From Coruh to the World
Accidental Splash into the Spotlight
In an effort to promote rafting, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism invited the foreign press for an organization. Unexpectedly, Minister Aksu’s boat tipped over, catching the media’s attention and inadvertently intensifying the promotion. The subsequent year saw ProjectRaft, an international institution promoting rafting, supported by the Ministry, organizing the 4th World Rafting Championship on Coruh. Rafters, initially trained on Coruh, later explored Kopruli Canyon in Antalya and Dalaman River in Mugla.
Rafting’s Expansion in Tourist Regions
Rafting’s popularity expanded among tourists visiting beach tourism regions. The kayaking races held in Ispir, Erzurum, have gained international attention The Threat to Yusufeli, evolving into the CoruhExtreme event. The 2nd edition in 2006, sponsored by Ispir Municipality and Ispir Provincial Administration, attracted 34 sportsmen from 14 countries.
Global Roots of Rafting
Rafting, a relatively young sport with a 60-year history Customized Daily Istanbul Tours, originated from surplus rubber boats used by American soldiers in the Pacific during WW2. Post-war, these boats were repurposed for safari, laying the foundation for rafting as a sport. In the US, approximately 2 million rafting tours are organized yearly on 15 significant rivers, involving around 15 million participants. With an average rafting boat accommodating 8 rafters, this thriving activity has become a major recreational pursuit.
