The International Rafting Federation would like to extend a warm welcome to the Rafting Sports Association of Pakistan (RSA) as a new member.

Pakistan has many amazing rivers and there is plenty of potential to promote rafting in Pakistan especially on the Sindh, Jehlum, Neelum and Kunhar Rivers. Right now only one river is being used by the companies for rafting and that is River Kunha River, but soon there will be rafting on the Sindh as well.

Although commercial rafting has been done there since 2008, rafting has only recently seen a spike in growth. Due to the lack of river and guiding experience in the region the RSA have set a rafting code of practice for recreational rafting on the rivers in the country, and the local government authorities have recognised the RSA as the institute for training of the rafting crew for all companies/clubs who wish to organise river rafting trips for the public or train for raft racing.

“With rafting starting to grow so quickly now in Pakistan it is essential for the companies and guides to be properly qualified and trained. The IRF Guide Training & Education (GTE) system is the only one recognised world wide and is of a very high standard and so we look forward to getting our guides certified by them. So this is what we are working towards.” said Nadeem Akhtar of the RSA.

Pakistan also hope to be able to take part in the World Rafting Championships which the IRF hold annually.

“I am excited about the opportunity to be a part of the IRF in order to promote rafting as an Olympic sport in Pakistan.”

We in turn look forward to seeing Pakistan at one of our World Championships and to learn more about rafting the rivers in their country.