CANOEING ON THE RIVER OTAVA
Boat trips are very popular on the River Otava. The river runs over a number of natural and artificial obstacles, and its width, depth as well as speed of water change frequently. That is why the Otava is a popular destination for both romantic tourists and adventurous sportsmen. The river itself and the surrounding countryside are a real experience for water sportsmen.
Water sportsmen often undertake one-day trips on a selected section of the river. In summers, however, they often stay for a whole week and navigate the whole river spending nights in tents which they erect in campsites. Difficulty of such a voyage depends on the amount of flowing water. The Otava is supplied with water from streams running down the slopes of the Šumava Mountains and that is why the amount of water changes every day according to the intensity of rain.
Water tourists like the section of Otava from Sušice to Písek. The voyage is 66 km long and its difficulty ranges between WWI and ZWB. Two-seat canoes and life jackets are recommended for more difficult parts. There are a lot of weirs which have remained there from the time of traditional rafting. There are 26 weirs on this river section and some of them form nice rapids. Camping is permitted in reserved places which are properly marked. They differ in quality - there are simple sites for erecting tents but also facilities with comfortable bungalows.
Those who like wild water prefer the upper section of the Otava from Čeňkova Pila to Sušice. The river is especially wild on the first six kilometres where it goes down by 48 metres and it is navigable by experienced canoeists with appropriate equipment only. There are ideal conditions when snow melts in March and April or during autumn rains in October and November. Kayaks or inflatable rafts are recommended.
Those who prefer more peaceful water will choose the section from Písek to Zvíkov Castle. Slowly running water changes into a lake which is surrounded with a rocky valley. If one covers this twenty-kilometre-long section, one gets to Orlík Dam Lake and one could get to the River Vltava without any hindrances and continue the voyage on it. On the banks one can find both well-equipped tourist facilities and deserted places which are accessible from water only. On the lake one can meet leisurely moving canoes, speeding kayaks, light sailing boats as well as rowing boats.
Water tourism has had strong tradition on the River Otava and especially during the summer holidays when canoeing is very popular. That is why the services provided by the facilities along the river are of high quality; one can borrow all the equipment necessary for canoeing, get meals in restaurants and find accommodation in inns. One can borrow various kinds of boats, paddles, life jackets, detailed maps of the river and one can even order transport to the place where their voyage starts.
The River Otava and its surroundings will certainly please everyone who likes the romantic countryside and outdoor activities. Experience it yourself. Cruise down the River Otava and do not forget that canoeists greet each other in the same way as sailors all over the world do: "ahoj"... So, ahoj on the River Otava!
Current information also on the website www.otavskaplavba.cz .
File date: 11.4.2007
