Kayaking from Bovec in the Soca Valley
One of our favorite experiences while in the Soca Valley was participating in a kayaking tour in Bovec! The scenery was beautiful, the pace was enjoyable, and the action was a fun mix into our vacation!
Continue reading to learn more about what to expect on a group kayak tour from Bovec!
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Is it Okay if I am a Beginner?
If you are going on a beginner’s group kayaking tour, I think it is absolutely okay if you are new to kayaking! The instructor for the group gave us a brief overview of how to kayak and what to do in the water. After that, they had us practice paddling around in the shallow water to ensure everyone was comfortable with the paddles. It wasn’t until then that we actually began the tour down the river.
Our guides stayed with us throughout the whole tour to make sure we stayed safe. So if you’re nervous, try to remind yourself that you’ll have a professional with you at all times!
How Difficult is Kayaking?
Of course, there are various difficulty levels to kayaking. The tour we signed up for was a group excursion marketed for beginners, but there are also white-water kayaking options out there as well! To put it simply, the difficulty of kayaking usually comes down to the water you’re paddling in. If it is rough water, it will take more coordination, strength, and skill to stay upright. If it is calm water, basic balance should keep you from toppling into the water.
The group tour we went on was good for all ages and experience levels. We had some people in our group who had never kayaked before, and some who kayaked often!
Kayaking in the soča valley
The river level was low on the day we went, therefore making the water a bit rougher than normal as rocks that would otherwise be fully submerged were popping out and creating a new current. Even still, there were maybe only three times throughout the excursion that we went through white water – and all of those times were mild. The photos still look cool though!
Even if you’re an experienced kayaker, the clear water and mountainous backdrop makes the experience unique and fun.
What Do I Need to Bring to Kayak?
For our group tour, we were provided with all necessary equipment to participate. It actually is probably easier to leave most of your belongings in your car or hotel than to bring them along, but there were lockers on-site to store things in as needed.
Our tour guides provided us with a wetsuit, helmet, life vest, kayak, and a paddle. They advise leaving the rest of your belongings behind to ensure you don’t lose anything. They brought along their own cameras though, and provided pictures of the group out for free!
What Do I Need to Wear to Kayak?
The best kayaking attire will depend on what season you participate during, but generally speaking we would recommend wearing athletic clothes or a bathing suit. Our tour company provided wetsuits that went over our clothing and kept us warm throughout our journey (we went in the autumn).
They also provided us with a helmet to wear in the event our kayaks flipped over, since there are rocks in the natural river. The wetsuit should keep your clothes dry, but if you’d like to play it safe you can always pack yourself a spare outfit to change into after the tour.
Keep in mind that if you choose to wear sunglasses or accessories, there is a high chance they may fall off in the river. It is usually advised to leave them behind.
Is Kayaking in the Soča Valley Worth It?
This one is easy – kayaking in the Soča Valley is absolutely worth it. While you’re giving a significant chunk of your day to the excursion, what better way to spend your day than this!? Kayaking down the river is a generally serene and entertaining way to see the valley up close. Weaving through the mountains and getting to feel the water, looking out around you and seeing nothing but nature, it really is the best way to spend your afternoon!
The kayaking tour down the river ranked as one of our favorite things to do while visiting Slovenia. Let us know how you enjoyed it in the comments below!
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About the Author: Hi, I’m Jill! I am a biomedical & mechanical engineer who loves traveling during my free time. My hope is to help make it easier for others to plan their dream trips by providing firsthand experience from the places I’ve been! Read More.
