Dear Friends, Rafters, and Water and Nature Enthusiasts,
You are cordially invited to join us in Serbia, specifically in the vibrant city of Užice, for the upcoming Next Generation Rafting Cup – National Championship 2025. Nestled in the southwest of Serbia, the city of Užice (43° 51′ 31′′ N, 19° 50′ 56′′ E) is a picturesque haven boasting approximately 100,000 residents. Situated along the Djetinja River at an elevation of 411 meters, it is embraced by the stunning landscapes of Zlatibor mountain and Vrutc lake. Here, you'll encounter a community of warm-hearted, welcoming individuals always eager to extend their hospitality.
The town is ensconced amid mountains, offering breathtaking areas for leisurely strolls, invigorating hikes, and panoramic vistas from the ancient fort's vantage point, accessible via a scenic pathway. Once the competition concludes, immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Serbian cuisine, music, and unmatched hospitality. The Djetinja River, a clean and pristine Category 1 water body, meanders through the city center, with the competition site merely 300 meters away, nestled within a captivating canyon. Užice boasts the Vrutci dam, ensuring ample water for both training and the main event.
The Next Generation Rafting Cup – National Championship will feature the R4 class across disciplines such as Slalom, RX, and Downhill, catering to Open category participants including men, women, and mixed teams. The river's classification ranges between WW 2+ to 3, offering an exhilarating challenge. Moreover, the RX discipline welcomes Mixed teams for a competitive ranking. Additionally, provisions are in place to include U19 or U23 category teams if their participation exceeds three teams. The first captains' meeting is slated for Friday at 3 p.m., followed by downhill training covering a 4.5 km stretch. Teams can subsequently train on the slalom course, which features 4 upstream and 10 downstream gates, each extending 300 meters. Esteemed international WRF judges will officiate using electronic timing via Alga devices connected wirelessly. The official competition boats will be Aquadesign 380.
To secure participation, teams must register with the organizer and obtain consent from their respective national Federations by May 4. We highly recommend early registration, considering the limited availability of hotel accommodations. Priority will be given to the first teams that register, ensuring better lodging options. Rest assured, the competition adheres strictly to WRF rules and operates under the guidance of WRF judges. Furthermore, both the slalom and downhill courses offer complimentary internet access. Accessible through well-connected highways, your journey to Užice from various directions in Western, Northern, and Southern Europe is smooth until the last 40 kilometers, which isn't a highway stretch. The closest airports are located in Belgrade and Nis.
Prepare yourselves for an eventful and memorable experience, compete passionately, vie for the cups and medals, and, most importantly, revel in the camaraderie. We eagerly anticipate your presence. Warm regards,
Boris Purjakov
President, Rafting Federation of Serbia
