What are the rules on portaging and compulsory paddling?

Compulsory paddling (rule 1.14): where the rules say a section is "compulsory paddling", you must be in the water. You may paddle up to an obstacle and portage around it, but you must put back in immediately below it. You may not shorten the course by portaging.

General portage rules:

• For safety, weirs, rapids and obstacles may be portaged on either side (rule 1.10).
• Carry or drag your boat on portages. You may not fit skegs, wheels or anything similar to help drag it (rule 8.5).
• Finish the race in the same boat, and in a crew boat with the same partner, unless the substitution rule is invoked (rule 8.1).
• Boats may only be repaired in the designated boat repair area at Msinsi Resort, Inanda Dam. There are no repair facilities in the valley, but boats may be taken out of the valley for repair (rules 8.2 to 8.4).

Key 2026 portage rules by day:

• Day 1: compulsory portage from Bishopstowe Hall to the Campbells put-in, crossing Campbells Bridge to put in on the right bank. Compulsory portage over Guinea Fowl to Geoff's Road. Compulsory paddling from Geoff's Road to Dusi Bridge, except the Cabbage Tree portage, and compulsory paddling around Finger Neck.
• Day 2: Dusi Bridge Weir must be portaged. There is an optional portage within 200 m of the river from Confluence to Gauging Weir. Ngumeni portage is compulsory, using only existing paths or the road, with no new paths cut. Compulsory paddling to the finish, except Thombi and Hippo rapids.
• Day 3: compulsory paddling to the dam wall, then a compulsory portage on the left bank to the bridge. After that, compulsory paddling to the finish at Blue Lagoon, though the Pump House Weirs may be portaged, and major rapids may be portaged for safety in high water.

Water safety marshals won't tell you which line to take, but you must obey their safety instructions without question.