Engure - Rinda - Irbe
Type of the river : Engure is Class 1 river. The river is proper for leisure paddling all season long regardless of water level.
Recommended boats : Canoe. But it is also possible to go by any kind of kayak or inflatable boat. Trip duration may vary from stated though.
Suggested paddling skills:
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Routes offered by Campo on this river: * route selection popularity scale: 
 -recommendation for the season.
The most beautiful lake in Kurzeme – Usma – is the fifth largest lake in Latvia. Ten rivers and creeks fall into it, bu only one falls out – Engure. Engure is the first of three interconnected rivers leading from Usma lake to the sea. Engure falls out from a tall inlet, which runs deep into the west coast of the lake between Sineprags and Bažurags. Paddlers must know, that this part of lake (Luziķērte) belongs to the Moricsala nature reserve and walk-through here is prohibited. Permissions to cross the terrain are not issued, but practically local authorities will not protest, if you straightly follow direction to Engure outfall. At all events don't try to tempt fate and explore islands of reserve – Moricsala and Lielalksnīte and don't step ashore!
Slope of Engure river is 8,4m, the length – 27km. Engure is small, pictorial river. Not far from it's mouth, near Gaiļi bridge is located a fine campsite – “Ozoldangas”. In year 2002 renewed hydroelectric power station of Ugāle has done it's evil job and the section of river above the power station and already a kilometer below Ozoldangas is flood out. Below the dam of power station there was an about 500 m long overfall before… downstream river turns zigzag and small. Along Ugāle wind fallen wood becomes more common, however it is not embarrassing. Before the lake of Puze rivers flows through swampy meadows and is quite tedious. It's not recommended to set a camp here.
The lake of Puze is the second deepest lake of Kurzeme (33,6m). It is narrow and long. Except Engure also river Svēte falls into it and river Rinda falls out. Lake is famous for it's fish. It's populated by catfish and few other rare species. Lake is also the source of drinking water of Ventspils. Banks of lake are populated by riches of Ventspils, thereby it is recommendable to pass through without stepping out to outfall of Rinda direction – NE, 4km.
River of Rinda (length 29km, slope 6,8m) is remarkable of it's drift flow. Generally it's base consists of friable turf, thereby forming deep underwater flows, clay blocks, shafts and niches.
First 9km of the river actually are formed by small lakes chain. Afterwards there is a swift and serpentine section, but 9km before Rinda village river turns drift. Paddlers have nicknamed this section of river “cabbage fields”. River is wide, drift, shallow. By canoe it's still probable, but kayak's paddle tinkers in grassy and shallow surface.
Bellow Rinda village river changes for good and becomes like Engure before Ugale. There is a flow, sharp turns, also a wind fallen wood blanket.
After Rinda junction with Stende springs Irbe (33km, slope 5,5m). Initially color of Irbe waters is determined by loamy stream of Stende, but after few kilometers river becomes clean and bellow Irbene it is completely clear again. Starting from here to the sea river rambles along sandy dunes of seaside and is by best mean's different from other river of Latvia. It has to be seen.
Last 5km of the river are wide and drift. Near it's outfall into the sea Irbe forms 2 km long sand stripe. Mouth looks different from year to year.
Since 2004 left bank of the river starting from Lielirbe bridge until the sea belongs to the Oviši nature reserve. Every human action is prohibited here from May 1 to September 1., exception is walking on the beach.
All three rivers are great routes by itself or in connection. Lovers of longer routes are encouraged to try out those starting in Abava. Adventure and impressions are guaranteed!
Engure routes are serviced by Campo support partner in “Ozoldangas”. At your disposal here are two and three seated canoes, sea and touring kayaks, paddles, life – jackets, camp place (for setting up tents and fireplace), outhouse, parking place, rural sauna with rest-room (up to 20 persons).
Boats for Rinda and Irbe routes are at you disposal from our support partner in Rinda village “Rindas skola". For contact information and further details see your rental contract. |
