Feature: Freshwater kayaking around the world
For a truly adrenaline pumping holiday set amid some of the most beautiful sights on earth, nothing can beat kayaking. Not only do you exercise your muscles, the feeling of invigoration after high-tailing through rapids is incomparable. Otherwise the calming feeling when slowly paddling through serene waters surrounded by limestone cliffs is equally beautiful. But first some basics, a kayak is not a canoe. Granted, they are very similar, but there are a few key differences. Kayaks sit lower in the water and so have less drag, are smaller, and are generally not made out of metal. And as many kayaks are open top, newcomers to the sport can paddle away knowing they can swim away if capsised! Although this easy and accessible sport can be enjoyed by nearly anyone, we’ve compiled a mixed list of easygoing jaunts amid slightly more challenging trips. So sit back and get in the paddling mood as you read our guide to top tours around the world...
Alpine drama on the high rivers
Beginners rejoice! Undiscovered Alps offer a five day starter course which not only includes basic guidance for starting out, but finishes with some adrenaline fuelled white water paddling! Surrounded by rocky canyons and gorgeous pine forests, summer time in the southern French Alps boasts raging torrents of rivers due to melt water flowing down from higher snow covered peaks. Including seven nights’ accommodation and all safety equipment, the first day begins with lessons on how to control the craft on tranquil alpine lakes. The heat is stepped up as you try out your new skills along gentle river rapids and onto a slalom course to practise ferry gliding, breaking in and out, surfing, and maybe even mastering a few tricks! Later in the week you’ll probably feel confident enough to brave some slightly stronger rapids... The last day of the trip is left free giving you the opportunity to try mountain biking or rock climbing. Prices for the week start at £380.
Lime stone peaks at the end of the world
Fancy slowly cruising down through a tropical river at your own pace? Fancy passing mist shrouded lime peaks and abundant jungle? Good, because Laos has all this and more. The landlocked south-east Asian country may lack beaches, but more than makes up for it with its free-flowing river systems. Here the mighty Mekong passes through its heart, and crumbling French colonial architecture dots charming riverside towns. Green Tail Tours specialises in excursions in this part of the world, and have come up with a four day package in this laid-back land. Start off by paddling through the thick growth forest of the Nam Ha National Protected Area and finish the day at the teak village of Ban Nalan. Pass scenic thatched roofed abodes on the second day as the Nam Ha River widens, and cross mild but swift rapids until reaching your second village home stay. On the third day you’ll paddle through cultivated land before taking a trip on a long-tail boat on the fourth. Due to the pleasant Grade II rapids and gentle flowof the water, this scenic trip in the Orient is perfect for adventurous beginners.
Raging torrents through the dark heart
The Zambezi flows for over 2000 miles through East Africa’s heart before it empties into the Indian Ocean. Calm, raging, deep blue, and sometimes brown: this vast ecosystem cuts through vast canyons, spreads over fertile plains, and cascades over the largest waterfall in the world – Victoria Falls. For an action packed adventure including safari viewing and hands on cultural exchanges, Kayak the Zambezi offer a mammoth ten day trip through Zambia. After being greeted at Livingstone Airport you’ll spend the first day taking a sunset cruise through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Make sure to take your camera to snap the hippos and elephants lining the banks! You’ll pass gorgeous scenery and camp on freshwater beaches and on top of gorges over-looking the river. As well as visiting traditional villages you’ll even get to paddle in the boiling pot – a deep pool below Victoria Falls which few people get to see due to its inaccessibility ! Prices start from £910.
Whitewater madness in the high valley
Far from the bucket and spade tourist resorts south Turkey has become known for flows the dramatic Coruh River in the picturesque north east of the country. Away from the arid heat of the lowlands, the river flows through the alpine Kackar Mountain Range where wild flowers grow in abundance below snow-covered peaks. Let’s make something clear: this river epitomises the word ‘action’! More like a white water rollercoaster than a river, paddle through friendly villages and rage down one of the best whitewater runs in the world in the legendary Yusufeli Gorge. Prices start from £900 with Water by Nature.
So there we are, kayaking trips to take your breath away and exercise your heart! Check in with us next week when we plan to introduce you to sea kayaking.
