
Jaw Breaker rapid - so named after an unhappy jet boater who failed to in his attempt to get to the top and into a section of calm water. This rapid is generally reached on the third day into the trip. Despite its name , at most flows it is a simple straight forward bouncy rapid with a couple of holes that are easy to avoid. The kayakers all enjoy this rapid. The two sea kayaks look awesome as they lift and rear into the air before slamming down into the next wave.
Partway into Jaw Breaker. You can see how the river has worn smooth these boulders, showing that for the greater part of the year they are underwater. At this flow of about 25 cumecs, side rocks are exposed, easily seen and avoided. At flows of 50 cumecs and above Jaw Breaker has a large smooth central tongue leading to a series of pressure waves. At much higher flows, the tops of the waves break sufficiently to quickly swamp and fill a open Canadian Canoe. Click here for larger picture.

Below, Maggie casually picking a route down.


If you do go over and get stuck upside down, at least one kayaker recommends getting your face pressed firmly into your spray cover to avoid a good face bashing. Maggie can remember one year when the flow was very low, lining her Kevlar carbon sea kayak all the way down.
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Otago Canoe and Kayak Club

Stories
Clarence Trip 2004
Trip - Day Four - Jaw Breaker