Pyranha Team Tour – On a mission – Slovenia
It was an exiting time driving across Europe destined for the emerald valley of the Soča. Our mission was to meet our local dealer and friend at Positive Sport, Blaž Lunik, paddle the river and help him arrange the Soča river festival. Blaž runs a kayaking, rafting and biking operation from Kobarid, located close to the commercial take out of the river.
View of Kobarid
As soon as we arrived, we caught a glimpse of the Bombay gin coloured waters of the river, levels were perfect for our mission.
Ariel bliss
On board the team van we had myself, Captain Cookie, David Bain and Barney Prees. What I truly love about travelling in Europe is that there is never a shortage of familiar faces. It is always a delight to meet up with friends in these types of places to share memorable experiences on such beautiful rivers. Greer Mac and Jana Joressen joined us for the week and was a nice surprise to bump into James Weir and Rob Hind during the festival.
David being artistic
After a few days paddling, filming and getting the most from the area, it was time to head to the racecourse and set up shop. During most of Saturday we took it in turns to run the syphon canyon with the local paddlers. This section has class 4 lines with class 6 consequences if deviated from the beaten path. Best to get advice from the local guys or take time to scout the rapids. The whole canyon is just 1.5 km. After the canyon you are back into one of the most beautiful multi fun move sections in Europe until you meet the classic high stone bridge just before the take out. After this bridge the river becomes slow moving class 1.
Day time Kobarid
Our festival race took place a few hundred metres above the iconic stone bridge marking the white water take out. A ramp was constructed that sent the kayakers plunging into the turquoise waters having then to negotiate inflatables and banners before a quick dash to the finish line. The race is always held in the evening for maximum effect. This year we decided to light up the ramp with some fire breathing that went down a treat for the crowd.
Cookie cruising with Greer Mac and the team
Cookie adding some heat to the race
The prize giving and ceremony was the best we have seen yet. In previous years, it was rained off but this year the weather was perfect and fuelled by Limerick University, it was a pumping party until the early hours. A huge thank you has to go to our local Pyranha dealer Blaž Lužnik and his crew from Positive Sport for organising the event on such a beautiful section of river.
Event prize giving
Tel: +38640654475 Email:info@positive-sport.com – video link http://vimeo.com/98168762
Skype: positive.sport
