2011, mid of July: The snow melt in the Alps has widely finished, European white water kayakers climb the glacial valleys in Tyrol and French Alps to hunt class V rivers. 2700 kilometers to the east six Verfechter bums doze in an overheated dorm in downtown Tbilisi. Last night’s flight was longer than expected. Strong wind in Istanbul delayed both flights for hours, the airport chaos also took us four bags with some t-shirts and paddle gear. That shouldn’t stop us from discovering the rivers in one of the most beautiful countries on that planet: Georgia, the unknown kayak paradise in the heart of the Caucasus. Five hours later we find ourselves at the put-in of Pshavis Aragvi 60 kilometers north of the capital. 

The journey continues on the highlands of central Georgia. The Verfechters explore the desert rivers Paravani and Mtkvari and visit the cultural heritage of Vardzia.

One of the greatest assets of the travel destination Georgia is its variety in landscape, culture and climate. Georgia is so small, you easily can cross it within one day, nevertheless you experience all forms of nature. Huge glaciers dominate the northern ranges in Svaneti and Tusheti, formidable wines are produced in hilly Kakheti, more to the East hot dry deserts border with Azerbaidshan. On the Black Sea coast instead, the hot and very humid climate makes you feel in the Tropics. Experts say that the south-western republic of Adjara hosts the best valleys for steep creeking. As raining season peaks in winter and early spring, this is the time to find epic water levels in the lush green jungle of Adjara. We make the journey over the spectacular 2024 meter high Goderzi pass anyway, knowing that we can hop to Turkish Kackar mountains for some days if water proves to be low.