ZIMBABWE
- Victoria Falls - River
Boarding
Riverboarding at Victoria Falls means charging the rapids and surfing some of the worlds biggest fresh water standing waves on the Zambezi
Charging into rapids with water crashing around you and punching out the other side to find yourself surfing will undoubtedly be one of your best ever river boarding experiences
The sport involves "surfing" the rapids on body boards accompanied by a qualified River Guide
Before plunging headlong into the chasm of the Victoria falls, the Zambezi gradually picks up speed. Here you practice the basic manoeuvres and positions required to river surf. Then take off as part of a small group on a half day adventure exploring the Batoka Gorge.
No previous experience is necessary and all trips are accompanied by professional, highly experienced River Guides
Surfing Zambezi
Enthusiastic boarders can stop at "play spots" along the way to surf, ride whirlies and "squirt" (best described as flying underwater)
Wave surfing
The Zambezi river has many sensational standing waves which provide everyone with fantastic surfing. Surfing on a river wave is unique, and a highlight for everyone
Play Spots
The great thing about riversurfing is being able to play in the dynamic currents that rafts can’t. A good example of this is Whirlie Riding – dropping into the zone where the main flow meets an opposite moving current, you drop your board into a vertical position, spinning inside the whirlpool
Squirts (best described as flying underwater)
By placing your board under the boil currents, you can feel the power of the water as it takes you down. Through controlling your board angle, you can maintain your depth and cruise under water ! This is optional and for the more adventurous
River boarding
The main difference between river boarding and rafting is that you are in charge of your own vessel on the river. Instructors teach and and guide you, but in the end its you who’s taking on the rapids. The attraction to many is the physical freedom and the sense of achievement felt after tackling the Zambezi on your own
Safety and Requirements
Several operators run trips and all have high safety standards which are complemented by the fact that that the rapids themselves are amongst the safest, due to the depth of the water and lack of rocks mid-stream.
The general rule is anyone over 13 years but they must fit into the equipment adequately. For all the clients it depends on their fitness, water confidence and experience. Anyone who has basic swimming skills, reasonable fitness and most importantly is confident and relaxed in water. Girls love it too! No previous body boarding experience is necessary
Photography
A cameraman accompanies the trip taking video footage and photographs which are khown at the end of the day at the Zambezi Waterfront.
River Trip Includes
- Courtesy transfers from major hotels / lodges in Vic Falls
- Morning tea / coffee
- Transfers to and from the gorges
- Minerals and beers after take out
- Certificate to prove you braved the Zambezi
- Videos & photos shown at 19:00
What to wear
- Wear light, easy drying clothing and shoes suitable for rafting
- Bring sunscreen and sunglasses
- Do not bring valuables and attach all glasses securely to you.
- We do not advise bringing cameras, but you may, at your own risk
Description:
RAFT / RIVERBOARD COMBO :
A combination of rafting and riverboarding. Riverboarding is best arranged in conjunction with a one day rafting trip. It's also included as an option with the Zambezi Extreme Combos
RIVERBOARD ONLY :
Walk into the gorge and riverboard.
Riverboarding is very dependant on the river level. It is not possible to accurately say which rapids will be run. In October rapid No 12B is good and in July, rapid No 24 is best.
The "High Water" Trip - February to July
Depending on water levels, the "high water" trip usually begins at rapid #11, "Overland Truck Eater". This is a big barrel for about two weeks in the year during the transition between high and low water in mid January and early July. The trip continues in a raft down the continuous section of white water ending with "The Mother", rapid 13. Rapid 14 is a grade 3 and is a nice easy warm up for what’s to come. Next up is the 700 metre continuous stretch of white water known as the grade 4/5 "Terminator" - the option to ride in the raft is always available.
After the "Terminator", we run " Double Trouble" a nice grade 3/4, and continue down the fast moving white water to "Oblivion". This is a grade 4 rapid with a great wave train which continues down river for 200 metres. The lunch spot is reached after a short raft paddle
After lunch, you run two more grade 3 rapids before arriving at rapid #24, a great Zambezi stationary wave. You'll spend at least an hour while everyone gets a chance to surf. This wave is great for beginners and experts alike. After you've been deliberately exhausted the trips rafts for a few grade 2-3 rapids before arriving at the take out point.
· First hand, first rate Information
· Efficient travel consulting & booking services
· Excellent value for money
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