TEENAGERS from Abingdon took on the white water rapids of the Slovenian Alps for their summer holidays.

Fifteeen Fifteen members of Abingdon’s Pathfinders Youth Canoe Club spent a week in the Julian alps, navigating the Soca and Kortinica rivers.

The group, which consisted of canoe club members aged 13 to 17 and club coaches and river leaders, were all experienced in whitewater kayaking.

For some it was a first taste of alpine paddling whilst for others it was a return trip: in total the club has been to the Slovenian alps four times to take in the waters.

This year’s party flew out to the country’s capital Ljubljana on August 9, and kayaked several river sections graded between one (easy) and four (advanced).

Club chairman David Surman said: “The Soca Valley is a stunningly beautiful area and the group were camped at Trnovo Ob Soci for the duration of their stay.

“The ice cold turquoise clear rivers rely on frequent thunderstorms during the summer months to keep them at a runnable level.

“The group were fortunate to get their stay between thunderstorms which meant they could paddle in hot sunny weather.”

The club meets regularly on the river at Abingdon from April to September as well as organising trips and activities throughout the rest of the year.

Any young people interested in joining the club should e-mail davidsurman@hotmail.com