Free Flowing River Paddling Festival

On Saturday 14 June, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, the Free Flowing River Paddling Festival will take place on the Tiber Island: a unique opportunity to experience the thrill of paddling in rough waters in the heart of Rome.

The Tiber, in fact, as it flows through the city's historic centre, forms two natural rapids right at the height of Tiber Island: a grade 3 rapids under Ponte Garibaldi, on the left branch of the river, and a grade 2 rapids under Ponte Fabricio.

Between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., canoes, kayaks, SUPs, dinghies and other paddle boats are invited to participate in the descent of the stretch of river between the Garibaldi, Fabricio and Palatino Bridges. If you just want to watch the event, meet at the Tiber Island or on the bridges from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Safety in the water will be guaranteed by the Lazio sections of Rescue Project, while medical assistance will be provided by the water group of the Italian Red Cross Committee Rome 8-11-12. Thanks to water safety, large boats available with their equipment, and river guides, the event is open to all; just show up from 10 a.m. under Ponte Garibaldi, left side, Lungotevere dei Cenci.

Free Flowing River Paddling Festival promotes ‘Free-flowing river restoration’ for the ecological and connectivity restoration of rivers that are too often cemented and fragmented. It is also the demonstrative showcase of the river enhancement and regeneration proposals that the associations that participated in the Public Notice for the granting of contributions aimed at supporting events and activities in the sporting field, ludic and motor activities for the year 2025 of Roma Capitale have launched in the framework of the action programme of the Tiber River Contract from Castel Giubileo to the mouth through the sports and recreational use of the riverbed and the left bank of the urban stretch of the Tiber.

The event is organised by ASD Discesa Internazionale del Tevere and ASD Roma Adventure, both affiliated with UISP Roma, which is sponsoring the event with the Assessorato Grandi Eventi, Sport, Turismo di Roma Capitale.

Photo: Free Flowing River Paddling Festival