Whitewater on the Saalach

From 18 to 21 May 2023, the kayak section of the FRVS club organised a whitewater training. The trip was, as has often happened before, on the river Saalach, near Lofer. In the picturesque mountains on the border between Germany and Austria, the paddlers were able to try out various stretches that were demanding in different ways and gave pleasure to every level.

Both the youth, with their coaches Christian and Lars, and other club members and friends of the club took part in the trip. During the training, the already successfully used buddy principle came into play.

That means each young person was assigned an experienced companion and they paddled together as a team. That ensured the necessary safety. The water was unusually high, the current very strong, and therefore particular attention was called for.

Paddling safely doesn't mean there were no adventures: with boats drifting off, unintentional dips in the cool water and unscheduled rescue exercises, the buddies had enough to do. The experienced ones did good work as always, but the compliments go especially to Wolfi for his spectacular boat recoveries. Although it sounds like chaos, every paddler knows that getting wet is part of every trip.

Thanks to good planning on the coaches' part, all members of the group could test their limits and learn something new in the process. Despite the tiredness, fun wasn't forgone in the evenings either. At dusk there were home-cooked shared meals, a cheerful mood and exciting rounds of Werewolf under the club gazebo at the campsite.

The group could enjoy restful nights, even if there were unidentified snorers. Despite many suspects, the kayak section would happily paddle together again and would be glad if new paddlers join next year.

Boris and Nevena