WHERE IS IT?: Located on the river Medway in yalding. TQ 69048 49768

 

PUT-INS/ TAKEOUTS:Refer to  included maps, the best free access is probably yalding canoe launch point located at TQ 68986 4989 and then paddling the 2km around. However there is paid access. The marlin site, owned by PUK*, managed by White water Action Medway (a private club) is the most ideal access if planning on regularly coming here. alternitavely you could slide down the bank of the public park "the lees" located around TQ 69124 49775 this is however quite precarious.

APPROX LENGTH: openings of the weir last approximately 20 minutes.

TIME NEEDED: Varies based on river leves / rain; however after rain you can get 2 openings in less than 90 minutes. In the summer months there are few large openings worth playinig in.

ACCESS HASSLES: Public navigation; Environment Agency or a PUK* licence. Slightly tricky access (refer to above). Pub doesnt complain about car park usage if you get a food or drink after.

GRADING: Technically a playspot, can be technical .

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: Its a Weir; the obvious risks apply. There is a massive stone bridge, placed perfectly for crashes. Shallow water in some areas; Check with your paddle. Very fast changeing currents and water levels, Always wear a PFD and helmet. Avoid swimming/exeting boat between Twyford bridge and the weir.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: After days a period of rain, expect hourly openings in exceptional circumstances you can expect ludicrous amounts of spray, not found naturally in UK rivers. often though it is probably a good examble of flow expected somewhere areound grade three maybe four. Amazing playspot 9ft waves (ludicrous).... however once you exit the top area, and go below Twyford bridge you will be forced to wait until it closes and reopens again (unless your crazy / stupid enough to go off the  bridge).

Summary- High water levels needed for fun!

 

 

 

Just a fair warning often swimming into eddies is near impossible, and assistance is required to escape due to very strong currents. bear in mind that there are 20ft concrete walls (in pink) on either side, making rescues in parts of it impossible to a bystander. This also means that to exit you MUST commit, no matter how violent  it is. Typically you could wait it out but the other gate opening is a possibility and therefore that would force you down. and it is a solid 40-50m of a nice rapid with a few 'features'.

 

Finally I just want to iterate; this weir is notouriously dangerous to swimmers (specifically teens in sumer trying to cool down) it can change unpredicatbly and very fast. If you see non-paddlers urge them to NOT swim here.

*PUK formerly known as The British Canoe Union (BCU) / British Canoeing.

PFD - Personal Floatation Device - should always be worn when on moveing water.

My crude 'map', this is a typical good opening, expect 6-9ft waves in the massive gflow area. the "waiting area" can become moveing and you could get flushed out. bottom right is the park that could be used to access.

CONTRIBUTED BY: Kentishkayaker.

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