Turkey Rafting

Turkey, with its rich natural resources and hundreds of rivers, provides great opportunities for water sports like rafting, canoeing and water-skiing, while always respecting the cultural, historical and environmental qualities of the country. The most famous is the River Coruh, renowned internationally as one of the fastest flowing in the world, and venue of the 4th World Watersports Championships in 1993 which saw 300 competitors from 28 countries.

Important Subjects
International Difficulty Class

The following list of classes categorises the level of skill required to raft or canoe:
* Class 1: Small easy passes
* Class 2: Easy passes, regular flow, small rocks and waves
* Class 3: Hard, regular large waves, limited visual range, small falls, must be studied
* Class 4: Very Hard, large waves , Waters with counter-currents, long and unpredictable passes, dangerous rocks, big falls, must be studied.
* Class 5: Extremely hard, high flow and current, dangerous rocks, steep slopes, continuous falls, limited passes in advance, generally impossible.
* Class 6: impassable.

Agencies
To participate in watersports at which professional supervision is necessary, trips must be organised through the an approved agency.

Equipment
Participants must wear shoes and life jackets while rafting, and it is recommended to wear headgear and goggles.

Artvin Çoruh River
The River Coruh cuts through the mountainous region of Artvin and reaches the Black Sea. Beginning at the Mescit Mountains (3225m), it flows for 466 km before reaching the Black Sea in Georgia, and is one of the fastest flowing rivers in the world. Every year, local and foreign watersports enthusiasts travel to the area for canoeing, rafting and trekking in the Kackar Mountains. The small towns and villages located along the river are historically interesting, and the whole area represents the combination of Eastern Anatolian and Black Sea cultures.

The best way to reach the summit at Kackar Mountains is via the village of Yaylalar, from where local guides and mules can be hired to carry personal belongings. The natural habitat of Coruh River remains undisturbed, and colonies of red vultures, which are threatened with extinction, live among the rocks by the riverside. The area surrounding the river is rich in wildlife, including grey bear, mountain goat with hooked horns, wild boar, wolf, jackal, fox, badger, water sable, rabbit, partridge, wild rooster, woodcock, wild duck, stock dove and golden oriole.

Courses
A trip down the River Coruh starts at Bayburt, passing through Ispir and Yusufeli and onwards to Artvin, a distance of approximately 260km in four different sections.

Bayburt - Ispir (0-106 km): The Dikmetas Bridge near Bayburt is an ideal starting point for this expedition, and has good areas for camping on either side of the river. Aslandede and Laleli are the pleasant campsites for the second camp.

With a class 2-3 water, the trip from Bayburt to Ispir can be completed within three days on average. Approximately 3 km before arriving at Ispir, the left bank has a good place for camping. The nearby gas station and the shops in Ispir are useful for stocking up on supplies.

Ispir - Camlikaya (106-134 km): After leaving Ispir by road, there are rapids at 3km, 6.6km, 7.4km, and 8km. The small hut on the left side of the road before the Camlikaya junction 28km, makes a good rest stop. Drinking water can be obtained either from the brook flowing from the mountains, 200m ahead on the left side of the road, or from the spring to the right of the transformer station past the concrete bridge at the Camlikaya road junction. Food can be bought can be bought from Camlikaya (4km from the junction). The Ispir-Camlikaya route is class 3-4-5 water.

Camlikaya - Tekkale (134-178 km): After Camlikaya, the river banks are full of rice plantations, vegetable gardens and fruit orchards. The river passes Koprugoren at 48km, approaching the hamlet of Alanbasi at 54km. Camping is possible next to the brook that joins the Coruh on the left bank immediately before the village.

Past the concrete bridge, the river becomes rockier, with class 3-4-5 water. An old watchtower is visible before arriving at Cevreli. The garden in front of the village primary school, to the right immediately after the concrete bridge, makes a good campsite. There are also places for overnight stay in Tekkale, 7 km ahead. From Tekkale, local guides can take you up the mountains to see the historic Dortkilise, a medieval Georgian church. Fishermen will enjoy angling for speckled trout (alabalik) in the brook flowing nearby the church.

Tekkale - Artvin (178-261 km): From Tekkale, the expedition proceeds to Yusufeli, 6km away, which has accommodation and simple cafes. The Altiparmak (Barhal), one of the major branches of the Coruh, joins the river close to Yusufeli. As the flow-rate of the river picks up speed, the route becomes increasingly challenging, with class 3-4-5 water.

Oltu Cayi joins the river 9km after Yusufeli, near the Artvin-Erzurum highway junction, behind a concrete bridge. The rapids begin 22 km from Yusufeli.

This 100m stretch of white water, nicknamed King Kong, cascades around sharp boulders with breathtaking velocity, making it the high point of the expedition. The water is dangerous here, class 5+ water, so those with less experience should not plan to cross this section when the river is high. A large concrete sign inscribed with the letters EIE to the left of the highway identifies this section of the Coruh.

