Can anybody run a race with river rapids?

Outdistancing the wild stream of the Struma River, for example, could be the greatest adventure of your life.

The only asset required would be to be mad enough to dive into one of the most extreme water sports of the 21st century, rafting.

On April 8, a number of extreme sport clubs, including "Fast Waters", "A House for Books and Adventures", "Adventure net" and "X club" opened this year's official rafting season calendar in Bulgaria. The event was held along the Struma River in the Kresna Gorge region. It began with a demonstration of rafting by professional crews from the participating clubs. Afterwards, spectators and journalists, assisted by instructors, were invited to test their skills in the various boats. As an extra attraction for thrill seekers, there was a kayaking demonstration by professionals. In the evening, the guests joined the organising staff at an outdoor, to compare notes with people driven by their taste for extreme sports.

The stretch of river along the Struma that is suitable for rafting is about 10 to 12 km long, which adds up to about an hour and a half "boat time". Each raft can accommodate six people, along with the professional guide who sits in the stern and directs the crew. All equipment is provided by the organisers.

Rafting is available daily until June. The price per person for one run is 35 leva, which includes all equipment and a professional instructor. The meeting place is the Kresna Inn, next to the Paradise hotel-restaurant.Meanwhile, the Pirin 2006 alpine skiing event, part of the Free Mountains Cup challenge, is being held on April 14 and 15, amid the marvellous beauty of Bansko and the Pirin mountain. There are several routes to choose from, and again all equipment is provided by the organisers. The entry fee for participation is 30 leva.

 For further information, visit www.freemountains.com or www.fbac.net.