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About
whitewater on the Vaal
Parys is the centre of whitewater activities
for Gauteng and
 surrounding provinces. The Vaal River in
this area winds through many bush-clad islands, cascading
down a series of beautiful rapids.
The rapids are not large by world standards but are challenging
enough to provide a navigational challenge, thrills and
great fun - as well as the odd capsize. At Gatsien, probably
SA's most famous rapid, you can walk up and run the rapid
many times, even swim it. The
geology of the Vredefort Dome has shaped the river here, and
your guide will tell you all about the World Heritage Site
and its crater.
Famous rapids on the Parys stretch include
Big Daddy (or Little Daddy on the alternative route), Claws
& Jaws, Paradise, V-trap, Bistro (Look Sharp), Theatre,
Gatsien, and (on longer day trips), Choice Assorted,
Knucklecrusher, Long John Silver, and Wally's. On the Upper
Vaal below Vaaldam, the notable landmarks are The Chute and
Vischgat.
 We organise and run whitewater trips from
Otters' Haunt and also on
other sections of the Vaal, as well
as on the Tugela, Orange and Doring Rivers. Call us to
discuss your needs. You can also go to Graeme Addison's own
Riverman site for much more detail on all rivers
including the Vaal, with galleries of recent trip photos.
What to expect
DURATION: The average half-day trip
takes about 2.5 / 3 hours. Full day trips can be arranged,
with lunch on the river.
BOATS: In normal river flows we use
paddle-yourself 2-seater Crocodile inflatables. The more
adventurous may choose to use single-seater sit-on-top
kayaks which provide a wild ride. If you are experienced and
have own kit, you may kayak with us and we provide back-up.
At high levels we may use 6-8 seater inflatables with a
guide on board. We give a safety talk, provide all equipment
including lifejackets and helmets, and you are accompanied
and led by experienced and qualified river guides.
 PERSONAL
items: Bring your own refreshments. NO ALCHOLIC
DRINKS before the trip or during the trip, please. Wear
light clothing and sandals or sneakers that can get wet, and
bring a light windbreaker. Put on suntan lotion and it's
advisable to wear a peaked cap under your helmet.
PHOTOGRAPHY: Cameras
can be carried in our water-resistant bags but we take no
responsibility for loss or damage. We generally shoot action
photos on the trip and make them available on a website.
END OF TRIP: At the beginning, we
shuttle vehicles to the end so that you can leave promptly
from the pull-out point. For the end of the trip, bring cold
beers and a jersey (which can be be left in the shuttle
vehicle). Keep a dry change of clothes back in your cars.
INDEMNITY: You
are required to sign the personal indemnity and waiver
undertaking the trip at your own risk. The Vaal is a
generally safe river with rapids graded 1-3 (1 is easy, 3
exciting). The higher grade rapids 4-6 are not to be found
here. But the river is quite shallow, fast and rocky and not
for the faint-hearted.
FEE: See rates.
Ask for a group quote. Your payment needs to be paid
up-front into our bank account. Once you let us know whether
you are coming and how many, we'll invoice you and provide
Internet bank details.
TRIP VIDEO:
We shoot a personalised video and you can view clips of it
immediately after the trip. If you order a video it is
posted within the next week - a full production with
personal titling, music, interviews, action shots, funny
moments, scenery and your own group names or corporate logo
if provided. See samples
here.
Find out more about the production process
here.
The videos can cost as little as R100 per person.
Just ask.
Guiding
  Graeme Addison, owner of Otters,
pioneered whitewater rafting in South Africa on all the
major routes including the Vaal, Orange, Tugela, Doring and
other rivers. He has paddled in the US, Europe and the
Balkans, and trained
many of the guides active on rivers today. A former
Professor of Communication, he is a noted authority on
world rivers and has written two
books
 on rafting and whitewater
as well as numerous articles. You can see much more
information on his personal
RIVERMAN website and enjoy reports and photos on
current and past
expeditions.
Many international teams of adventure racers
come to Parys for instruction in whitewater.
 Corporate
teambuilding is also offered - phone us to discuss your
training and facilitation needs. We can arrange day rafting
along with other activities to suit organisations of any
size. Otters' Haunt itself has shared accommodation and a
small conference centre, while large groups can be
accommodated in the vicinity, such as at Kopjeskraal Lodge.
From years of experience we know where to find the skilled organisers to suit your teambuild programme.
We arrange professional catering where required.
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