Symonds Yat Rapids

Symonds Yat Rapids are a grade 2 man-made feature on the River Wye, on the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire border. They are most commonly used by canoeists and kayakers for whitewater training and playboating.

Construction

A series of man made rock walls were installed to modify the flow of the river on river right, and provide waves and eddies.

Ownership and Access

The British Canoe Union purchased the banks to the river in 2003 allowing year round access. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/2853463.stm BBC NEWS | Wales | River rapids sold to canoeists ] ]

Typically the mid-autumn and mid-spring periods provide the best levels. After very heavy rain the features will wash out leaving nothing more than fast flowing water.

Access

The Wye Dean Canoe Centre allow launching via their two man-made launch gulleys on river left. They also provide large concrete steps allowing egression to and from the river.

Immediately after the rapids, river right, is a shingle beach allowing access to the bank, which can be walked up to the start again.

There is a small car parking fee asked for, as well as campsite facilities, toilets and shop.

Rapids

There are several very small drops, which make up the rapids. These provide good eddy-hopping for practising break-in/outs.

Two slightly larger and more notable are 1-2ft in size, and provide the best play features.

* "Top wave" is broken in two by the main flow, and allows side and front-surfing, loops and other moves.

* "Bottom wave" is on river right slightly steeper than the rest. At most levels the wave can be carved, as well as side-surfing. It can be quite shallow, so care does need to be taken.

ee also

* Playboating
* River running
* River Wye
* Symonds Yat
* River Seven

References

External links

* [http://www.wyedean.co.uk/ Wyedean Canoe and Adventure Centre ]
* [http://www.yatrapids.co.uk/ Symonds Yat Rapids Preservation Group ]
* [http://www.symondsyateast.co.uk/ Symonds Yat East ]