Two great days on the Rangitikei. Both days the sections paddled were the Utiku to Mangarere stretch of the Rangitikei. Paddling were Shane Ross, Nigel Yeow, Scott Wotring, Nicole Ranger, Tom Bowen and Tawai Wahatarau (Day One) and Shane Ross, Nigel Yeow, Scott Wotring, Nicole Ranger and Tawai Wahatarau (Day Two). The objective being the first Rangitikei River paddle for the summer season was river familiarisation, boat familiarisation (for some) and to have a good time. Day One entry flow was 58 cumecs. River was opaque and flowing, with plenty of rocks covered and good options on many rapids. The usual suspects (Virgin, Campground Rapid) had their same challenges – mainly standing waves mid flow. After a 6 year absence from the river I was personally surprised how little had changed. Cam’s Corner has two good lines through it now – the right hand line being the easier of the two at this flow. The big eddy and boil have gone. The rapid just past Virgin where a huge pine tree had been lodged is now clear with just the single line through it (there used to be two options). Bum Rock was easier this time as well, except the flow on the right was still pretty gnarly. In one of the rapids just past Cam’s Corner there is a tree in the main flow with a branch sticking out which is avoidable (good lines either side) but a bit scary to see. The rapid above the campground just past the stream on the left (now referred to as Tom’s Rapid) has some good standing waves in the main flow. There is a line on the inside but need to play pinball with a few rocks to take it. Day One we had 8 swims across the group, and one paddler / boat separation which took 45 minutes to sort. We had two throw bags and one spare split paddle in the group but managed to sort it without needing these. Run time was around 3.5 hours and an exit flow of 53 cumecs. Rather than do a second run we took a drive up to Mokai Canyon / Gorge to check out the upper levels of the river (keen to paddle that in a creeker – is Grade Two) and watched the Flying Fox in operation. Beer was cold and the food hot at the Langholm Lodge in Mangaweka – we met up with those doing their Grade Two training for a drink and a feed. This was a good night out. Day Two entry flow was 45 cumecs. Water was clearer and a few more rocks showing. Nothing dramatic and the standing waves were just as big if not bigger given the fewer options due to the condensed flow. We had one swim across the group and finished the section in a run time of 1 hour 40 minutes which was great. A fantastic trip with a really great bunch of people, many of whom met for the first time this weekend. It was just an awesome two days out. Weather was fine – lots of blue sky and sun. Only a small bit of wind on the Sunday (apart from the drive home. That was…interesting….). Big thanks to Mangaweka Adventure Company (mangaweka.co.nz/ ) for the shuttles and the advice re accommodation options. Awastone (eventfinder.co.nz/venue/awastone-lodge-mangaweka) is well worth checking out also. Next trip is looking to be the 22nd and 23rd November. My thinking is Day One to be the longer Utiku to Ohingaiti section (some 30km – good C2C practice) and the same Utiku to Mangarere run on the Sunday. Regards, Shane.
Posted on: Sun, 02 Nov 2014 22:33:13 +0000
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