In an historic announcement, the Hellenic Canoe-Kayak Federation (HCKF) is the most recent national federation to join the IRF. The HCKF identified the IRF as being the only legitimate and globally recognised rafting federation to truly and honestly represent all rafting interests around the world. With HCKF having been recognised by the Minister of Sport to develop the sport of rafting since 2004, the recent growing interest in rafting amongst their 56 clubs and the IRF’s recent approval as a GAISF Observer prompted them to join the IRF family of rafting nations.
The HCKF plan to run their first National races this year during their National Slalom event, as a demonstration of what rafting is about. They also plan to send teams to IRF events this year, in particular the World Rafting Champs in China in August.
Greece has been a long time participant in the IRF’s Guide Training & Education program and we look forward to growth in this area as well.
HCKF are also looking at contacting non-sporting organisations to grow the interest of rafting as a sport, as well as for fun, plus using the sport for team building and encouraging water safety. They are also working on coaching/ trainer’s educational courses.
Their vision is to create the appropriate conditions for international participation for their athletes, and to safe guard the high level of rafting events in Greece.
Greece has a number of beautiful rivers to go rafting on. One of the clearest rivers in Europe, Voidomatis lies amidst a scenery of breathtaking beauty and is ideal for beginners, as the 5 km route presents no particular difficulties.
If you’re looking for something more challenging then try the Arachthos which is one of the most popular spots for river rafting. Entering into the narrow gorge of Arachthos, you will come across breathtaking scenery with vertical steep slopes reaching 700m. In the middle of the route, you have the opportunity to make a stop and walk to the Glyfki waterfall.
We look forward to welcoming Greece to our international events in 2020.
More info:
- HCKF’s home page – canoekayak.gr
- Rivers to raft in Greece
