Hurley Weir
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Hurley Weir is an area used for freestyle kayaking in the United Kingdom. Hurley is located in the South East of England, near to the town of Marlow, and just downstream from Henley-on-Thames.
Hurley is the centre of a very active paddling scene in the Southeast of England, and attracts paddlers from a considerable distance, which can lead to long queues at weekends. Hurley also hosts an annual rodeo competition, the Hurley Classic.
Access
The weir can be accessed via the free car park, which is at the end of Hurley high street. Two paths, one on either side of the car park lead to the river. As of the 25th May 2006, both access points are open again after building works were completed.
Gates
The weir consists of 4 main gates which are opened according to the river levels:
1 Gate. Medium sized wave, normally on weir river right. Best for longer, faster boats.
2 Gates. Big wave accompanied by a large hole.
3 Gates. Optimum level. When the 3 gates opened on river left, classic conditions apply: a big central wave with two holes either side. Doesn't normally stay on 3 for long, and during peak periods you can expect queues of 40+ people.
4 Gates. A powerful set of linked holes. The furthest hole away from the eddy sometimes referred to as "The Dark Side", as it is the strongest of the holes. Still relatively safe, but retentive at certain levels. Capsizing normally always results in a flush.
4 Gates + . Furthest hole away from the eddy becomes stronger, but still safe. In flood can start to wash out, but still be usable.
Water levels
For the weir to work, it generally needs to be late autumn, winter or early spring. Hurley is known to work during the summer, but for short periods of time. 9 months is the average consistent period of use. The 2005/2006 winter season, however, has been a comparatively bad year with the weir languishing on 1 or no gates for a significant period of time.
During the winter, a vague rule of thumb is 10 mm of rain is needed to open a gate. In the summer 15 mm maybe required, persistent rain is needed to keep levels up, due to ground levels of water being a lot lower.
Looking downstream
More Information
For more information see [thamesweirproject], which will have up to date level information and an active message board.
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