River Trent Weirs Guide

The River Trent is home to one of the finest whitewater courses in the world, with world class features such as the Inlet Gate, and home to the 2022 Freestyle World Championships. But what happens when the river rises and the whitewater course closes? Unfortunately with the effects of climate change and more unpredictable weather this is happening more and more frequently, but all is not lost! The River Trent Weirs offer some of the best waves in the country at higher river levels.

Is HPP Open is a fantastic resource that can keep you up to date on the river levels and HPP closures. All river levels are measured against the Colwick Gauge and can depend slightly on whether the river is rising or falling. The Colwick gauge is used to predict which of the River Trent weirs below are running.

Disclaimer

High water levels, weirs, and white water all come with a range of additional hazards that could lead to serious injury or death. The information below is not to be used in place of appropriate training. A high level of competence and experience is needed in order to paddle on these waves. Always ensure you risk assess these features against your own ability. Also assess the skills and training of the people you paddle with. If you are in any doubt, do not paddle, or seek professional guidance.

Newark Weir, River Trent

30 Miles downstream of Holme Pierrepont, the picturesque market town of Newark-On-Trent is home to two huge sloping weirs. At the right levels these can form a fast, shallow, wave that is great for all day soul surfing and spinning. Both weirs can offer up fun at different levels, but at certain levels a massive walled-in stopper can form, so always check before you get on.

Level: 1.6-2.4

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/epGCCiwBLWP45CJEA

Park in the car park just over the bridge and slide down the weir face for a bit of extra excitement.

David Rogers on Newark Weir

Trent Lock, Thrumpton

Trent Lock can offer up anything from a smooth green wave, to a steep wave where any move goes. Eddy service and the imposing Ratcliffe Power Station make this an awesome place to paddle. Higher levels above 3.2 are usually better for freestyle, with the wave greening out at lower levels.

The Trent Lock pub usually has a log fire, and an excellent selection of food and drink to keep you going in between sessions.

Level: 2.7-3.8

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LP1VpzM6XfJSmNbK9

Park in the car park near the Trent Lock pub. Paddle downstream under the railway bridge to find the weir. Paddle downstream from the weir and paddle/walk back up the canal on river left.

Image by Jack Ledwith

Paddler: Jack Ledwith Image: David Rogers

Sawley Weir, River Trent

A near mythical wave to some people, only showing itself when the Trent is in flood. Once it hits 4m a perfect, smooth, river wide wave forms, perfect for slalom, surf, or other long boats. All day surfs with as many people you can fit on the wave are the name of the game.

Above 4.6m a foam pile starts to form and the wave steepens up. Freestyle boaters will have the time of their life with every move possible on this perfect wave.

Watch out for the trees and keep an eye out for debris floating down.

Level: 4m+

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nR3CYgJc5jNk5JZQA

Park in the Sawley Marina car park, then walk down the canal to the weir.

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