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The river gurgles and bubbles as it races past us on the riverbank. Froth churns as it bounces and whirls over rocks and pebbles in the shallows. I try to concentrate as our guide provides instructions, but the butterflies in my stomach make it an impossible challenge. Although excited at the prospect of a new adventure, the fast flowing water makes me wonder if I have gone too far in my adrenalin hunt. The stunning turquoise waters of the Soča River prove too tempting to resist however. Its lime green waters beckon us with the promise of adventure during our white water kayaking on the Soča River
Our first white water kayaking on the Soča River
We clamber into the kayaks to do a few test paddles by the shore. The force of the river is immediately evident as I paddle furiously upriver. Satisfied, our guide invites us to follow him into the flow where rapids push us swiftly downriver.
Into the Rapids
We barely have time to admire stunning views of sheer cliffs and dense emerald forest shrouded in mist. Our first rapid appears almost immediately. Swirling eddies of water froth over the front of my kayak as we bounce through the rapids like a roller coaster log flume. We paddle vigorously and maneouvre unscathed through the rapids.
Serene Drifts and Dramatic Scenery
Between rapids we drift serenely and take in the dramatic scenery. From the lime green of the river to the grey of the sharp mountains of the Triglav National Park, the valley is a feast for the eyes. Indeed, the scenery is so beautiful that you may recognise it from scenes in the film The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian.
A Sudden Splash
As we pass through one rapid, I hear a shout and turn around to discover Jason has been tossed into the frothing waters. Gili paddles to help hoist him back onto the kayak. I desperately paddle to less flowing waters to lay in wait.
Thankfully, due to high water levels, we have our guide, Gili, to ourselves today. Usually you can expect to kayak in groups of 6 to 8 kayakers but safety is paramount and plays to our fortune.
The Thrill of the Ride
The tour passes through around 6 miles of river and switches between bubbling waters and faster exciting rapids. As we approach a challenging rapid, my kayak slams into the waves and wave after wave roll over the kayak as I fight to keep heading in the right direction. It’s thrilling and fear inducing at the same time but I breathe a sigh of relief when I make it through.
All too soon, we spot a beach which is a hive of activity. Happy rafters splash in the water while the guides load the vans with rafts and kayaks. We paddle reluctantly to the shore, revelling in the high of our first white water kayaking tour.
Things you need to know for white water kayaking on the Soča River
If you are keen to explore the white waters of the Soča River, here are a few things you need to know.
Why you should kayak the Soča River
The Soča River comes to life high in the Julian Alps. It winds 138 kilometers through western Slovenia and North Eastern Italy before it disgorges into the Adriatic Sea.
It cuts through picturesque valleys and gorges, surrounded by steep, forested mountains, making it one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. Not only will your white water kayaking tour be an exhilarating adventure but you will enjoy unspoiled views of spectacular scenery.
The river attracts global white water enthusiasts. More challenging rapids, higher in the valley are magnets for hardened kayakers. Meanwhile, conditions in the lower Soča are ideal for beginners and families. Whatever your level, you will be well catered for.
What to wear
The company provide everything you need for the trip other than your swimsuit. At the base in Bovec, they will kit you out with life jackets, helmets, wetsuits, waterproof boots and overjackets.
If you have a GoPro, you can also ask for a special helmet with a pre-fitted mount.
Where to go
We booked our trip with Sport Mix through Get Your Guide and paid £111.12 for two. You can book your own adventure (rafting or kayaking) here.
The meeting point is at the Sport Mix office in the centre of Bovec. Just look for the two red flags in front of the office but be sure to allow extra time to find parking. Bovec is a small mountain village and there is no parking at the office. Parking is available next to the Mercator in the center of town and they charge a €3 per hour but the first 1 hour is free.
Conclusion
The Soča River, with its emerald-green waters and dramatic alpine scenery, offers an exhilarating and scenic white water kayaking adventure. Whether you are a seasoned kayaker or an absolute beginner, the Soča provides an experience that combines the thrill of the rapids with the beauty of nature. So, if you want an unforgettable adventure, grab your paddle and head to the Soča River in Slovenia.
