The Volga is not just a river, but a real artery connecting the European part of Russia. boat-boat It's one of the most exciting ways to experience its greatness, the vast expanse of water, the changing landscapes from wooded shores to steppe expanses, and the majestic cities on the steeple create a unique atmosphere, and it's here that you can feel part of the story, sailing past places sung by Repin and Nekrasov.
However, planning such a trip requires careful preparation, because the "Mother Volga" dictates its harsh conditions. Navigation It has its own features related to the cascade of reservoirs, the operation of locks and changeable weather, and in this article we will examine all the nuances, from choosing the type of boat to the route "from Moscow to the Caspian", so that your adventure will go without a hitch or hitch.
It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a short walk. boat With friends or long-term kayaking, knowing the specifics of the river is critical. The average speed of the Volga is only 3-6 km / h, but in the area of locks and dams, it can increase dramatically, creating dangerous whirlpools. Let’s take a look at how to turn potential risks into an exciting adventure.
Choosing a boat: what is better to go on the road
The first and most important question that confronts a future driver or tourist is the choice of the right boat. The market offers many options, and not all are suitable for the Volga. lease or purchase, it is worth considering several main categories, each of which has its advantages.
For short walks near the shore or fishing, inflatable inflatables are ideally suited PVCThey are lightweight, transportable and resistant to impacts against stones. However, for an open Volga, where a wave can suddenly rise, it is better to choose models with a high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, high-speed, float-bottom High pressure or hard paiola floors, which will provide the necessary rigidity of the body and allow you to keep your course against the wind more confidently.
If your goal is a comfortable trip for a few days with overnight stays, you should pay attention to the problem. metallic They're more resistant to cuts against sharp grass or snags, often found in rental bases, and motor boats allow you to travel long distances without depending on the wind, which is crucial for the wide streams of the Volga.Factor..
When choosing, you should also consider the power of the motor, if it is provided. For severe Volga conditions, it is not recommended to use weak ones. motors power less than 5 hp, as headwinds can completely stop the movement. The optimal option for a two-seater boat is the range of 9.9-15 hp, allowing you to quickly get on plane.
Popular routes: from the source to the mouth
The Volga is huge, and planning a route is about choosing the nature of the journey, and the river is divided into the Upper, Middle and Lower Volga, each part offering a unique experience. Upper Volga (from Tver to Yaroslavl) is a narrow channel, picturesque shores, many islands and a calm current. boat-boat newcomers.
The middle Volga (from Nizhny Novgorod to Samara) meets the tourist with the already wide expanses of the Kuibyshev Reservoir. Here the banks get steeper, the famous Zhigulevsky Mountains appear. It is in this area that strong winds often blow, creating a storm wave, which requires the boatmaster to increase the speed of the storm. caution and experience.
The Lower Volga (from Volgograd to Astrakhan) is a kingdom of deltas, ducts, islands and the richest ichthyofauna, with higher speeds and a semi-desert landscape, and a large number of navigable fairways, with huge sea lanes and huge sea lanes. barge The boats are also very important, so knowledge of the rules of navigation is vital.
Secrets of navigation through locks
When passing locks (for example, in the Volga or Cheboksary) you need to contact the VHF controller on channel 12 or 16. Small vessels are often allowed to pass the lock free of charge, but you need to strictly follow commands from the shore and keep on board a large vessel or wall, so as not to get into the whirlpools from the turbines.
For those who are not ready for multi-day crossings, there are local routes around major cities, for example, a walk along the Golden Ring with stops in Plose or Kineshma will allow you to combine water tourism with a cultural program. route-mapswhich can be obtained at local tourist centers.
GIMS Rules and Water Safety
The Volga River is a navigable river of federal importance, so there are strict rules controlled by the State Inspectorate for Small-Sized Vessels (SVS).GIMEIgnoring these rules can lead not only to fines, but also to tragic consequences. First rule: any boat, even a small boat, must be fined. lifejackets by number of passengers.
⚠️ Attention: If you don't have a life jacket on a small boat passenger during the navigation period, you get an administrative fine, but more importantly, in the cold water of the Volga, you count for minutes, and the vest is your only chance to stay afloat until help arrives.
