Bansko, Bulgaria is set to make rafting history in just a few days as it hosts the inaugural IRF European Rafting Championship. From June 23–29, 2025, elite teams from European nations—including Bosnia & Herzegovina, the UK, Romania, Latvia and home teams from Bulgaria —will battle it out on the Struma River in the dramatic Kresna Gorge.
Key Highlights
• Opening & Training
Training kicks off on June 23, with a grand opening ceremony in Bansko’s town centre on June 24.
• Disciplines & Courses
Athletes will face a full programme of sprint, slalom, head to head (H2H), and the thrilling downriver events. Expect over 20 challenging rapids, showcasing iconic sections like the renowned 400 m Kazan rapid and a 300 m slalom course.
• Competitors
The championship features strong national teams, competing in multiple categories, promising fierce European rivalries.
• Organisers & Support
The event is co-created by the Bulgarian Rafting Federation and Bansko Town Hall, with backing from the Ministry of Youth & Sports, and the municipalities of Kresna and Simitli.
Beyond the Rapids
Complementing intense competition, organisers have lined up a vibrant cultural programme featuring live music, folklore performances, exhibitions, and a variety of local culinary experiences. It’s shaping up to be a weeklong celebration of sport and Bulgarian tradition.
Why Kresna Gorge?
The Struma River, coursing through the stunning Kresna Gorge, showcases a diverse range of Class II–III rapids, making it equally thrilling for competitors and accessible to spectators. Its majestic cliffs and unique ecosystems also underscore the environmental significance of the venue—a standout in Southeast Europe’s rafting scene.
Why This Matters
• It marks the first time Bulgaria hosts the official European Championship, showcasing its rising stature in international rafting.
• The IRF oversees the event using IRF Race Rules, ensuring global standards across raft sprint, slalom, H2H, and downriver disciplines.
• The Struma River, recently used as part of the newly unified IRF–WRF European Cup series, joins a prestigious continental circuit alongside events in Omiš, Pau, Banja Luka, Prague, and more.
Join the Excitement!
Whether you’re a rafting enthusiast or cultural explorer, the IRF European Rafting Championship in Bulgaria promises adrenaline filled action, scenic beauty, and festive local hospitality. Keep up-to-date with the latest information and event schedules on the International Rafting Federation and Bulgarian Rafting Federation websites.
Get ready to cheer them on—and don’t miss this groundbreaking moment in Bulgaria’s rafting legacy!
