The Mineshaft

On the outskirts of Underberg, less than one kilometer from Scotstons lies a big weir, called Scotstons weir, Underberg weir, or a creative paddler who shot it down the fast-paced fish chute christened it, "The Mineshaft"!. A great name that has stuck.

There is a one metre wide slide going down the front of the weir, roughly 40% from the left hand wall. Before shooting the weir for the first time, get out on the left hand bank - an easy take out - and check it out. After a big storm there are often trees that get lodged at the base of the chute, making it very dangerous.

This video was shot during the 2009 Drak Challenge, and shows the slalom gates that are often (but not always) there to show the exact entrance of the chute. In a full river, it is almost impossible to spot the entrance of the chute from the top. In a low river you can see the right hand side of the chute wall, which is slightly higher than the left.

As you approach the chute, look downriver to the right hand bank, where a big pile of rocks has been whitewashed. Aim for these rocks, and your line down the chute will be perfect.

Please be careful here. Going over this weir anywhere other than down the chute is extremely dangerous.