There’s one very simple answer to this question – the Çoruh. It’s fast and furious, but one of the gems of Eastern Europe for sure. On our ‘Paddling Playground’ trips you’ll get the chance to paddle the very best sections of the Çoruh as well as sampling the delights that the Barhal River has to offer too. This year is going to be very special in Turkey as it’s the last time that certain sections of the Çoruh will be free flowing due to the dam at Ispir nearing completion, so we’re planning on going out with a bang! Our rafting trips are almost all booked up now, and it would be great to know that we were able to share these beauties with as many kayakers as possible too. You’ll paddle the famous Yusefeli and Ispir Gorges, and throughout the trip find great play holes, surf waves and more white water than you can shake a stick at! A trip to Turkey isn’t all about the river though, there’s so much else to explore! Istanbul is a fascinating city, young and vibrant yet full of history, it’s definitely worth a stop over on your way through to Erzurum. All … Continue reading
LAST YEAR To Raft The Coruh River in Turkey
The Coruh River in Turkey has a reputation for being one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the world, a reputation it fully deserves if you decide to visit in May or June when the water is high. 2011 is the last year it will be possible to run this spectacular river, due to the imminent construction of a dam near the town of Ispir on the upper reaches of the river. The Coruh offers unrivaled whitewater from Ispir to Yusefeli. You’ll have magnificent views of Byzantine and Georgian Castles on the way down the river and be treated to spectacular hospitality from the Turks. A trip down the Coruh offers spectacular camping locations, as well as traditional hospitality in Pensions such as Cemils Pension in Tekkale. The Coruh River will give you a continuous roller coaster ride and the highlight is Yusefeli Gorge, where the Barhal River joins the Coruh. Here you’ll be treated to world class rapids such as “Donalds Beanery, Sculptured Rock, King Kong and Jd’s” to name just a few. Take the stunning drive to Erzurum through the Tortem Gorge and relax in a hammam at the end of the trip before you fly home. … Continue reading
The Grand Canyon, Colorado River 2009 – An Aussie Perspective
Read this personal account of Australian client, Holli on her recent trip down the Grand Canyon with Water By Nature. It recounts her experiences, the hikes, fun and rapids they ran on this 14 day 226 mile journey. Continue reading
A Last Chance River Rafting Classic – Turkey
Whitewater rafters and kayakers around the world agree and disagree on what rivers are the best in the world. Few will argue though that the Coruh River in far North Eastern Turkey is up there in most people’s “Top 5.” The Rafting trip starts in Maden with a relatively easy day and getting to grips with your raft and your team members. From Ispir, the gorge narrows and you will be treated to 60 miles of continuous whitewater like an endless rollercoaster. The landscape is like something out of Arizona, although at times on the river, you will see the mountanous peaks of the Kackar Ranges in the distance. Ancient Byzantine and Georgian castles dot the hillside giving visitors an incredible insight into this area of the world. The Coruh River is a technical big volume creek. The best time to visit if you are whitewater rafting is from the middle of May until early June when the snowmelt is at it’s peak, the weather is warm and the river is at its peak flows. The river drops from early June making it a superb time for kayakers to visit. Surf waves and holes open up for a paddling playground. … Continue reading
