Symonds Yat Rapids
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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.
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[edit] 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.
[edit] Ownership and Access
The British Canoe Union purchased the banks to the river in 2003 allowing year round access.[1]
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.
[edit] 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.
[edit] 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.
