Black Murray

Here is a look at Black Murray at a great, easy full level, from the 2007 race. The lines remain essentially the same at all levels, but once into the rapid the lines through the lower reaches become trickier when it is low. Stay left all the way down. Start river right-of-centre and then follow the water down as it turns left, then stay left of the rocks at the bottom

Pro Tip

At a very full level it is possible to enter the rapid on the extreme left and sneak past the first drop. As an alternative you can take the first drop just to the right of the big flat rock that marks the first drop. Its a much straighter line!

The river flows around a big rock shelf at the end of the first drop, which at any level you will need to turn right around. Right at the corner of that shelf the water rushing around the shelf to the right forms a tricky vortex. By this stage you should be paddling strongly, but be aware of this vortex. Dont brace there or plant a paddle into it, as it will feel like your paddle is being sucked under!