SamanaFest 2016 Colombia – January 21/24th 2016 – Registration Open!

We are very proud at kayak session mag, to partner this year again with the 2016 SamanaFest – A whitewater festival in Colombia for both experienced kayakers, and rafters; which means that even if you have NO whitewater experience you can join the fun too!

Samana Fest is back ! Once again, the gathering will bring a wicked fun and a rallying howl for conservation. Located in Antioquia, the Samana is the jewel of the Magdelena valley. Born from a maze of jungle, overhung by covered mountains, and fed by abundant tropical rains, her waters are both pristine and full of life, while the adjacent lush jungle unfolds a bio-diversity as lavish as that of the Amazone. This festival aims at raising awareness on her impending wipeout! As you may know, Project Porvenir 2, a proposed 130 meter, all-concret arch dam, has been approved. If construction is completed and the life sucked out of the river, what was once part of nature’s legacy to humanity will be turned into 356 MWG of private interest primarily destined to power on-site mining operations.

Samana fest , Colombia ©kayaksession.com

In an effort to preserve Colombia’s bio-diversity and authentic rural lifestyle, the Samana Festival peacefully advocates for community-based eco-tourism as one of its many sustainable development alternatives. The Festival is but a mere contribution in a larger battle, yet by attending you will bring evidence of the existing possibilities that can salvage the river and the plentiful natural life it fuels from their destruction.

We invite you to come, discover, and celebrate this magical place from January 21^st to 24^th, 2016. After a brief gathering and introductory speech by local leaders, the festival will depart from Medellin. Then let the good times roll in in the traditional Chiva truck and experience the infamous « transportation party » as you will enter the luxurious watershed. Enjoy the first evening celebrating in the riverside Finca of « Don Jesus », an emblematic character of the put-in. The next 2 days will lead you through a world of tropical rain forest and exhilarating whitewater, where you will paddle on the captivating waters of the Samana and interact with her down-to-earth inhabitants. Our descent will end upon our arrival to « Narrises », a bucolic village ripe with happiness and marvelous waterfalls. You guessed it, we will have a huge party there too! Traditional food and music guaranteed all night!

Samana fest , Colombia ©kayaksession.com

The final day will take us to the archeological site of « el Prodigio », a small locality soon to be leveled by the construction site. Our arrival to Medellin is planned at 6 PM on the 24^th.

It might be the last and ultimate chance to witness the last flowing river of Antioquia, so please join in with this memorable journey and defend the natural legacy of the beautiful and mighty Samana.

More info and /or register >>> samanafest2016@gmail.com

More info go to>>> Samana Fest Facebook Page

Samana fest , Colombia ©kayaksession.com

GENERAL INFORMATION

Where ?

The Rio Samana is located in eastern Antioquia, Colombia. From the nearest city, Medellin, follow the highway Medellin / Bogota highway for 3 hours until the road crosses over the river. Welcome to  “Puente Samana’’! There is a property located on river left, this is where the festival starts. From there, it is 45 kilometers of class 3 and 4 whitewater, with no road access.

The take out is marked by a small hamlet called “Narrises’’. The place is not big, but it sure is lively! Cold beers and freshly caught fish are always available, while the numerous waterfalls and beaches around offer great hangout spots. To return to “Puente Samana’’ or Medellin, it’s 4 hours of dirt road, but don’t worry, riding the Chiva trucks makes things a lot cooler!

River description :

The Samana is the local river queen, big and powerful, constricted between carved, low granite walls. Her waters eroded their way out of the mountains, creating a deep valley cloaked in a dense jungle. Small, crystal clear creeks cascade into the Samana, with hidden waterfalls and pristine swimming pools. An incredible diversity of birds and butterflies can be observed at all times.

The beauty of nature is equaled only by the quality and smoothness of the whitewater. This 45-km swath through the mountains, packed with class 4 rapids and huge waves, gives cause to satisfaction for a wide range of paddlers. At some points, gigantic boulders obstruct the riverbed, turning the glassy current into swirly hydraulics and perfect round humps of green water, or outrageously fun paddling. Occasionally, the Samana will crank up, but it never gets dangerous.

SamaFest ©kayaksession.com

Hydrology :

Late January, in the middle of the dry season, which is why it is the best time to gather, the water should be at a low level and of a beautiful, deep blue color. At these levels, the whitewater is very forgiving and there are lots of spaces in between each rapid. However, the Rio Samana is a capricious lady, capable of rising with little warning during the night. In the unlikely event of a large rise in the river (reaching an  unsafe level), the program may be delayed or adjusted.

Is it for me ??

This is a multiday festival through eastern Antioquia, and as a consequence the event is packed with lots of fun, strong emotions, pristine nature and cultural experience. The itinerary encounters class 4 whitewater, jungle camping and traveling via big 4×4 trucks on dirt roads through rugged landscapes. Undeniably, you have to be adventurous and in good shape to enjoy this festival. Depending on your experience with rivers and adventure, make sure you do read through to determine if this is for you or not. In any case do not hesitate contacting us for further questions and inquiries.

Remember that this is a community event, where food and activity outline are provided. Participants must be self sufficient as of camping and traveling.

I have never been in a raft or on a multiday trip before ?

You don’t necessarily need whitewater experience to take part in this festival. It is vital though that you be comfortable with water and being immersed in a powerful river. Good physical condition is a must, and previous camping experience is strongly advised! If you are ready to spend a few days in the jungle and paddling through big rapids all day, then hop in a raft, this is going to be the experience of a lifetime.

Previous rafting experience ?

Having previous rafting experience is a surely a plus—however, depending on what class of river you are used to paddling, and how you feel while doing it, there is a lot more to take into account. The Samana presents some big rapids (class 4/ 4+), so if you have been paddling on lower grade rivers, be sure you can handle a bit more. The multiday aspect is also important, it is going to be an adventure all along, be prepared and in good shape !

Kayaker ?

The Samana is very safe, pool drop rapids. If you have a bomber roll and some experience of class 4 big water, then it is for you. Remember this is a self support trip and you will have to carry your camping gear. If you are unsure of your ability to navigate the river safely, you can alway sign up as a rafter, it will be a blast no matter what!

What’s Included ?

Kayak & Raft :

Your inscription includes transport, five meals and snacks, one night at the river side property (day 1), one night camping (day 2), one night in Narrises (day 3), music & DJ, two transportation parties, one t-shirt and one hat from the festival.

Raft specific :

On top of the above listed, a raft with an experienced guide, all rafting equipment, dry bags, safety instructions and a safety kayaker.