Adventure on the Soča and Isel

Hessian Youth Whitewater Week

When I think back to the last few weeks, I get goosebumps all over again. First we were with our club on the Soča in the Julian Alps in Slovenia.

Right on arrival the mood was great, but also everything was so new and unfamiliar. The mountains all around, the rushing of the Soča – I knew at once: these are going to be 2 special weeks.

After so many new impressions and further progress over the following days, I already felt really confident in the boat and almost like a pro.

The Hessian Youth Whitewater Week was then in Lienz. There the adventure continued – full of action, new people and lots of nature too. We then paddled on the rivers Isel and Drau.

On the first day there was an introduction to the whitewater world for everyone. Some were already very experienced, but some were still really new. Various coaches from all over Hesse showed us how to behave in the kayak, what's important at rapids, drops, eddies and edging into the current, and how to rescue yourself. For me, not all of it was new any more, but the different coaches also explain it a bit differently, and some things I hadn't quite understood before were shown to me in another way. That was good.

The next days were packed with exciting tours. We paddled various sections of the Isel and the Drau – from calm to really wild. Particularly thrilling was the run through the rapids at Ainet. My heart was pounding like crazy, but when I arrived at the bottom I was simply proud.

In the evenings there were campfires, games, shared meals prepared by our great kitchen team and lots of fun. I made new friends with whom I'm already making plans for the next camp. The team leaders weren't only super helpful but also made sure that we grew together well as a group.

A real highlight was the night hike with a head torch through the forest – over suspension bridges and along the river. That was magical and a little spooky, but totally cool.

On the last day we were allowed to show what we'd learned. I can now paddle confidently, know how to behave in whitewater and have learned to push beyond my limits – and to have real fun doing it.

The whitewater week in Lienz was a fantastic experience for me. I not only got better in the kayak but also met wonderful people and grew beyond myself. I hope I'm allowed to come along again next year!

Leo