Kayak fest is more than a kayaking festival. It’s a gathering for conservation, celebration and friendly competition. This year, the weather was cold, the water was colder, but spirits were high! This, coupled with no internet and no phone reception made it a truly magical and idyllic adventure in this wonderful, hidden pocket of heaven that is Tara river.
Kayak fest Tara was the first international Whitewater Kayaking festival in Montenegro and its region. During four days of the festival, visitors were able to partake in the kayak competition, kayak training, music program, the beauty of rivers and of course, the local cuisine, one of the many natural gems of Montenegro. The aim of this festival is to promote white water kayaking, but also the natural beauty of Montenegro.
Held on the banks of Montenegro’s Tara River, kayakers and nature lovers from all over the world come together at Camp Grab in the heart of oak and beech forest to showcase the potential for year-round paddling tourism, raise awareness of the dams and hydropower projects threatening the Tara and other wild rivers of Montenegro and to celebrate this beautiful region.
The five-day fest rounded out with nightly live music, film presentations and fun runs down the Tara river.
Local and international kayakers of all ability levels competed in the 6 km, class III downriver race, with top finishers advancing to the semi-finals on the Kayak Fest ramp.
The head-to-head finals had global representation with two Slovenians and a Czech battling in the men’s race and a Hungarian, Australian and Canadian battling for the top female.
The unique topological position of Montenegro makes it a home of many spotless and unspoilt canyons and sparkly-clean, wild rivers. Its rivers are among the most majestic ones in Europe because of their purity and incredible mixture of turquoise with emerald color in the deeper parts.
The incredible landscapes, magnificent canyons, crystal clear water with wild rapids and whirlpools made paddling a memorable experience for every kayaker.
Montenegro has over 15 sections for paddling in classes 1-5, which makes it a unique paradise for kayakers worldwide. This year’s kayaking completition was held in a few disciplines. downriver, head 2 head and boater cross!
Tara is a river that flows through Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina. It emerges from the confluence of the Opasnica and Verusa Rivers in the Komovi Mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps of Montenegro. The total length is 146 km, of which 141 km are in or on the border of Montenegro. Tara, thanks to it’s configuration, surrounding terrain coupled with wild beauty, is a perfect river for kayaking!