11/10/2026
You loved Brad’s top 5 flat-water paddling spots in South Africa, so we thought it was only fair to bring you the river edition! 🇿🇦🛶
South Africa’s rivers have a way of taking you into some pretty incredible corners of the country. From rushing whitewater and dramatic valleys to winding through untouched landscapes, there’s a whole different side of SA to discover from the seat of a canoe 🏞️
So, we went back to our well-travelled paddling ambassador Brad for his top 5 rivers to paddle in South Africa. Here’s what he had to say…
The Vaal River - Vereneging - Parys, FS & Gauteng
Most people look for excitement and action in a river. This makes the Vaal a controversial decision. What the Vaal does have is exciting marathon style racing. It is a wide river, with short portage obstacles. Racing almost always stays in a bunch, allowing smart paddlers to race strong paddlers. Both days of the Vaal marathon usually end in a bunch sprint of 4 boats, after 2 hours of racing. You don’t get that on other rivers, and it is something I really enjoy.
The Umkomaas River - Richmond, KZN
The Umkomaas is the source of the biggest nerves in SA paddling. The biggest volume river we paddle on. The magnificence extends outside the water, with immaculate cliffs and uninhabited land all around. It is the fastest I have ever paddled on a river, as the chocolate surge carried us at over 20KM/H downstream. It’s a river I want to spend more time on, and am always relieved when all goes well. Nyala Pans have a great set up, accommodating and guiding whitewater weekends for those who want to be exposed to real adventure.
The Fish River - Nxuba, EC
A river race known by every paddler, a medium volume river that demands attention and competence throughout. Famous for Keith’s Flyover and Craddock Weir, with many exciting features in between. My whole family has raced on this river. The Fish is home to SA Champs every year. It is an iconic river.
The Lions River - Lidgetton, KZN
The Lions is a narrow and fast river, without the difficulty. It’s a river that rewards good skill, but a mistake is not going to hurt you. The river is fed by a diversion from Spring Grove Dam in Rosett