In addition, each boat must be manned. anchor If the boat has a motor that is more than 5 hp (or 8 hp depending on the year of manufacture and type), it must be registered and have rights to control.
Weather conditions should be taken into consideration. Be sure to check the forecast before going out; if winds above 10 m/s or thunderstorms are promised, it is better to refrain from exiting; on large reservoirs, the storm can start suddenly, and a wave of 1 meter high for a small boat can be fatal.
☑️ Security check before exit
Equipment and equipment required
Gathering boat-boatYou have to understand that there are no shops or pharmacies on the water, you have to carry all the supplies you need, and the basic kit includes not only life-saving aids, but also tools for repair and navigation, and even if you're cruising along the shore, a breakdown in your motor or loss of your paddle can make a walk a challenge.
The most important element of equipment is sealed packaging for documents, money and telephone. Water on the Volga can be cold even in summer, and falling into the water in wet clothes and with a full pocket gadgets is dangerous. germ-bag or waterproof cases fixed on the boat.
Also, don't forget sunscreen: In water, the sun's rays bounce off the surface, increasing the risk of burns and heat stroke, headgear, polarizing filter glasses (which help you see the topography of the bottom and driftwood), and high SPF cream are all mandatory attributes.
| Category | Subject matter | Appointment | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security | Life jacket | Keeping afloat | critical |
| Navigation | GPS Navigator / Map | Orientation | Highly |
| Repairs | Remake for PVC | Puncture removal | Highly |
| Connection | Waterproof phone | Aid call | critical |
Advice of the seasoned: Always take a spare set of oars, even if you have a powerful engine. In the event of engine failure or loss of propeller on the driftwood, oars will be the only way to get to the shore.
Seasonal and Best Months to Walk
The navigation season on the Volga River usually opens in May and lasts until the end of September, but each month has its own specifications. May and early June It's a time of high water, when the river is full and beautiful, but the water is still very cold, and the risk of hypothermia when swimming or falling overboard is maximum.
July and August are traditional vacation times, the water warms up, the days are long, but this is the time when the river has the most vacationers, boats and jet skis, and maneuvering in this flow is more difficult, and the wave from high-speed vessels can be unpleasant for small boats. September It is considered the “velvet season” on the Volga: there are fewer people, the water is still warm, and nature is painted in golden tones.
Autumn also begins the migratory season of fish, which attracts many anglers. If you plan to fish from a boat, the autumn months can be the most productive, although they require warmer clothing due to the frequent winds and rains.
Where to get a boat: rent or own?
The choice of “own or rented” depends on the frequency of your departures and the availability of transport. Buying your own boat is freedom at any time, but it requires storage costs (in winter you need a garage or heated box), maintenance, registration and transportation. For residents of cities far from the river, this can be a nightmare logistical.
Renting is a great option for one-off walks or testing different models, and at major bases in Yaroslavl, Kazan, Volgograd and Samara, there is a wide range of options, from simple rowing boats to comfortable boats with a captain, prices vary depending on the class of vessel and the duration of the lease.
When choosing a rental base, pay attention to the state of the fleet and the availability of rescue equipment. Feel free to demand a demonstration of the engine before launching. A good base will always conduct waters briefings, indicate dangerous places and restricted areas.
For beginners, the best solution is to rent a boat with an experienced instructor or captain for the first time, which will allow you to assess your strength and understand the specifics of management on the Volga without the risk of buying the wrong equipment.
Do I need a license to drive a boat on the Volga?
The rights to operate a small craft (category "M", "A", "B", "C", "D", "E") are required if the power of the internal combustion engine exceeds 8 kW (about 10.88 hp) or if the weight of the vessel without an engine exceeds 200 kg.
Is it possible to swim from a boat on the Volga?
Swimming is only possible in specially designated and equipped places marked by buoys. In the fairway and near the shipping routes, swimming is strictly prohibited because of the risk of being dragged under the screw of a passing vessel or getting into the strong wave created by it.
What to do if the boat starts to turn over?
Don't make sudden movements. If the boat is inflatable, it's not going to sink very much. Try to move to the lowest side or the bottom to lower the center of gravity. If the tipping has occurred, don't let go of the boat -- hold on to it, it's going to be your main lifeline. Scream and get attention, but don't panic.