AFGHANISTAN PADDLING THE PANJSHIR VALLEY

In July 2016, five Brits embarked on a kayaking trip in Afghanistan. Their aim was to experience the country and to shed light on sides of Afghanistan rarely seen in the news. Despite significant danger and difficulty, the group managed to paddle several of the country’s rivers. To express their gratitude to the people of Afghanistan, James Smith, Joe Rea-Dickins, Callum Strong and Kristof Stursa want to tell their story of Afghanistan - one of good times, great whitewater, and a beautiful country. Welcome to Afghanistan.

words: James Smith Photography: Kristof Stursa / Joe Rea-Dickins

We have chosen a calm eddy near the stadium for our beginner kayak session, but when we arrive the water is stained red with blood. Cattle traders have slaughtered a sick cow by the river and the oldest man is busy removing its head and skin. We have been asked to introduce some local people to kayaking and our students are trainee Afghan football referees. They’ve been sent straight from practice and are still wearing their matching green kit and football boots. For a group of men trained to uphold the rules, it doesn’t take them long to ignore ours. Most head straight into the current without helmets or PFDs. On the opposite bank, children are diving into the fast flowing water from the wreckage of a Russian tank. The people…

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Kayak Session (Digital) - 1 Issue, Winter 2016

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