With packraft in the wild: one-day Paklica river rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (Paradyż)

If you are wondering whether autumn is a good time for rafting on Polish rivers, be sure to take a look at our guidebook. Meanwhile, welcome to the next report in the series „Packraft in the wild…”.

Recommended rafting route

Paklica is a lowland river with a length of 29 km in western Poland. It is not navigable on its entire length. The water route includes two sections: Lubrza Canoe Route from Lubrza to Gościków (Paradyż) and Gościkowo-Skoki. The most charming part of the route is about 24 km long and leads from Lubrza to Skoki. The section from Lubrza to Gościków (Paradyż) is well suited for one-day packrafting.

One-day rafting down the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (photo. Robert Bogusz)

It is best to start rafting at the bridge on Swiebodzinska Street. There is a parking lot nearby, from which we have about 50 meters to the river bank. Just below the post-German dam there are piers that make it easier to lower packrafts onto the water. After 300 meters we reach Lake Lubrza. Within the first hour we reach the Stau 712 tactical weir. It is worth taking a break here and seeing the remains of a structure whose task was to pile up water in the area. Further we enter the Rudno Wilderness. On maps it is marked as a lake, in reality it is a large reed bed. We can assume that up to Paklicko Wielkie Lake our route will be a meandering reed canal. Not far before Paklica flows into Paklicko Wielkie Lake there is another tactical weir marked with the number 714. The last part of the route before the lake leads through a culvert under the road. Just after it, on the right, you can arrange another break. After resting we will enter the waters of Paklicko Wielkie Lake. Head to its southeastern corner. Paklica River flowing out of the lake is already wider. It leads through the Oak Spur forest reserve. This is the most „climatic” part of our route. On the way we pass large fallen trees, swamps and bogs. We end rafting in Gościkowo (Paradyż), right by the walls of the Cistercian monastery. At the footbridge over the river there is a pier. The proposed route is free.

Paklica River rafting route in the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (Paradyż) | elaborate. Robert Bogusz

The total length of the proposed route according to the author of the account is about 13 km, but some sources say that this section is about 14 km long.

Difficulty

The section described is easy. The cleared dumps do not require relocation. The entire section is navigable. Weak current means that for the most part we have to rely on the strength of our own hands.

One-day Paklica river rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz)

Rafting time

It takes six hours to slowly cruise the route, including breaks. The time of rafting indicated in the map is due to the fact that completely inexperienced people took part in it, which resulted in the extension of the overall time. It should be remembered that the return from Gościkowo to Lubrza should be secured, or the return route should be covered on legs or a bicycle.

Equipment

The rafting trip was carried out by our own equipment. You can easily rent one. Typical offer is 150 PLN for the weekend (packraft, paddle, vest). If you decide to raft in the fall, consider getting a packraft with a deck.

One-day Paklica rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (photo. Robert Bogusz)

Additional information

The described route is suitable for beginners, as long as they sail under the supervision of a more experienced person. When rafting in autumn, one should pay special attention to factors such as air temperature, water temperature, possible precipitation, length of the day and associated times of departure and return to the starting point.

One-day Paklica rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz)

Choosing to raft down the Paklica River, it is worth reserving a few days to explore the area. This is part of the Międzyrzecz Fortified Region, and in close proximity flows the Obra River, which is also very suitable for packraft rafting. A post-Cistercian church from the 13th century, called Paradyż, located at the end of the proposed route is a top-class monument.

Robert Bogusz

You can find our guides, rafting suggestions and other reports here:

One-day Paklica rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day rafting on the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica river rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day rafting on the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting trip on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the section Lubrza-Gościkowo (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day rafting on the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (photo. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day Paklica rafting on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (photo. Robert Bogusz) One-day rafting on the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz) One-day rafting on the Paklica River on the Lubrza-Gościkowo section (fot. Robert Bogusz)