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| Falls
of Lora |
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| The
falls of lora is a tidal feature - the largest sea falls in
Europe. It is located where Loch Etive flows into the
sea over a series of rock ledges near the Connel road bridge
(on the A828).The falls form on the out flowing tide producing
a series of large waves and eddy lines. This occurs as the water
built up during high tide in Loch Etive flows back out to sea.
As the tide changes so does the form and shape of the falls.
However unlike the Bitches any change is gradual. Being tidal does mean that the falls are not always running. Tide times for Oban can be found here which will help you decide if and when to travel. Everything is obviously dependent on prevailing conditions. The Falls are split into three main waves, the "Forever Wave", the "Ultimate Wave" and the "Main Wave". The Falls start to run about four hours after the high tide if there is a height difference of 3m between the low and high tide. To get these levels the tide really needs to be a Spring tide. As the falls form the Main hole will appear first followed by the Forever wave and finally by the Ultimate wave. They dissipate in reverse order. To catch the Forever wave you'll need to "bunny it". Simply line up in front of it facing upstream and paddle hard. If you miss it or get washed off you'll have to carry back up and try again. Directly down flow from the Forever wave is the Ultimate wave. This can be caught by paddling hard as you can as you get swept down stream or by catching it from the eddy/slack flow river left. Spins, blunts, cleans and ends can be pulled in either direction. This is the wave featured in the PeakUK video "id10t". The Main wave lies just below the bridge pile and is essentially a large stopper rather than a wave. It can therefore give you a bit of a beating if caught on a bad day. Much like Hurley on 3 or 4 the main wave has a nasty wave train and eddy line directly behind. If you were to bail it will be nasty. Make sure your roll on both sides is strong and make sure you are paddling with some one who can pull you out of a tight spot. Locally there are a number of hotels, B&B's and campsites. The town of Oban is only around 5 miles away with an array of restaurants, bars, and the odd club. Even if the falls aren't running the scenery is spectacular and many other paddling opportunities lie close at hand. |
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