There is a good place to camp 33 km before Zeytincik, stopping to pick up any necessary provisions in the village. At 43 km, the river enters a narrow 3 km long canyon, class 3-4. The gas station and inn at Oruclu, at 57 km, provides a convenient finishing point for the trip. Boats can be pulled on shore here, and there are a few basic rooms and a cafe. Artvin is 20 km further on from Oruclu, with mostly class 1-2 water. Some groups prefer to extend the route right through to Artvin.

Artvin Altiparmak (Barhal) River
The River Altiparmak (Barhal), located in the province of Artvin, emerges from the southern side of the Kackar Mountains and runs about 40 km to join the Coruh river 2 km south of Yusufeli.

The Altiparmak flows through a strikingly beautiful valley enveloped by high mountains.Recommended for canoeing and rafting, the river has a rich selection of flora and fauna, and a high flow-rate round year because of the run-off of melting snow.

The basin of the Altiparmak can be reached by Yusufeli via Artvin or Erzurum. Ogdem Creek joins the Altiparmak 6 km from Yusufeli, and the town of Sarigol is 19 km from Yusufeli and accessible by a stabilised gravel road.

The area of Deftise, situated about 1.5 km beyond Sarigol, is distinguished by wooden two-story houses built in traditional Black Sea style. Edged by dense green forests, these picturesque houses and the misty summit of the Kackar Mountains create a very beautiful panorama. The village of Altiparmak (Barhal) is accessible from Sarigol via a narrow, 12km long road, and the people here are very hospitable and friendly, with accommodation available in simple guest-houses. This village serves as one of the main campsites on the climb up Kackar Mountain. A stabilised road leads to Yaylalar, 24 km beyond Altiparmak, and west is the Artvin Kackar Tourism Centre.

Courses
The pretty hamlet of Deftise, north of Sarigol, provides the best starting point for canoe and raft expeditions down the Altiparmak, which runs approximately 22 km from this point to the junction with the Coruh, with class 3-4 waters. The riverbed is rocky, and special care needs to be taken when the river flow rate is low.

Three km from Sarigol, the ruins of citadel of Bahceli lie to the right of the creek before reaching Yusufeli, after crossing the concrete bridge near the junction of Ogdem creek and the Altiparmak. The run may be completed either at Yusufeli or 2 km ahead, before the Altiparmak flows into the River Coruh River.
The best months to plan a canoe or raft trip on the Altiparmak is between May and August.

Rize Firtina River
The River Firtina River is interesting not only for the arched bridges spanning it and the tea plantations lining the banks, but also for the traditional costumes of the local people.

Formed by a number of streams on the Black Sea side of Kackar Mountains, the Firtina runs 57 km through lush countryside, eventually reaching the Black Sea about 2 km west of Ardesen, Rize.

The arched stone bridges crossing the water add to the beauty of the Firtina, which is recommended for river sports along the following course.

Course
The town of Camlihemsin is 22 km south of the Rize-Ardesen road. The course begins around 1 km south of Camlihemsin. Paddlers should be cautious of boulders at 5 km, and dangerous passages at 7 km, 8 km and 9 km, and the attractive Duygulu Falls are on the western slope at 12 km. The course finishes at any convenient point before the Firtina reaches the Black Sea.

The 23km long course is very rocky, rating a hardship degree of 3-4-5 in places, depending on the speed of the water. Extra caution is required during heavy rains. The Firtina is recommended for river sports all year round.

Antalya Köprüçay River
Emerging from the Toros (Taurus) Mountains and running through a number of amazing canyons, Koprucay flows into the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Serik.

Fed by underground springs in gorges that cut through steep, impassable canyons, the Koprucay constitutes one of Turkey's most beautiful natural recreation areas. The numerous archaeological sites in the area, especially the ancient city of Selge (Zerk), the fortresses on the banks of the river, arched Roman bridges and historic roads add to the significance of the Koprulu Canyon.

Koprucay is reached from Antalya via Serik, Tasagìl and Beskonak. Those coming from Manavgat can reach Beskonak via Tasagil. The asphalted road to Beskonak follows the Koprucay in various places.

Koprulu Canyon National Park covers 36,000 hectares, including part of Koprucay and the ancient city of Selge. As Turkey's largest forest of Mediterranean Cypress, the National Park is rich in red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, oak and wild olive trees. The wild animals in the region include fallow deer, wild goat, wild boar, bear, wolf, fox, rabbit and various bird species. There are red speckled trout in the upper reaches and grey mullet in other parts of the Koprucay.

Course
Approximately 100 m before Oluk Bridge, the water and the river are still forms a pool. This is a good spot to start your trip and gives an inexperienced crew time to get used to the rowing technique. The bridge is reached by paddling against the current. Less experienced groups usually enter the canyon from the Oluk Bridge, while professionals may do so either from the falls near the start or from the Oluk Bridge, turning around further ahead to start the trip. The course continues after passing the falls, and areas of class 2-3 water.

