Members of a newly formed kayaking team paddle along the Mishkhab River in Najaf governorate during a trip that combines recreation with river cleanup efforts. Photo by 964media.
Kayak team in Najaf combines paddling with river cleanup efforts
NAJAF — A pair of friends in Najaf governorate have launched the area’s first kayak paddling team, attracting more than 20 young men and women in three months with a project that combines outdoor recreation, environmental cleanup and plans to promote river tourism.
The team was founded by Hassan Al-Kurdi and Mohammed Shanan after the two paddled together on the Mishkhab River and decided to turn the activity into an organized group. Members now organize trips on rivers and marshes, carrying trash bags to collect waste from areas that are difficult to reach from the banks.
Mohammed Shanan told 964media that social media helped the initiative grow quickly.
“Posting on social media helped many friends, university classmates, colleagues and others who share the same interest join us. We now have more than 20 members, and 10 young people are taking part in today’s trip,” he said.
Shanan said the group’s goals extend beyond sport.
“One of our main goals is cleaning the river. There are many volunteer campaigns that clean the riverbanks, and we appreciate their efforts, but areas in the middle of the river are difficult to reach except by paddle boats. We always carry trash bags with us, combining two things: enjoying nature and river trips while raising awareness about keeping rivers and the environment clean.”
Al-Kurdi, the team’s founder, said he began paddling alone two years ago and regularly shared videos of his river trips online before Shanan joined him on one excursion.
“The idea began when I went down to the river by myself,” Al-Kurdi said. “About three months ago we agreed to establish the team, and in the future we hope to organize tournaments. I am already in contact with paddle teams in Basra, Mosul and other governorates.”
Al-Kurdi also advised paddlers to use European-made kayaks, saying many Chinese-made models sold on the market are not suitable for Iraq’s high temperatures.
“The most important safety requirement is wearing a life jacket, in addition to having an lifebuoy or another rescue device before a paddler enters the river,” he said.
The initiative follows the spread of kayak paddling clubs in several Iraqi cities, including Numaniyah, with participants using the sport to encourage tourism, outdoor recreation and environmental awareness.