Playspot: Switzerland, Graubuenden, River Vorderrhein, Surf City

What's it like

Depending on the water levels, the spot varies between a nice little surfing wave (picture above) and a raft eater (picture below).

Best time: June-July and after heavy rain fall (water level and temperature). Water levels also heavily depend on the power plant upstream.

How to get there

There is no direct access for cars to the spot (you can theoretically get there by staying on the river left from Ilanz, but the chance of getting an expensive fine is very real).

The best solution is to park your car in Versam-Station, take a train to Ilanz and use the first half hour as warm-up. To get to Versam, take the exit Reichenau on the freeway from Zurich to Chur. In Reichenau, cross the Vorderrhein and turn right after a small tunnel, following the directions to Bonaduz. Once in Bonaduz, take a right where the main road turns left almost 90 degrees. Keep following this road (very narrow alpine road, mind the mountain bikers etc) until you get to Versam. In Versam, you take an even smaller road down to the right (sign says 'Station'), which will take you down to the river, the parking place, the railway station and the Kanuschule.

Boat transport costs CHF 10 (one trip) or CHF 13 (day ticket). Your own mortal coil can be transported for CHF 5 (or CHF 2.50 if you own a Swiss half price card).

More info

Online Swiss water levels (German).

Water level info is available on the Kanuschule-hotline (in German) or per phone from the Kanuschule Versam: +41 81 6451324. Please don't call them after 23.00H CET.

Locals

Aggressive fishermen, sparsely dressed ladies and lots of scared rafters.

Info sources

Kanuschule Versam (German web site), Joempie