Water tourism, rafting, canoeing and other water activities enjoy many years' tradition in the Czech Republic. Among the most popular is the water slalom which draws enthusiasts to the springtime mountain river. Six artificial slalom courses are also available in the summer, of which the most famous is Troja in Prague.
Fun trips canoeing down the river are possible in many places. The Otava river in the Sumava mountains, the Jizera river or the Kamenice river in Nothern Bohemia are wild waters during the spring thaw, the Luzice, Ohre, Malse, Berounka rivers and other are favourites in the summer months.
The Czech Canoeing Association
Atleticka 100/2, 160 17 Prague 6, Tel: 02/33017415
There are many beautiful places where one can go yachting, not just to take part in competitions but also for recreational purposes. With a quick phone call in advance, you can visit yachting clubs and hire out boats, or you may arrive with your own boat of any class and spend a lovely day at the yachting club. You will find many pretty locations, which are rich in natural beauty and attractive for the yachting enthusiast.
Czech Yachting Union, Prague
Budova CYK, Pristav 5, 147 00 Prague 4, Tel: 02/41433212
Windsurfing is a very popular sport in the Czech Republic. You can rent the equipment at every significant dam and lake. For more information about water sports contact the Water-Sports Information Bank
Kotva Branik, U ledaren 55, 147 00 Prague 4, Tel: 02/466 085
Canoeing
Located on the main watershed of Europe, the territory of the Czech Republic contains the upper streams of rivers, which, although affording views of magnificent scenery, are sailable only in the spring when snow is thawing in the mountains. Water enthusiasts should follow reports on topical water levels which can vary considerably.
Recommended routes
The Vltava (Moldau) offers a wonderful route that is only slightly affected by the water level. You can enjoy an interesting change of scenery when the river leaves the beautiful, unspoilt countryside of the Sumava and enters 
the Trebon basin. The latter's characteristic feature is a striking equilibrium between nature and human activity thanks to which it has been declared a UNESCO biospheric reserve. There lie the famous south Bohemian lakes and a wealth of historical monuments, some of which are located directly on the river or in its vicinity, for example, the Cictercian monastery in Vyssi Brod, the historical town of Cesky Krumlov, the Zlata Koruna Cistercian monastery, the ruin of Divci kamen (Virgin stone) Castle, the Hluboka Chateau and Zvikov and Orlik Castles.
Wild Water
Rafting in the Czech Republic is only possible on the rivers Otava, Jizera and Kamenice in the early spring when there is wild water, or on canals. In the latter case, however, you must contact the respective drainage area administration to arrange the supply of water, or to wait for a time when there is a competition. The only canal with constantly running water can by found in Prague-Troja.
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