a higher level.
7. 2,1km – Rino Rapid – enter the rapid on the left and then make your way to the far right at the bottom.
Day 2
Die Punt Resort, Friersdale to Die Mas, Kakamas – 23km
The Start of day 2 will be a batch start at Die Punt Resort 20km outside Keimoes on the N14 on route to Kakamas.
1. 500m after start – Broken Weir – Keep to the river left around the weir and hit the wave train in the middle. Choose your bottom line left or right.
3. 3.4km – Warmsand Weir – Stick to river right and follow the main stream.
4. 7.2km – Neus Weir Portage – Portage on the far right bank. * Be cautious of the Power Plant intake to your right at takeout.
5. Get into the water canal and paddle 1,6km to canal take out. *Be cautious of the bridges
6. Portage to the left side of the canal just after the last bridge. Portage for 300m and get back into the river at the cement steps.
7. 1,1km – Gorge Rapid – the river makes a channel going left around a reed island. The first channel left makes a 90° turn to your left and is marked in RED. This is the main rapid and the fastest line but as seen in the photos below it is the more difficult line.
The second option in GREEN shows the easier line, pass the first channel going left around the rock island and then follow the stream around the corner until they meet up again.
8. 350m – Entrance to “Neus Gorge” – This point will have a few guides on duty. Look at the river signals. Aim for the left side of the two rocks situated in the middle of the river. This will line you up with the middle of the drop that is very swirly.
Contact Us
Waldo van der Linde
Tel: 072 184 9090
info@orangedescent.co.za
