VILNIUS - Usually, nightfall on a river is a good time to beach your kayak and go home. But we were just getting started.
Our lifejackets gave us little reassurance in the face of the invisible rocks and rapids downstream. Our guide's only advice wasn't altogether comforting either: "Just don't let your paddles slip," he said.
"We are the experts of nightlife," said Rasa Ambruleviciute, a manager of Vaiduoklis (Ghost) entertainment agency, when my six friends and I arrived at the Old Dam in the Naujoji Vilnia district of Vilnius. That was the starting point of our thrilling night-time kayaktrip down the Vilnele River. Luckily, our professional guide would accompany us to prevent our getting lost on the three-hour daredevil tour from Naujoji Vilnia to Sereikiskes Park.
The necessary torches flashing in each other's eyes and the inevitable adrenaline pumping through our brains, we jumped into our kayaks clutching our paddles, ready for adventure.
On our way to the first destination, the Belmont cafes complex, we were spellbound by the incredible calm of the falling night and the greenness all around. It all gave an impression of being somewhere in the countryside, far from the buzzing city. Ambruleviciute said that although the agency started night kayaking only this summer, people showed a great deal of interest right away. "People who try out our night kayaking get both a chance to see the night-time aspect of Vilnius and a fair amount of adrenaline while paddling through the unpredictable Vilnele River," she said, pointing out the advantages.
In half an hour or so we were wet from energetic paddling but astonished by the spectacular views of the Vilnele River valley. When we reached Puckoriai bar in Belmont we enthusiastically swapped our soggy litas for a few pints of beer. Our instructor meanwhile paddled directly down of one of Belmont's waterfalls, emerging unscathed to a round of applause.
After beating our thirst, we took our kayaks out of the water and carried them over the dams 's we weren't quite as brave as our instructor.
Ambruleviciute warned us that the second part of the trip was tougher. She wasn't kidding. That was when the real challenge began.
Mist and steam rose from the water, further limiting visibility. It was impossible to avoid fallen trees stretched all across the river. I got my kayaks wedged in the trees at least five times. "The chance of turning over while kayaking in Vilnele is 100 percent," Ambruleviciute said. True, and I was no exception. Soaked and bailing water out of my kayaks, I was still charmed by this weird night of fun.
When we finally reached Uzupis, a group of artists on the shore shouted warnings that the water was full of their sculptures. Maneuvering between the sculptures made us feel like heroes as we finally reached Neris River. Mission accomplished. The last stop, Mindaugas Bridge, floated in the dark above our heads.
This impressive route down Vilnele River was extreme, wet and therefore unforgettable. I would recommend it for a group of friends looking for some unusual activity straight after a long day at work because no special preparation is needed. Night kayaking would also be a fun way to celebrate birthdays or stag-parties. The price per person is 150 litas (43.44 euros).
If looking for something for a couple, Vaiduokliai agency offers romantic night canoeing on Gulbinai Lake as an alternative. You can find some more information on possible night tours on
www.nightguide.lt.
Experts of Nightlife
+370 652 16600
