How To Kayak the ZAMBEZI Rapids 1-10 Low Water скачать в хорошем качестве

How To Kayak the ZAMBEZI Rapids 1-10 Low Water

My last video showed how the Zambezi will give you great lines and bad lines and that most of the time, that's all fine. Wipeouts are common and generally don't cause much damage. Most of the holes are flushy and waiting and rolling get's you down; 95% of this epic river. If you want to get an idea of how to get more smooth lines than crashes then here is a 'how-to' video for the top lines down the first 10 rapids during the low water season. Number 1 - The Wall Ferry over as high as you feel comfortable. The wall creates a cushion wave which can be helpful as a last resort and there is no undercut. Starting higher is harder but gives you more time to make it across. It can seem like you are making no progress but just keep going and it suddenly becomes easier! Number 2 - Bridge Rapid This is arguably the best surf wave on the river at these levels. A smooth and consistent wave, perfect for any boat. An easy line goes down the left with the foam pile on the right to catch the wave. The pile is retentive enough to help but really fluffly and gentle. Number 3 - ? A big wave but an easy move. Start right of center and aim to follow the main waves in the middle after the first big wave, which curls slightly towards the middle/right. Number 4 - Morning Glory The first really challenging rapid on the Zambezi (excluding minus rapids). There are three entrances of varying difficulties and one clear exit. The 'easy' line is hard right for the first half and then pushing out into the middle of the rapid before the last big wave. There is a left line which cuts the corner of a large hole and then a center line which weaves between two unpleasant holes. All of them are quite straight forward but the right line is certainly the most approachable and easiest to read. Wherever you start, by the second half of the rapid you should be 3-5 meters from the right wall, pointing slightly left and starting to build momentum. After peaking the second wave you will drop down a ramp and smash through the left side of the V, heading towards the left. 4b. 100m after Number 4 is 4b which is an easy rapid with just one hole to avoid on the left at the bottom. It's probably flushy but it looks shallow and turbulent. Number 5 - Stairway To Heaven One of the most iconic rapids in the world and one of my favorites. The boof line requires you to switch on and paddle but is very achievable for those that want it. The center line is no chicken line and there are plenty more epic features to interact with. The center line comes closer to the boof than you might expect; better to be too far right than left. Try to head right a bit just after the boof passes on your right; there is a curling wave to help at these levels. The boof can be lined up by passing a small wave just to your right. Then, spot the center of the boof and paddle confidently towards it. The boof can be early or late and still work so don't worry toooo much about timing. A lot of the water falls away to the left and right side so stay straight and fast to avoid missing. The hole on the right is scary but I saw several people go in and only one swam. The one that swam tried to surf the hole, the others waited. Number 6 - Devil's Toilet bowl A small rapid by Zambezi standards but not one to underestimate. Sneaking down the right side with a big bolder as your marker, try to cut just to the right of the two main waves. 6 has a whirlpool which can be scary. If you get pulled under here it is best to stay in your boat. Everything flushes out and you'll have a much better time upside-down and in your boat than with no boat at all. Number 7 - Gulliver's Travels A longer, steeper and more consequential rapid than most of the Zambezi. Not as daunting as number 9, but still to be respected as a big rapid. This rapid starts as grade 2 waves and builds up through a boily grade 3 section, dropping into a grade fast and chaotic 4+ finale, with many strong paddlers being tossed around regularly. A clean line is possible but a strong whitewater roll is absolutely required for this one. Number 8 - Midnight Diner Two separate lines but both fun and exciting. Right line passes to the right of two small waves and then drops down a ramp with more waves at the bottom. The center line drops close to, or into, a large hole. This hole always flushes making it a low-skill/low-risk/high-reward move for those that like to stare a massive hole in the face. It is a good one to follow someone into, don't scout. Number 9 - Commercial Suicide A serious and powerful rapid. Take this one more seriously than the rest of the river, where we can sometimes get quite casual. Scout and ask for local advice. There are 4 possible lines for those that are keen. Number 10 - Gnashing Jaws Of Death An easy wave train with little to worry or even think about. Start left of center and then do whatever you want really! This "how to" video applies to paddlers with a good foundation of whitewater skills.