Slovenian Whitewater

Day 1
Depart London in the evening.

Day 2
Arrive Ljubljana and transfer to Kobarid (approximately 2 hours), arriving in the very early hours. We will have an easy morning to recover from travelling including a full briefing on the week's activities. Then after lunch we head on to the river for a fun afternoon of tubing. Using large inflatable tyres we will float down the more gentle rapids or the Soca River. Using a paddle we will learn how to steer and control our speed through the aquamarine waters.

Day 3
Weather permitting, we will aim for a half-day of Canyoning to round off the week. The Susec canyon is the usual destination, and after donning the appropriate clothing (wetsuits and helmets), we hike up to the entry point. The first few drops are gentle and instruction is given as to how to descend. On one of the larger falls you will be lowered down with a rope. If the water level is too high in the canyons, or the forecast unpredictable, we will enjoy a further day of activities back on the river, with the group free to choose which to repeat.

Day 4
After breakfast we will head on to the river for rafting in 8-man vessels. Basic instruction is given at the beginning of the trip as to how to steer and propel the craft. Paddling is compulsory, as the raft must be moving in the water for the guide to be able to steer a course through the rapids. The first part of the course is mild and there is a stop on the riverbank and a chance for a swim. The second part then gets a little rougher and the rafting really starts. The run is usually 10 kilometres. In the afternoon we will try the new, exciting sport of 'Slacklining'. A test of nerves, courage, balance and coordination we will need to cross rope courses raised above the ground.

Day 5
You can relax on the hotel veranda, hire mountain bikes or try tandem paragliding. The early evening is often the best time for paragliding, and conditions allowing, we can arrange for a flight. There should also be more time for flying after the activities on later days, or on the morning of departure.

Day 6
You should now be well used to moving water and to reading the river, its dangers and its safe spots, and ready to take a longer trip on whitewater kayaks. As we progress downstream we will learn how to turn into the flow, how to pull out of the flow into eddies, and how to keep yourself upright in choppy water. Before each rapid we will pull to the bank and choose our line. The stretch of river we choose to tackle will depend on the water levels at the time and the guide's assessment of the group's progress in the training session.

Day 7
Our activity for this morning will be Hydrospeed. Hydrospeed is a river descent with a buoyancy device (rather like a body board): you have flippers (fins) on our feet, a lifejacket and helmet. Kick with your feet and ride the waves and stoppers as you head downstream! In the afternoon we will enjoy a treasure hunt exploring the stunning surroundings of Kobarid.

Day 8
A free morning for last minute adrenaline (paragliding or mountain biking) or relaxation; return to Ljubljana; fly to London.