CANOEING IN SLOVENIA AND AUSTRIA

Course Description

Let's embark on an exciting canoeing journey on the following rivers:

The Sava Dolinka River is located in Slovenia and is known for its exciting rapids rated WW 1-2, making it a popular destination for beginner kayakers and rafters. The river flows through a stunning mountainous landscape, and the area is also home to the Vintgar Gorge, a 1,600 meter-long and 100-meter high canyon with a series of wooden walkways and bridges, offering an unforgettable hiking experience.

Another Slovenian river, the Sava Bohinjka, offers a scenic and varied kayaking experience, flowing from Lake Bohinj through narrow canyons and rocky sections before reaching the Slovenian countryside. The river is rated WW 1-2, making it suitable for those with some experience but also accessible for beginners.

The Drava River flows through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Hungary, and is a popular destination for kayaking and rafting. The river is known for its stunning scenery, which includes alpine forests, vineyards, and castles. The Drava River offers a range of difficulty levels for kayakers and rafters, from WW 1 to 4, making it a suitable destination for all skill levels.

The Möll River is located in Austria and is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in the country. It flows through a picturesque valley and offers exciting rapids with ratings from WW 2-3, making it a popular destination for intermediate and advanced kayakers and rafters.

Itinerary (subject to change)

On Monday, September 18th, the day of departure from Prague, the participants will be filled with excitement and anticipation as they embark on a thrilling adventure to Slovenia. The journey will take approximately 10 hours, arriving at the Šobec campsite near Lake Bled in the early evening. As soon as we settle in, the group will have some free time to explore the beautiful surroundings and take in the fresh mountain air.

The next day, Tuesday, September 19th, after a hearty breakfast, the group will have the opportunity to experience the thrill of white water rafting on the Sava Dolinka River, rated at a difficulty level of WW 1-2. The river will take the group through beautiful Slovenian countryside, surrounded by mountains and breathtaking scenery. In the afternoon, the group will visit the stunning Vintgar Gorge, which is 1600 meters long and 100 meters high. The group will walk across wooden bridges and paths, admiring the natural beauty that surrounds them. In the evening, the group will return to the campsite for some free time.

On Wednesday, September 20th, after breakfast, the group will tackle the Sava Bohinjka River, starting from the breathtaking Lake Bohinj, surrounded by the Julian Alps. This river is rated at WW 1-2 and will provide the group with a variety of rapids and crystal-clear water. In the afternoon, the group will travel to the Obervellach campsite for two nights. In the evening, the group will have the opportunity to go on a guided hike to the Launsberghütte mountain hut and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding area.

On Thursday, September 21st, after breakfast, the group will embark on a leisurely paddle down the Drava River, taking in the stunning scenery of the valley. On the way back to the campsite, the group will stop to explore the Raggaschlucht Gorge, walking across wooden bridges and paths above the rushing water.

Finally, on Friday, September 22nd, after breakfast, the group will experience one last exhilarating adventure, white water rafting on the Möll River, rated at a difficulty level of WW 2-3. This will be the perfect ending to an unforgettable trip filled with excitement, adventure, and beautiful scenery. The group will then depart from the campsite at 1:00 pm and arrive back in Prague at approximately midnight.

IMPORTANT!

We will be sleeping in cottages in a campsite Obervellach - you will need to bring your own sleeping bag and mat, EUR coins for showers and some money for snacks (there is a grocery store in the campsite). All equipment including wet suit, life jacket, helmet etc. will be provided.

Learning Goals

Based on the trip described above, the participants can achieve several goals, including developing their outdoor and survival skills, improving their teamwork and communication abilities, enhancing their physical fitness and endurance, and experiencing new cultures and environments. Specifically, the trip can help participants learn how to navigate and survive in the wilderness, improve their ability to work effectively with others, develop their paddling skills, and appreciate the natural beauty and diversity of the Austrian landscape. Additionally, the trip can offer opportunities for personal growth, including building confidence, resilience, and a sense of accomplishment. Overall, the participants can gain valuable skills and experiences that can benefit them in various aspects of their personal and professional lives.

ISP Mission Links

Inspiring learners for life.  This could become a life-long skill.

Healthy, fulfilling and purposeful.  Exploring the nature via sports requires a healthy mind and body, is personally and professionally fulfilling,  and with the goal of both enjoying, learning about,  and preserving the natural environment.

Work Cooperatively and Independently.  Canoeing by its’ nature absolutely requires cooperation and support of each other.  No one ever canoes alone.   

An authentic global education within a nurturing student-centered environment.  This is a hands-on approach to learning.  Students are required to engage with the instructors, ask questions to fully understand their roles, to work in a controlled environment with the stated purpose of becoming proficient in canoeing and finishing all the tricky sections of the river.