TREBIŠNJICA: THE PERFECT PLACE FOR KAYAKING DEVELOPMENT

The Trebišnjica River, once the largest sinking river in Europe, is no longer just a natural gem admired for its crystal-clear waters and calm flow — today, it also serves as an ideal watercourse for the sport of kayaking.

PHOTO: Trebinje danas

Flowing through the very heart of Trebinje, this river offers excellent conditions for both training and competitions. Taking full advantage of this natural gift is the Kayak-Canoe Club “Trebišnjica,” whose members have been achieving impressive results at regional and international regattas for years.

Founded in 2001, the club currently boasts around thirty active members proudly representing Trebinje on the rowing map of the region. Club coach Vule Pantović told the local portal Trebinje Danas that despite their amateur status, the club has accomplished significant success.

“We are an amateur club, but our results have long surpassed that label. At the Belgrade Championship, we won seven gold, one silver, and three bronze medals — a huge success for us. Also, at the Serbian National Long-Distance Championship, we have a champion in the girls under-14 category,” said Pantović.

Despite growing interest, the club faces serious challenges when it comes to equipment, which currently limits both training and recreational activities.

“There is a lot of interest in kayaking in Trebinje, but due to a lack of equipment, we’re unable to include more children. We also don’t offer adult training, as paddling technique and balance require experience. That’s why recreational kayaking is reserved exclusively for former competitors,” Pantović explained.

Currently, only children aged 8 to 12 can participate in the club’s training program, using specially adapted kayaks that suit their age and weight. Training takes place at the "Bregovi" pool, which, according to the coach, is ideal for beginners.

“At the pool, children learn how to maintain balance, what to do if they fall out of the kayak, how to swim with it... These are the basic skills that later allow them to safely go out on the river,” said Pantović.

Unfortunately, the kayak school will not be organized this year due to the equipment shortage.

“We hope that by next season we’ll be able to expand our capacity and give more children the opportunity to join,” the coach added.

In addition to the athletic aspect, the club places strong emphasis on ecology and preserving the Trebišnjica River, which they proudly refer to as the pride of the city and the region.

“We take pride in the cleanliness of our river — both its water and its banks. We regularly organize clean-up events, and what we can’t reach from the shore, our members collect from their kayaks. It’s mostly plastic bottles and cans. Our members develop a strong environmental awareness and pass it on to younger generations,” Pantović emphasized.

Thanks to their enthusiasm, hard work, and love for the sport, the Kayak-Canoe Club “Trebišnjica” has been building a recognized name in the region for over two decades. For 21 years in a row, Trebinje has hosted the traditional event “Eco-Regatta on the Trebišnjica,” which promotes both sport and environmental care.

The kayaking season already began in April, and the club says they have no plans to slow down. Though amateur in status, these athletes continue to push boundaries — on the water and in the community’s awareness of the importance of sport and preserving natural heritage.