The Call of the Wild: Returning to Iceland’s East Glacial River

The thrill of whitewater rafting is a siren call that I simply cannot resist. After my exhilarating experience with Viking Rafting last year, I was eager to return to the East Glacial River, one of Europe’s most renowned rafting destinations. Although my plans for a three-day rafting tour were thwarted by low bookings, I was determined to seize the opportunity for another day of adrenaline-pumping adventure.

Arriving at the basecamp on a crisp Sunday morning, I was greeted by familiar faces and a few new ones. Our team for the day consisted of two horse riding guides from a partner company, three support staff members, and our fearless skipper, Steve. The recent rains had transformed the river into a fast-flowing torrent, and the unusually warm water promised an exciting ride. As I layered up with technical fleece and merino wool, the anticipation of the rapids ahead sent a familiar thrill through my veins.

Conquering the Rapids: A Dance with Nature

With the safety briefing complete and our gear secured, we set off for the river. The initial calm section allowed us to practice rescue techniques, a crucial skill in the world of extreme sports. Despite my athletic background, I found myself struggling to re-enter the raft, only to be saved by the quick reflexes of Vláda, one of our guides.

As we approached the notorious rapids known as Alarm Clock and Commitment, the river’s roar grew louder, echoing the pounding of my heart. Under Steve’s expert guidance, we navigated these challenges with precision. However, the high water levels led Steve to make the wise decision to bypass the Green Room, a rapid known for its ferocity. Instead, he and Vláda tackled it with a lighter raft, showcasing their skill and experience.

After a brief respite for waffles, we plunged back into the river’s embrace. The next set of rapids proved too much for our raft, and we capsized, sending us into the icy embrace of the river. As I fought against the current, I was relieved to find my paddle once more, a small victory in the chaos. Swimming to shore was a test of endurance, but the camaraderie of our team made it a shared triumph.

Leaping into the Unknown: The Cliff Jump

The final challenge of the day was the cliff jump, a test of courage that had daunted me in the past. This time, with the encouragement of my fellow adventurers, I took the leap from a lower height, feeling the rush of air and water as I plunged into the depths below. It was a moment of pure exhilaration, a reminder of why I chase these experiences around the globe.

Back at base, we celebrated our adventure with a hearty Indian lunch, reliving the day’s highlights through Steve’s GoPro footage. As I watched the video, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible team that had made this journey possible. The East Glacial River had once again delivered an unforgettable experience, and I left with a promise to return, perhaps for the Midnight Sun River Festival next summer. Until then, the call of the wild will continue to guide my adventures.