Venta: Vadakste - Zlekas section

Type of river: River is suitable for seasonal (march to september) leisure trips. Venta hub is appropriate for white-water paddling and rodeo drive.

Recommended type of boat: Canoe. But it is also possible to go by any kind of kayak or inflatable boat. Trip duration may vary from stated though.

Waypoints and POI along Venta river (for GPS owners, various formats) fugawi.wpt OziExp.wpt OziExp-export.txt LKS-92 OziExp-export.txt

Suggested canoeing routes:

*		Maršruts	garums	ilgums
		Kuldiga - Naba lake	26 km	1 d.
		Nigrande - Skrunda	23 km	2 d.
		Skrunda - Kuldiga	51 km	2 d.
		Nigrande - Naba lake	38 km	4 d.
		Nigrande - Kuldiga	66 km	3 d.

* the color reflect the tourists' preferences in selecting a route from this list. Code according to the scale (red is more often):

- season's top.

Venta (lenghth 346 km, slope 166m (in teritory Latvia 173 km and 40 m).

Venta is popular among fishermen. Except few overfalls, flow of the river is calm and smooth. Scenery is tame. River lacks good camping places, except those in stage from Nigrande to Skrunda.

For one day trip we suggest route Kuldiga – Naba lake. This stage of river is characterized by more active flow. It is not common to go downstream place Zlekas.

The first 13km immediately behind Nikrace are slow. On the left side is the feeder Letiza - and a dolomite outcrop. After 0.3 km is the Paisi rapid. After another 1.5km on the left side is the feeder Skervelis, and 1km later is the Gobdzini rapid. Next are the Gobdzini rock and Atra rock. From the left side then is the feeder Koja. Then there is a 35cm high step called Elle (Hell) step - recognizable only in low water level. 2km further is the Skrunda rail bridge, but between the auto and rail bridges on the right side is the estuary feeder Ciecere. After Skrunda is Struklas, where the Venta flows through many islands. After the Vares rapid are several km without rapids. 15km after Skrunda on the left side is the hard to detect feeder Enava, just behind Ranki. Soon to follow are the Briezi rapid and the Lejejupe feeder on the left side. 30km from Skrunda on the right side is the feeder Skede. After 5km, the interesting Rumpini rapids begin. A 1km rapid segment with several 0.1m high thresholds. After this is a placid stage, which continues until the new Venta bridge in Kuldiga and the approach of the Venta rumba waterfall.

Venta hub is the most significant place to see on river Venta. This is also the widest fall in Europe (270 m). The overfall is 1.9 – 2.2 m high.

Paddlers must scout the fall, but downstream there is a good white water for rodeo drive. When water is high, the fall is dangerous even to rodeo experts.

Eksotika un maršrutu sasaistes:

Venta routes are serviced by Campo support partners in Renda and Skrunda. See your rental contract for contact information.