Rafting has become the latest fashion in Bulgaria, especially since the sport was given a boost by Prime Minister Sergei Stanishev who recently took a ride on the Strouma river that flows from Bulgaria into Greece along the picturesque Sofia-Kulata road.

Several rivers are suitable for rafting in Bulgaria but, thanks to Stanishev’s stunt, the one on Strouma has now become the most popular venue. However, the season for rafting is pretty much over because the water level in summer is low. So rafting fans must now wait either for the autumn or next spring to indulge their passion.

The first images that spring to mind when one thinks of rafting are waves, rocks, splashing waters, extreme conditions and strenuous physical effort. Rafting actually might seem dangerous to some people, especially when there is the option of deliberately capsizing “for just a little bit more fun” as the guide said.

But you needn’t worry because, inevitably, a crew member will object to the "fun" idea, ensuring the trip’s total safety. Once bookings are made, rafting fans gather on a small lawn next to the river that serves as the starting point. They are then provided with the necessary equipment, meaning helmets and vests. Dressing up is as much fun as the ride itself, accompanied by many photo opportunities. This might irritate the guides to some extent but, judging by their reaction, it’s certainly not the first time they’ve witnessed it. 

Next step is loading the daredevils into the vans that transport the boats. This creates the feeling of starting something special, as if one is entering a space shuttle. Fully equipped, the boat crews are then taken up the river to prepare for the start.

Next is the time for instructions. This is where all those wise and important questions can be asked: “Will I have to row and how? Won’t the boat capsize? How will I keep myself from falling overboard? Will I drown? What do I do if I can’t swim?” The guides address all these questions carefully and also instruct you on how to behave on the boat and what commands should be followed. After five minutes of ‘"dry" routines, each crew is asked to carry their boat to the river.

Boats usually have a crew of four or six people. The heavier crew members are at the front to preserve balance. At the end this pays off in an interesting way. Each boat has a guide to keep the situation under control. The first thing that crews are told is how to row in unison. After 10 minutes, however, it becomes obvious that this is not as easy as it seems. Back to the fun part. When the air temperature hits about 30 degrees and the water temperature is 25 degrees there is nothing more exciting than splashing around and teasing other boats.

The first curve is the big test. However, guided by the professional sitting at the back and shouting commands, it’s practically impossible for something bad to happen. Rowers are attached securely to the boat by their feet, so falling overboard is very unlikely unless it’s intentional. This feeling of security allows rowers to enjoy the scenery and emotions engendered by the trip.  

The guides certainly know this and make two stops along the river. The first one is for those brave enough to make a jump off a cliff hanging about six metres above the river, which certainly makes adrenaline levels soar.

The area is completely secured with at least two guides watching for any problems and ready to give you a hand after the fall (jump). A less exciting option is the second stop where crews have about 20 minutes to swim around the boat. Floating on the river in a vest that prevents you from sinking is a particularly joyful experience that makes the 90 minutes spent on the river pass by really quickly.

At the finishing line all that remains is to carry back the boats to the starting point. Here, you will find that the whole experience has been captured by a photographer who took pictures along the river. The photographs cost five leva, raising the total cost of the ride to 45 leva per person. So sitting at the front of the boat definitely pays off because you are seen on all the pictures.

Details about rafting on Strouma can be found at www.imageintravel.com