With packraft on the wild side: one-day rafting trip down the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section

Welcome to the next report in the series of our water adventures. This time Robert Bogusz i Daniel Tokarz visit the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka. Rafting in autumn provides an amazing experience – if you are wondering how to prepare for such trips, take a look at our tips.

Recommended rafting route

I have already written more extensively about the Drava River here:

The trail we covered recently leads largely among beech forests and is relatively fast. The strong current in the meandering river combined with numerous obstacles in the form of fallen trees and underwater boulders make this section the most difficult part of the Drawa River within the Drawa National Park. On the way we will pass the Barnimie bivouac (steps on the high escarpment on the right), Dębina and Grabowy Jar reserves. The main difficulties end when you reach the “Konotop footbridge”. From this point to the end of the rafting remains two hours. Behind the “Konotop Footbridge” on a high cliff, where the river bends 180 degrees, is the Tragank Cliff Reserve. Due to the numerous deciduous trees, this section is especially beautiful in autumn.

Rafting the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (developed by. Robert Bogusz)

The total length of the proposed route is about 14 km.

Rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka – return route (elaborate. Robert Bogusz)

The way back is about 11 km walk.

Difficulty

The water route on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka is demanding. Occurring obstacles in the form of fallen trees, protruding branches and branches and underwater boulders require vigilance along the entire section. Some of the obstacles are not possible to overcome without leaving the packraft. When forming the packraft, take into account that its height can make it difficult, if not impossible, to swim under some fallen trees. You can also consider using a packraft with ISS (Internal Storage System), which allows you to pack your luggage inside the carrying tubes (special leak-proof TIZIP locks in the stern section).

Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz)

Rafting time

A minimum of 4 hours should be reserved to swim the route. The route back to Barnimie is about 11 km walk.

Equipment

Rafting was carried out about own equipment. You can easily rent it and find the offer on the Internet. A typical offer is 150 PLN for the weekend (packraft, paddle, vest). As I wrote above, it is worth considering the use of structures with the ISS system.

Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz)

Additional information

The described section is a part of the Drava River, which is not suitable for independent rafting for beginners. It is worth a minimum of one swim through it under the guidance of an experienced person. Autumn, nor winter, is not an obstacle for this kind of rafting. However, it is necessary to determine the time of sunrise and sunset and take it for granted that we can not be on the water after dark. In addition, the late departure causes that the return to the starting point will take place in the darkness. It is also worth remembering that in the area of the Drawa National Park there are fees for rafting, camping and car parking, which must be purchased before the start of the rafting trip, and proof of their purchase should be carried with you.

Robert Bogusz

You can find our guides, rafting suggestions and other reports here:

Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (photo. Daniel Tokarz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River at the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting trip down the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (photo. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (photo. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the Barnimie-Bogdanka section (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting down the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz) Autumn rafting on the Drawa River on the section Barnimie-Bogdanka (fot. Robert Bogusz)