20-22 February 2025

Little John rapid

Little John Rapid

Grade25Risk3
Distance from start of the stage : 12.2km
Lat -29.735317 Lon 30.896350
Spectators/Seconds: Yes
Portage option: Left hand bank

GFXLittleJohnThe first rapid after the Burma Road portage takeout, Little John is a long rapid that is evolving all the time. The main flow enters the rapid on the extreme right, where it forms a standing wave.

However at anything over 25 cumecs release from the dam it is possible to approach the rapid through the rockfield on the left, which skirts the first stopper.

You then join the main flow and can miss the main part of the second wave by staying close to the big rocks on the left.

From there you need to stay left all the way down as the river channels into a fun “thunder alley” of waves, only moving back into the middle as you approach the final drop, where the river converges into the final fun stopper.

Martin Dreyer

This is a beautiful section to paddle. Go under the bridge and the river swings to the left.

There is a big hole so go left of the hole & stay on the left bank.

ProTipMcGregorHank McGregor

Hug the left of river, just staying in the flow