Rafting on Soca River in 2019
Soča is a river, located in the Alpine side of Slovenia - in Soča valley. This emerald stream has an important impact on all inhabitancies of Soča valley. Its unique colour and vivid rapids brings a lot of European, and even world kayakers to the valley, and also less experienced tourists, that just want to enjoy floating down stream with such a beautiful view.
Soča, as any other alpine river, gets most its water from snow, melting in the spring and same occasional showers. That is why stream of Soča river is constantly changing from one season to another. In spring there is usually high water level, perfect for experienced kayakers, then the river is losing its power until it reach its minimum during summer, and the usual autumn rains give her back its power.
This year the nature prepared a special surprise for us – we got a nice amount of snow in the mountains in the end of May, which lasted on some shady places almost till the end of June. In rafting turns that means more fun on high water level.
The official season starts on Soča river in the middle of March. This is the perfect beginning of kayaking season. Water level is usually intermediate and the river is not occupied yet with rafts, full of tourists. This is also a nice period for rafting and kayaking guides to blow off some steam on the water, before season really kicks in. I am a rafting guide in the season, but love to take advantage of almost empty river and do some kayaking in this time of the year.
This year due to late snow we had constant high level of water for a longer period – even when we start to share our pearl with other tourists. Even for rafting this water level is perfect, because you can choose which part of the river you will paddle and you can adjust your trip to client wishes and abilities. You can choose to paddle class 3 section Boka – Trnovo ob Soči, where the river is more vertical, which makes it faster and more adventures. Or, if your clients come on rafting more for the experience and scenery than adventure, then you take them to the upper section of Soča, where river is flat, but because of high water level still quite fast and interesting.
With summer coming, Soča’s water level dropped to its normal and rafting is now suitable for everyone – from families that want to share this amazing experience with their children to tourists that are in our valley on search for adventure.
Erik Sturm grew in in the Soca Valley and has been working as a raft guide since he was 15 years old. Click here to see his Peak UK team profile.
Images: Galtierre Bueno
