Rafting is one of the tourist types of recreation. Such a trip makes it possible to evaluate their own strengths, to gain new experience. The most common routes are rafting along the rivers of the Urals.
Rivers of the Ural mountain system
The Ural mountain system is the keeper of the river sources. Mountain rivers originate on the Ural ridge, then they flow down the western and eastern slopes of the mountain system. The major rivers of the Ural mountain system are: Kama, Ural, Yuryuzan, Chusovaya, Belaya, Ufa, Ay, Vishera, Tobol, Tura, Sosva, Miass, Pelym, Iset, Pyshma, Lozva, Uy, Tagil.
A large number of rivers and their diversity have made water tourism the most popular type of outdoor activity in the Urals. Important is the fact that the range of categories of complexity is very large - from 1 to 5 categories of complexity. Therefore, rafting on the rivers of the Urals is available to anyone.
Ural River
The Ural River is the third longest after the Volga and Danube, flows through the territory of Russia and Kazakhstan. Until 1775, the river was called Yaik, which from Turkic means "spilling river."
Once the Urals was a large river, and shipping was developed. Recently, the aquatic artery has become smaller. But while it is possible to carry out tourist rafting along the rivers of the Urals.
The source of the Urals is located in Bashkiria on the Uraltau ridge and is a spring spurting from the foot of the mountain. The mouth of the river belongs to the Caspian basin. The channel of the Ural River is quite winding and forms a large number of loops. Along the coast there are many settlements. You can organize rafting on the Ural River, Orenburg within the city limits - a city suitable for such an event.
Rivers of the Polar Urals
In this part of the Urals, the surface of the mountain system is cut by numerous rivers and temporary streams. These water systems replenish river systems such as Pechora and Ob.
The mountain rivers of this region are very rapid, the current is rapid, with a large number of rapids. Sometimes rivers flow into gorges. The rivers, whose valleys have a slightly pronounced relief, have a winding channel and a more calm flow. Navigation, depending on the area, is possible from three to four months. Rafting along the rivers of the Urals is favorable in July and August.
Water arteries, which originate in lakes of tectonic, karst or dam origin, are suitable for water trips throughout the navigation from source to mouth. They are very shallow in the upper reaches of the river, which start from swamps or small lakes, so it is almost impossible to get to their source.
Rivers of the Subpolar Urals
Subpolar Urals is the highest part of the Ural Mountains. Numerous rivers of the Kara and Barents Sea basins begin with the ridges of this part of the mountain system. The main water systems of this region pass through the alpine, mid-mountain, rugged and lowland zones.
In the alpine zone, valleys have steep slopes, and the channels have sharp breaks. The speed and flow of rivers is usually large. Often the channels are littered with rock fragments and boulders.
In the mid-mountain zone, the expansion of the river valley occurs, the steepness of the slopes decreases. Here, the mountainous nature of the river is preserved, but the course becomes slower. It also happens that the channels are broken into sleeves.
Rafting along the rivers of the Urals is extreme and unpredictable.
Rivers of the Northern Urals
The Northern Urals - the region is harsh and inaccessible, but very popular among tourists. The rivers of the Northern Urals are also characterized by rapid and rapid currents, steep falls, rapids and rifts.
Often in stormy and rapids, you can observe a picture of a river breaking through a mountain range. In valleys with less pronounced relief, the flow becomes calm.
Rafting along the rivers of the Northern Urals is possible from May to October, but the time from mid-June to mid-September is a favorable period for tourist water trips. Water systems maintain high water levels and great depth until the first days of July, starting from the second half of July, the water level decreases.
Flash floods can begin at this time of the year, as a result, the water level in the river can rise by two to three meters in a matter of hours. Crossing and raising boats against the flood current is more difficult. Conveniently and comfortably rafting downstream and rising to the headwaters.
Rivers of the Middle Urals
A dense river system is also developed in the Middle Urals. In this part is located one of the most recognized waterways for tourists - Chusovaya. The nature of the rivers of the Middle Urals is calm and slow. In the valleys of river systems, you can find coastal cliffs.
Rafting along the rivers of the Middle Urals is possible from April to October inclusive. The favorable period for water travel is July and August. The only negative - in the summer, many rivers are shallowed, and the number of routes decreases.
Southern Urals
Water systems of the Southern Urals are very diverse in complexity. Here, the experienced athlete and the beginner can find the river to their liking. Therefore, rafting along the rivers of the Urals is very popular. Chelyabinsk and the Volga region are the closest regions, and the number of people wishing here is much greater than in other areas. Peak water trips occur in spring and summer.
On the territory of Bashkiria, the popular water routes are the Yuryuzan, Belaya, Zilim, Lemeza, Ai, Nugush, Big Inzer rivers. The level of their complexity is low, and they are quite comfortable for the alloy of untrained people. For example, Yuryuzan contains the rapids of the first and second categories of complexity, but in addition you can enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery, rocky shores and caves.
River rafting is a vibrant and emotional form of outdoor activity. Sometimes it is fraught with incredible dangers - the boat may roll over or stumble on something, but the dose of adrenaline that has been painted gives life a vivid impression.