rather flat in the beginning (WW II), getting steeper 1-2 km before village Sioni, from there continuous big rapids (WW IV-V at high water in July). Feasible year round, best in summer!!! Be careful with old gas pipelines and low bridges that cross the river a couple of times. If you don’t manage to squeeze through, get out in time and portage or roll through. The canyon after the bridge Sioni-Goristsikhe has very steep walls, no eddies and a 1-2 m waterfall in the middle with a considerable stopper. Depending on the waterlevel the passage on the right is clear. Be careful. The canyon starts only 200 m after the bridge. A few big rapids after the Canyon. Then the river is getting flat again until Stepantsminda. Check the best take out before you start. (Immediately after Stepantsminda starts the Dariali Gorge with extreme White Water (probable suicide at summer water levels.)
Infos:
KAYAKING in Georgie
By Steffen Schuelein
Georgian Tourism Association (GTA)
(2007-2009)
