Austria is famously known for its culture, imperial architecture, rich history, excellent food, and breathtaking lakes and mountains landscapes. In the Alpine regions, the country shows off its rougher side, providing some pretty cool action on the most beautiful rivers, gushing down countless gorges and ravines.

My First Time Rafting

In general, I’m not the adrenaline-seeking type when it comes to my holiday choices. But on a recent trip I was given the opportunity to go white water rafting. I have never done it before, so I guess it’s understandable that I was quite nervous – and very excited!

After an introduction to the gear (short wetsuit, life jacket, helmet, paddle) we were told where to sit to balance the boat. And then we left the very calm shores of the kayaking and rafting school to start our adventure. It was a hot summer day, and the waters of the river were very cool against the skin, even with the wetsuit on. Our instructors showed us how to use the paddles in calm waters. When we came to the first (small) gushing sequences they told us when to paddle and in which direction, to keep the boat afloat – and us inside it! When we went through some rougher sections, we were all screaming at the top of our lungs out of sheer joy – we felt so alive and one with the nature surrounding us! After that first adrenaline rush we hit a quieter section and could take a breather. Wow – what an adventure! My heart was pumping like a hammer, cheeks blushing red, grinning from one ear to the other, hands shaking while holding the paddle. At one section we had to get the boat out of the water, as the upcoming passage was not suited for a boat – only a kayak could make it through.