If you are lucky to run one of the whitewater rivers of the former Soviet Union you certainly will see the most popular whitewater craft – paddle catamaran. These appeared in the 60’s and 70’s and led to the Russian whitewater revolution – exploration and running the most difficult and dangerous rivers in Siberia, Pamir, Tian Shan’, and Caucasus mountains. It also led to expansion of rafting to some remote, almost inaccessible rivers. Since their original appearance, the catamaran’s design went through dramatic evolution, which you… Read More
Author: Vlad
The following is an adapted section from Rivers of an Unknown Land: A Whitewater Guide to the Former Soviet Union. The author Vladimir Gavrilov will be leading a trip to these rivers in July of 2016. Rating: Class III-IV (some IV+) Boating season: July to September Put in: Town of Sofiysk Take out: Town of Urgal Put in elevation: Approximately 1600m (5248ft) Trip length: 323km (200mi) Route time: 15-17 days Logistics: From Moscow to Khabarovsk by plane, to Sofiysk by plane or train and truck. From… Read More