Paddling has never been more fun. When passing through natural water canals, tree branches will touch your hair, water plants and reeds will slow your canoe.
Canoeing is a natural sports branch made generally at lakes and streams of low flow rates. However, let us indicate this difference: the canoe sport we describe here is different from the professional canoe sport. Professional canoes are generally one-person and are used in high flow rate, wild waters. The goal here is to come out victorious from the battle against nature. The canoes we describe are inflatable canoes designed specifically for pleasure trips and used by 2 or 3 people. While a certain quality education should be taken for an amount of time to use professional canoes, you will not need any such training to use pleasure trip canoes. As a note we should indicate that we can provide professional canoes to those who have the necessary license and training. For this activity it is enough for you to listen to the half-hour training provided before the tour by your guides and to abide by the instructions to be given during the tours. Because, these canoes are used at still waters and streams with low flow rates. As long as you abide by the instructions and maintain harmony with your team mates, you can cruise in a very balanced and quick manner. However, the purpose in here is not just cruising fast but also becoming aware of the surrounding natural beauties. Because the places chosen for such cruises are generally natural wonder places and they embody a beauty that will not easily leave your memory. To places where no one can reach or only a few can reach, you will arrive by paddling on your canoe. When passing through natural water canals, tree branches will touch your hair, water plants and reeds will slow your canoe. After this sweet struggle you will return your home with a light tiredness and very beautiful memories.
CANOEING AT FIRTINA VALLEY
Different tourism agencies may have chosen different routes, but do not forget that the chosen routes are tested previously by the guides many times and are preferred by prioritising participant satisfaction regarding natural beauties. The trip generally begins very early at morning. During the cruise, do not forget getting information regarding the program. For this is a team sport, you do not need a high condition level. You will not need to spend high effort when you paddle in harmony with your team mates. Three people can use the canoe at the same time, with the canoe having an approximate volume of 500 litres. For it does not have any steer, the one at the most behind gives direction t the canoe by using his/her paddle. Going at the right direction is important because continuously paddling in the wrong direction will extend the distance you have to cover, tiring you more. It is very important to listen carefully to the half-hour training given prior to the tour. This will provide you to have more pleasure from the activity and get tired less.
ROUTES SUITABLE FOR CANOEING AT BLACK SEA REGION:
Almost all areas where rafting is made are suitable also for canoe sports.
Çoruh River (Artvin): Between June-October Fırtına Stream (Rize-Ardeşen): Between April-October.
USEFUL INFORMATION:
Some points to take heed when attending this activity:
- You have to take the trainings and instructions of your guides seriously especially if you are joining such a tour for the first time. These trainings are given for you to have more pleasure from the activity and to prevent a potential injury, protecting you from bad surprises.
- Definitely wear your life jackets and adjust them suited to your body according to the instructions given. Your good swimming skills or self-confidence should not be a valid reason for not wearing your life jacket. Swimming in fresh water, especially with your clothes on can be more difficult than you imagine.
- Do not stand up while in the canoe. The centre of gravity going higher will disrupt canoe balance more easily. When the centre of gravity is at the bottom, canoe balance cannot be easily disrupted.
- Bring along a medium sized bag, spare clothes, socks and shoes. In your bag you will carry your water and the foods given to you. Do not enter the canoe with along with your spare clothes. You may get wet during the cruise. For your spare clothes to remain dry, leave them in the car.
- Do not take materials you will not use. Avoid excess weight. 
- Do not forget that when you bring into the canoe devices such as photo camera, video recorder etc., these can be get wet and unusable.
- There may be delays in return hour. One of the most important reasons of this is that different groups complete the same route in different times. Do not forget to be flexible and tolerant regarding the return hour.
When you go to the Black Sea Region, the unique rumble of Fırtına Stream will follow you, you will share with your tour friends regional village foods you will not find anywhere else when you sip your tea that is brewed at wood fire at plateaus you visit. Fırtına Valley and Kaçkar Mountains national park is of such magnificence with its natural beauties drawing people from all over the world, its rich habitat, and its endemic plant and animal diversity that it will forever remain in your memories. When camp time is over and preparations for return begin, you will already have promised each other with your tour friends for the next cruise.
