Why Should You Listen to Your Guide?

Especially During the First Four Kilometres After Brštanovica

Brštanovica is the most popular starting point for one-day rafting on the Tara River — and also the most technically demanding.
That is exactly why the first few kilometres matter the most.

Many rafting organisers promote the Brštanovica route as 18–24 km, but the actual navigable river distance from Brštanovica to Šćepan Polje — measured during our professional GPS runs — is closer to 14 kilometres.
This is the real section that guests paddle, because the road ends at Brštanovica, and there is no road access farther upstream through this part of the canyon.

If you want to enter the river farther upstream, that is only possible from locations such as Tepca Village (Radovan Luka) or near Đurđevića Tara Bridge.
Both of these access points require a much longer transfer, usually around three hours of driving from Brštanovica.

Access to Brštanovica

Brštanovica can be reached from both Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro, because the Tara River itself forms the natural border between the two countries.
For many guests, this is where the real Tara rafting experience begins.

The First 10–15 Minutes

The first part of the trip is not only about adrenaline.
It is also the moment when guests receive practical training in real river conditions.

Soon after departure, after only a few hundred metres, the raft enters Brštanovački Buk — the first rapid.
Here, the skipper begins to evaluate how the team functions on the water.

During this opening section, we:

• Practice paddle coordination

• Test team reaction time

• Observe group behaviour

• Evaluate balance and seating position

Depending on how the crew performs in the first rapid, the skipper may reorganise positions inside the raft and correct paddling technique before reaching the first truly serious rapid — Borovi.

Calm Before Borovi

After Brštanovački Buk, the river becomes calmer for more than one kilometre.
This stretch is ideal for synchronised paddling practice and preparing the crew for what comes next.

That calm section ends at a right river bend — and this is where Borovi Rapids begin.

Borovi Rapids

Borovi is considered the longest and most serious rapid on the Tara River.
This section demands respect in every season.

It is known for:

• The greatest natural drop

• The fastest current

• A long and powerful flow

• Sharp rocks

• Large boulders

• Strong hydraulics

Statistically, this is the part of the river where rafts most often flip, regardless of water level.
That is why everything depends on discipline, timing, and full coordination inside the boat.

Why Borovi Is Dangerous

During higher spring water levels, Borovi becomes even more demanding.
The rapid can connect with the sections below it, turning multiple rapids into one continuous, powerful sequence.

When that happens:

• Recovery space between rapids becomes much smaller

• Swimming out of the current becomes more difficult

• Cold water drains physical energy quickly

• The risk of hypothermia increases in early season

• Exposed rocks become even more dangerous for swimmers

If someone falls out, they can hit rocks, get cut, or in the worst case become trapped.
Because the water is faster, swimmers also reach obstacles with much greater force.

This is exactly why listening to your skipper is not optional.
It is a critical part of safety.

The Rapids That Follow

After Borovi, the route continues through Tarina Pošta, Kulina Big Rock, Ćelije, Mladički, and Vjeronovići Buk.
These rapids still require full concentration and well-timed paddling.

Once you pass this entire section and reach Manita Vrela Springs, you have successfully completed the most demanding part of the route.
From that point onward, the river becomes much more relaxed.

Why Listening Matters

Rafting is very similar to driving.
If one person is responsible for control and everyone else follows instructions, the ride stays safe.

Now imagine a car with eight people inside plus a driver:

• One touches the steering wheel

• One presses the gas

• One hits the brakes

• One jumps around

• Nobody follows the same rhythm

That would end badly.
A raft works the same way.

The guide is the steering wheel, and the crew is the engine of the boat.
The skipper gives commands based on timing, current, and river position:

• Forward

• Back

• Stop

• Hold

Every guide may use slightly different command words, but the principle is always the same.
If everyone reacts together, the raft stays stable and controlled.

If individual guests paddle on their own, ignore timing, or react too late, control is lost.
On technical rapids, even a small mistake can change the line of the whole boat.

High Water vs Summer Levels

The Tara changes a lot between spring and summer, but Borovi remains serious in both conditions.

Spring (Level 4–5)

• Much faster current

• Bigger volume of water

• Connected rapids

• More technical navigation

• Less recovery space

• Higher chance of falling out or flipping

Summer (Level 2–3)

• Slower flow

• More visible rocks

• More slalom-style paddling between obstacles

• Shorter rapid sequences

• Better for beginners

• Lower chance of falling out or flipping

In spring, the river is more powerful.
In summer, it is often more technical because of the exposed rocks.

After the Hardest Section

Once Borovi and the following rapids are behind you, the Tara shows its calmer side.
The river becomes wider, more scenic, and more relaxed, with more time for swimming, photos, waterfalls, and enjoyable rapids with lower risk.

That is why we always say:

Take the first part seriously.
Enjoy the rest of the river.