A day on
the Inny.

Alex describes a river-left wave beneath a tree, with central rocks making useful eddies at low water. A river-right eddy offers a place to work on breaking in and out. Upstream eddy-hopping on the right can be an exercise for advanced beginners with suitable supervision. Inspect the tree and any trapped branches before considering that left-hand wave.

At different levels Low water exposes the central rocks. Eddy shape and the wave change with flow; the tree is a hazard to assess, not a target to approach.

Two rocks upstream offer eddies, followed by a surf wave at a rock left of centre. A large river-left eddy sits behind a rock and tree. Alex’s challenge here is to spot and catch around fifteen eddies, where conditions and the group allow. The exact count is less important than a deliberate entry and a clear exit.

At different levels The usable eddies depend on the day. Check the rock and tree margins, downstream recovery space and whether each intended move is appropriate.

On the approach, Alex describes a river-right eddy at the corner and a small standing wave on the left. The upper drop itself has a river-right stopper, a smaller central stopper and a left eddy line with space to pause. Assess both drops before committing; they sit close together.

At different levels Check the stoppers, available stopping places and the route into the lower drop. The approach wave is a descriptive landmark, not an assurance that either drop is suitable.

At the lower drop, Alex describes left or right lines and a right-hand play hole. Depending on level, that hole can offer direction changes, flat spins, pop-outs and cartwheels for appropriately skilled paddlers. Entry and exit can be challenging, and there are rocks to avoid.

At different levels Low water brings rocks and shallow landings. Scout the drop, retention and recovery options; a play move in these notes is not a recommendation at today’s level.

After a river-wide slide, the surf wave is usually on the right, or may extend across the river depending on level. A smaller hole on the left can offer flat spins and cartwheels. Eddies on both banks make this a popular play spot in Alex’s notes. Give paddlers space to leave a feature before joining it.

At different levels Wave width, hole behaviour and eddy access change with level. Inspect both the feature and the downstream run-out before choosing to play.

The next unnamed rapid spans the river and is usually paddled through in Alex’s experience. Keep the group connected and continue looking for obstructions and usable eddies. “Usually” is doing some work in that sentence.

At different levels No specific play feature or preferred line is recorded here. Read the water in front of you rather than following an assumed route.

Most of the flow runs to river right, with an eddy in the middle. At some levels, a wave forms in the chute or a stopper appears centrally. Ballymahon Bridge marks the end of this sequence; agree and check your actual landing and access before setting off.

At different levels The occasional wave or stopper is level-dependent. Check the central feature and your exit from the bank; the bridge label is not a marked take-out.