The falls along the river add to the beauty of the landscape. After each waterfall, the Koprucay slows down, giving time to enjoy the majestic setting.

A concrete bridge is 10 km down the river, and novices should complete their journey immediately before this point. Experienced rowers can continue into the first canyon after the bridge, but the second canyon is strictly off limits, since the river runs under rocks in paces. After disembarking at the end of the first canyon, which is about 3 km long, the left bank leads to an asphalt road.

Içel Anamur (Dragon) River
The River Anamur (Dragon) originates as an underground river from the Catalyatak, Yellice and Kizcagiz hills on the slopes of the Toros (Taurus) mountains.

The underground spring erupts in several geysers close to the village of Sugozu, spraying water hundreds of metres high. The water level of the river is highest in spring, falling in summer and north of its source, enclosed basins and chasms can be seen. The 35km long Anamur is joined by the Kas, Masat and Gokce streams before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea through a deep river bed. The surrounding mountains of Anamur are covered with red pine, black pine, cedar, fir, juniper and oak trees. Wild goat, wild boar, wild sheep, wolf, jackal, wild duck, wild goose, partridge, eagle, falcon, peregrine falcons and hawks live in the higher altitudes, and speckled trout populate the waters running through the forest.

Course
The River Anamur is suitable for canoeing and rafting, and the best starting point for an expedition is at the junction of Kilic creek, finishing at the historic Alakopru bridge 10km south.

The start of the course is accessible by road that runs 15 km to Caltibuku from the junction of the Anamur-Ermenek highway. When setting out from here, one should watch for rocks and tree roots in the water. Generally class 1-2 water has some class 3 rapids when the water is high.

Içel Göksu River
The River Goksu is the most important one in the province of Icel, originating from two branches of the Central Toros (Taurus) mountain range. The southern branch starts at Geyik Mountains, and the other at Haydar Mountains, and unite to the south of Mut to form the Goksu. The 260 km long river forms a delta between Tasucu and Silifke as it flows into the Mediterranean.

The river forms lagoons at Akgol and Paradeniz on the coast between Silifke and Tasucu. The Goksu Delta is regarded by the International Council for Bird Protection (ICBP) as a major bird refuge in Europe and the Middle East, with more than 300 bird species. It is the primary reproduction area in Turkey for reed rooster, summer duck, flamingo, heron, pelican, spurred pewit, long-legged marsh swallow, Izmir kingfisher, bee eater, moustached reed nightingale and the white throat warbler.

The Goksu Delta has also a special significance for being one of the few remaining areas in the world where sea turtles (caretta caretta, chelonias mydas) and blue crabs (callinectes sapidus) lay their eggs. The Environmental Protection Department of the Ministry of Environment has declared the Goksu delta as a Special Environmental Protection Zone to protect the area against pollution and exploitation, and to ensure that natural resources and cultural assets have a future.

As one of the best preserved wetlands in the world, the Delta is expected to be included in the list of the Ramsar Convention for Wetlands of International Importance, signed by 45 countries, including Turkey. Wild goat, wild boar, partridge and rabbit inhabit the mountains in the Goksu basin. Their lower slopes are covered with laurel bushes, oleanders and brushwood. Sandalwood, mastic, Margosa, furze and holly oak trees start at 500 m and red-pine forests above 1000 m.

Course
The wide river bed of the Goksu is suitable for all types of river sports, with class 1-2 waters, and its calm waters are recommended for beginners. The 90km section between Derincay and Degirmendere is the best place for rafting and canoeing. Derincay is reached by the road heading west 3 km north of Mut on the Karaman-Silifke highway. The 14 km section between the bridges near the villages of Kislakoy and Kargicak has short canyons and an interesting landscape. After passing this section, the course may be completed near Degirmendere.

Dalaman River
The Dalaman River, whose ancient name was Indos, begins in the Kocas Mountain near Dirmil and lies between Marmaris and Fethiye.

The total length of the river is 229 km. Increased by branches from the Goktepe and Yaylacik Mountains of West Toros (Taurus), it flows through a narrow and deep valley and reaches the sea 8km south of Ortaca.

As the river is fed with the natural limestone, the turquoise-blue water is always clear and warm. The Dalaman is near the popular areas of the Mediterranean and Aegean, so it attracts local and foreign tourists and rafting is possible throughout the year. For accommodation, there are many guest-houses in Akkopru village.

Course
The rafting points can be easily reached from Marmaris, Dalyan, Fethiye and Turunc and from Dalaman airport. The water level of the river, in which rafting is possible throughout the year, rises the most in September and October. As flowing water forms small falls, there are passes among the course, which divert the river into two separate branches over the Akkopru village. The upper branch is class 5 and the lower is class 3 - 4. Once reaching Akkopru, the flow rate of the river increases and class becomes higher.