GoPro Kayaking RAW: lower Aoos Canyon // Pindos Nationalpark Greece

The Lower Aoos Gorge is located in northwestern Greece, in the region of Epirus, and is considered one of the most impressive whitewater sections in the country. The Aoos River originates in the Pindus Mountains and flows through spectacular landscapes. The lower section begins with a warm-up stretch: 6 km of gravel-bed rapids, Class II–III. Then the gorge walls begin to close in, the drops get steeper, and prominent boulders signal the first harder section. Sneak into an big eddy on the right through a narrow channel on the right (min 1:10). The rapid can be scouted by scrambling up the right wall. Start from right to left to avoid the partially undercut wall on the right exit. Portaging is not possible. After that, it’s perfect read and run in a narrow canyon. 1 km further downstream, house-sized boulders nearly block the entire river. Land on the left and scout. We portaged the entrance (3:10 min). The exit was a nice boof at this waterlevel. Powerful drops and brilliant boulder gardens follow in quick succession — good whitewater! Some sections might be worth scouting (for example the rapid at 5:30 min) After that there are nice drops and slalom-like lines between giant boulders that can be assessed from the boat. A monastery high on the left bank marks the approach of the next serious cataract — a drop with an undercut rock in the main current. Start Center and exit on the left. Portaging on the left is easy. More scout-worthy rapids follow. Usually fair. After the via Ferrata wire rope bride, the canyon walls open up. Two rapids after we portaged on the left because of obstructive rocks in the outflow. After that last portage the river becomes easier and the gorge walls gradually lower. The Aoos offers a beautiful Class III slalom section. One final weir can be run on the right or left after scouting. Watch out for iron! About 2 km downstream, the take-out is reached at the picturesque Ottoman bridge. Take out left or right (depends on where you parked the car). The Aoos Canyon is deeply cut, remote, and largely inaccessible. Scouting is always possible. Portaging, despite in one case, as well (with some more expense, as well). Be aware of trees and undercuts. Take your time, scout and portage if necessary. It’s a true adventure and definitely worth it. ! Furthermore it’s floating through several Nature reserves. Please respect the environment and leave no trace ! Date: 17.05.2025 Waterlevel: ? Medium to high after one day of rain. You can walk up on river left. If the last rapids look runnable, there’s enough water.) Putin: Bridge Aoos, basically the first car bridge if you drive up the valley from Konitsa (40.0227936, 20.8885711) Takeout: river left or right after the Stone Bridge in Konitsa. It’s the parking lot and Trailhead to the Panagia Stomio Monastery. (40.0361644, 20.7448667) Kayak: Spade Kayaks Full House Paddle: Spade Paddle/Striebel design equipment: http://www.denk.com/