In November , the Royal Navy Paddlesport Association ( RNPA ) conducted an expedition to Zambia , where they faced the challenge of navigating the exhilarating rapids of the worldfamous Zambezi River . Exercise RAPID ZAMBEZI started just beneath the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls , the team navigated a series of high-volume rapids from 1-25 , pushing skill and determination in one of the planet ’ s most demanding whitewater environments . This expedition had a dual purpose : to develop advanced whitewater kayaking skills in a world-class setting and to push the team ’ s limits regarding physical endurance , mental resilience , and teamwork . The stunning scenery along the Zambezi provided a rare opportunity to promote kayaking and adventure training within the Royal Navy and the wider armed forces . It underscored the versatility and toughness required to succeed in challenging environments on land or water .
THE ZAMBEZI : A TEST OF NERVE AND SKILL
The Zambezi River is renowned for its powerful rapids and dramatic landscapes , making it a prime
location for extreme adventure sports . Above Victoria Falls , the river flows calmly through Zambia ’ s Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park , teeming with wildlife like elephants , hippos , and crocodiles along its sandy banks . But as the river approaches the falls , the tranquil waters quickly give way to ferocious rapids . Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya , meaning ‘ The Smoke That Thunders ,’ the falls create a deafening roar and a mist that billows into the air as the river plunges into the Batoka Gorge below , carving out one of the world ’ s most renowned stretches of whitewater .
For the Royal Navy team , the journey began in the turbulent waters just below Victoria Falls , where the force of the river ’ s flow immediately introduced them to the intensity of the Zambezi ’ s rapids . The river meanders through the Batoka Gorge , where 25 rapids with names like ‘ The Devil ’ s Toilet Bowl ,’ ‘ Stairway to Heaven ,’ ‘ Commercial Suicide ,’ and ‘ Oblivion ’ awaited . Each rapid tested the team ’ s skill , concentration , and teamwork , offering an unparalleled river-running experience not found in the UK or Europe .
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