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TouristMedia interviewed Ivo Kisiakov, rafting instructor in Association Adventure Net Club
Tell us more about Association Adventure Net Club?
Association Adventure Net Club is a non-profit organization established in 2001 by young enthusiasts, who like extreme sports and Bulgarian nature. The association has a mission to popularize eco vacations, extreme sports and Bulgaria as a tourism destination. Association Adventure Net Club organizes campaigns, which aim to achieve nature preservation.
The association offers various extreme sports opportunities. Which ones are most popular?
Rafting is probably most popular. This sport is accessible, people need no special preparation. All they need is the desire to try it.
What problems does the association have to deal with?
Association Adventure Net Club lacks national and municipal support. The lack of sponsorships is other problem.
How long have you been a rafting instructor?
In the beginning of 2008 the association set up male and female rafting teams. The manager of the association Emilia Begounova invited me to participate. It was a challenge for me, since I had tried rafting only once.
In February 2008, I started practicing. By the end of April 2008 I participated in practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina together with two members of the female team and one member of the male team. I started working as a rafting instructor after this practice session ended.
Association Adventure Net Club organizes similar session in Bulgaria, on Strouma River in Kresna Gorge.
What types of people join the association?
All kinds of people approach us. Some want to feel something different and extreme. Some of them are more open to the extreme and others are skeptical. Skeptics come together with their friends, who have convinced them to try rafting. Every person is different and that is why instructors are very important. During the small amount of time that we spend together, instructors have to calm people and to provide them with quality training.
Is the practice of extreme sports expensive?
First of all extreme sports are a way of life. The question is if you want to live this way. I would say that extreme sports are expensive. But for people, who have that extreme energy, money is of minor importance. The experience challenges people to go beyond their boundaries.
Do you have customers coming from abroad?
Yes, we have many customers from India, England, Lebanon, Syria, Canada, United States, Germany, France, Greece, Russia, Israel and others.
What is the difference between Bulgarians and enthusiasts from other countries?
I think that no difference exists. The main difference is that people from other countries want to learn more about Bulgaria and to feel Bulgarian spirit. All of our customers are interested in our motivation and the selection of extreme sports as a lifestyle.
Can Bulgaria develop alternative forms of tourism? What are the main hindrances?
Bulgaria has numerous alternative tourism development options. Kresna gorge rafting is a great example. Rafting makes the gorge a unique place. We expect higher interest from local authorities. Their involvement is needed for the development and popularization of alternative tourism in Bulgaria.
Tell us more about Association Adventure Net Club?
Association Adventure Net Club is a non-profit organization established in 2001 by young enthusiasts, who like extreme sports and Bulgarian nature. The association has a mission to popularize eco vacations, extreme sports and Bulgaria as a tourism destination. Association Adventure Net Club organizes campaigns, which aim to achieve nature preservation.
The association offers various extreme sports opportunities. Which ones are most popular?
Rafting is probably most popular. This sport is accessible, people need no special preparation. All they need is the desire to try it.
What problems does the association have to deal with?
Association Adventure Net Club lacks national and municipal support. The lack of sponsorships is other problem.
How long have you been a rafting instructor?
In the beginning of 2008 the association set up male and female rafting teams. The manager of the association Emilia Begounova invited me to participate. It was a challenge for me, since I had tried rafting only once.
In February 2008, I started practicing. By the end of April 2008 I participated in practices in Bosnia and Herzegovina together with two members of the female team and one member of the male team. I started working as a rafting instructor after this practice session ended.
Association Adventure Net Club organizes similar session in Bulgaria, on Strouma River in Kresna Gorge.
What types of people join the association?
All kinds of people approach us. Some want to feel something different and extreme. Some of them are more open to the extreme and others are skeptical. Skeptics come together with their friends, who have convinced them to try rafting. Every person is different and that is why instructors are very important. During the small amount of time that we spend together, instructors have to calm people and to provide them with quality training.
Is the practice of extreme sports expensive?
First of all extreme sports are a way of life. The question is if you want to live this way. I would say that extreme sports are expensive. But for people, who have that extreme energy, money is of minor importance. The experience challenges people to go beyond their boundaries.
Do you have customers coming from abroad?
Yes, we have many customers from India, England, Lebanon, Syria, Canada, United States, Germany, France, Greece, Russia, Israel and others.
What is the difference between Bulgarians and enthusiasts from other countries?
I think that no difference exists. The main difference is that people from other countries want to learn more about Bulgaria and to feel Bulgarian spirit. All of our customers are interested in our motivation and the selection of extreme sports as a lifestyle.
Can Bulgaria develop alternative forms of tourism? What are the main hindrances?
Bulgaria has numerous alternative tourism development options. Kresna gorge rafting is a great example. Rafting makes the gorge a unique place. We expect higher interest from local authorities. Their involvement is needed for the development and popularization of alternative tourism in Bulgaria.
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