Whitewater Paradise South Tyrol

Raging water in narrow gorges, rapids, whirlpools and rocks, against which the floods break in a spray of foam – whitewater sports are truly not for the faint-hearted. However, the risk is manageable, and with the right equipment and suitable conditions, the adventure can be safely undertaken. In South Tyrol, there are not only wild streams, but also calmer waters where even beginners can easily manage.

Rafting is the fun version of whitewater sports. In a team in an inflatable boat over the raging water, it's pure action and fun. A relatively short briefing is usually sufficient because the rafting tours are always conducted under expert guidance and supervision. Rafting is even offered for children and families on the calmer routes. The guides know exactly which routes can be safely navigated at different water levels. The equipment is professional, and each participant wears a helmet and life jacket over the neoprene suit.

South Tyrol's rivers can also be navigated with a canoe. The most common types of canoes in this country are the so-called canoe, an open boat that usually accommodates several people, and the closed kayak for one or two people. With the agile kayak, one can venture into more challenging waters, but it requires a lot of experience and skill. In the small boat, one is ultimately on their own and must master the routes under their own power.

In South Tyrol, one can of course learn kayaking from professionals, as numerous schools offer courses for beginners and advanced paddlers. The sleek kayaks come from the far north, where the Inuit use them for hunting. Originally made of wood, bones, and animal skins, modern kayaks are now entirely made of plastic. One of the essential techniques to master in kayaking is the so-called Eskimo roll. With this, the paddler can turn the capsized boat back over without leaving it, which is enormously important in whitewater with all its whirlpools and currents.

South Tyrol offers whitewater sports enthusiasts a wide variety of different types of waters, so that everyone from beginners to professionals can find the ideal conditions here. The season runs from mid-April or early May to October. The two main rivers in South Tyrol, the Adige and the Eisack, are navigable over long distances at different levels of difficulty during this time, as are the Rienza in the Puster Valley and the Passer. The Ahr in the Ahrntal, the Gader, and the Mareiterbach are also ideal for whitewater sports.