Vaal Meander

Written by Lucinda Ferreira

The Vaal is a flat, gently flowing river, a water mecca frequented by power boaters, water skiers and jet ski enthusiasts. Unknown to most however, it has some of the country's most famous rapids. The legendary “Gatsien,” just downstream from Parys, is probably best known, especially by those who have been initiated by her. More recently, two operators have extended shallow water river rafting activities to include the Upper Vaal River below the dam wall.

It was this venue that we chose for our Sunday afternoon outing. Standing on the banks of the Vaal with the mercury barely reaching the 17 degree mark, it wasn't quite the glorious summer's day that we'd had in mind when planning our first water rafting trip. Although it has been said “One way to get the most out of life is to look at it as an adventure.” ….so all kitted out to brave the cold, we met up with Dolf from Ingwenya Tours. Having operated in the area for quite some time, Dolf was able to give us a unique perspective on the Dome area. He soon had us all at ease and fully captivated by tales of the origins of the Dome. Legend has it that after a romantic fling went wrong between Venus and Thor, Thor in his broken hearted rage threw his hammer down toward earth marking his territory with what we today call the Vredefort Dome. Ingwenya now has a replica of this “hammer” which they use in their medal ceremony at the end of each river trip.

Rafting And so our unforgettable experience began. Starting off with a drop down a weir, the course gradually meandered over small rapids and then through calmer waters where we were able to interact with one another and just soak in the beauty of the river banks laden with weeping willows. There is something so soothing about the river at this point. Far away from the buzz of city life and without the usual hum of power boats, the peace and sounds of nature are therapeutic. Before the peace and tranquility had too much of a lulling effect, the river gradually built up her pace and we found ourselves pouring down “The Shoot.” A resounding WOOooow rang through the air as we were swept away by rushing water and our feelings of calmness turned to exhilaration.

Just beyond “The Shoot” appeared a sandy landing spot ideal for an afternoon picnic or evening camp out. With adrenalin pumping through our veins, an interval would have broken our momentum, so we continued on down stream. After all, we'd all heard what lay ahead. The legend of the Upper Vaal…. “Visghat.” Considered the biggest rapid on the Vaal, graded between level 3 and 4.

As beginners we'd fared pretty well down “The Shoot” and couldn't wait to face the next challenge. “Visghat” approached just as the sun began to set. We docked our inflatables and walked along the river banks inspecting the rapid from all angles. Each team planned their individual routes. The sound of sheer water power gushing over the rocks left us wondering if we'd finally met our match. There was only one way to find out. One by one the teams in their inflatables went down “Visghat” paddling hard to stay on course and avoid capsizing. They were tossed to and fro but with determination and team work, everyone got to enjoy being “swept away” into a beautiful sunset …with most heads kept above water! Blended in that amazing backdrop, with a silent song of achievement in our hearts, we paddled towards the finish line.

Rafting

All of us safely back on dry land, we were awarded our “Crocodiliius Clan” medal for surviving the challenge. You would be forgiven for wondering about the origin of such a medal, however, that is a story that only Dolf can tell, so book your own adventure now and let him delight you with the truth about “Crocodilius Clan” ……..

It will be an enjoyable outing and a wonderful experience for any outdoor enthusiast, young, old, energetic or less energetic, for anyone looking to break their weekly routine, have some good fun and even overcome some fears. Ultimately, when you have the opportunity of sharing your adventure tales, you too, will be able to add to them the experience of being “hammered” by the Vaal. After all…. “The wetter, the better.”

Rafting operators on the Upper Vaal River:
Ingwenya Tours - 082 773 8656
Tapimanzi Adventures - (016) 985 5926