On March 29, 2026, the 10th National Rafting Championship of Albania , and for the third time it took place in the city of Përmet.
The event was held immediately after the successful completion of the training programs organized by the Albanian Rafting Federation for new rafting guides.
The President of the Albanian Rafting Federation, Zamo Spathara, stated that one of the main highlights this year was the participation of not only Albanian athletes but also international teams from Europe, showing that rafting as a sport brings people together regardless of language, religion, or gender.
Another important highlight was the increased participation of female athletes, whose number was three times higher than last year.
The Municipality of Përmet once again proved to be a fantastic host, and the Mayor, Ms. Alma Hoxha, was the guest of honor, presenting the first prize.
Mr. Spathara emphasized that rafting tourism attracts thousands of visitors every year to the areas surrounding the Vjosa River, Osumi Canyons, Black Drin River, Shkumbin, Bistrica, Drino, Benca and others, generating income for the entire local community—from guides and hotels to restaurants, supermarkets, artisan shops, and fuel stations. Today, rafting stands as a key pillar of adventure tourism in Albania.
He also highlighted the importance of continuous training to ensure that rafting remains a safe activity with zero accidents during the tourist season, while maintaining high standards, environmental care for rivers, and quality service.
Spathara added that experienced guides welcomed the new ones on the river, and everyone came together during the final championship, which also included a Hungarian and a British team. The Vjosa guides have now grown into a strong and united community. In the coming years, training programs will include not only new candidates but also refresher courses for existing guides to enhance their technical skills and knowledge.
The first place was awarded to the Hungarian team, led by captain Adam Tabori, with team members Lili Kurucz, Gabor Leitner, and Beni Mahler.
Second place went to Albania Rafting Group, led by captain Ali Spathara, with team members Alastair Darke, Hannah Brown, Shawn Lim, Iain Findlay, and Katie Cox.
Third place was won by Nemercka Rafting, led by captain Selim Ibrahimi, with team members Jonas Ibrahimi, Andi Bektashi, and Saverio Marino.
Dibra Rafting proudly represented the Black Drin River with captain Besjan Zhuta and team members Erdi Sava, Arli Sava, and Gersi Krrashi.
Meanwhile, the “Shkumbini” team of Albania Sport Tourism competed with a female-dominated team, proving that being a rafting guide requires technique and training rather than physical strength. The team was led by captain Kristina Bilbili, with members Xhesara Kusi, Julian Ziu, and Rezart Çerri.
Rafting Vjosa Albania was represented by a technically strong team led by captain Eraldi Jaupi, with athletes Klevis Xhoga, Mateo Mucenji, and Geri Milo.
Albturist was represented by captain Robert Tabaku.
International trainers and judges Roy Gergely and national team coach Andrea Gatti emphasized that each year rafting guides in Albania are becoming more technically prepared, demonstrating that rafting tourism in the country is reaching European standards and continuously improving in safety.
Andrea Gatti, who has coached the national rafting team for over two decades, stated:
“It has become a tradition that every year the two weeks of training culminate in the rafting championship. The championship is now a regular event. In 2025, there was a very high participation of guides, some working for existing companies and others starting their own, expanding rafting opportunities for tourists. In 2026, participation stabilized, allowing better rotation during training and more comprehensive instruction. Rafting on the Vjosa is now a well-established reality, and the creation of Vjosa National Park requires increasing attention, care, and respect for service standards to ensure a high-quality experience for visitors.”
Vice President of the Albanian Rafting Federation, Sokol Sava, stated:
“Today we celebrate a decade of the National Rafting Championship, a journey that began 10 years ago in Berat. Thanks to the passion and vision of Zamo Spathara, rafting has become a powerful engine for promoting adventure tourism in Albania.
In recent years (2024–2026), our focus has shifted to Europe’s last wild river, the Vjosa. Përmet, known as the ‘City of Flowers,’ has been an host, proving that water sports are a national asset.
Our goal is to expand this map, and we are working towards organizing the championship in the Black Drin River in the coming years, bringing new life to tourism in Peshkopi and making rafting a tradition that connects all regions of Albania.”
May the National Rafting Championship 2026 be a good omen for rafting guides and adventure tourism throughout the year.
Wishing everyone a successful and prosperous tourist season!
