Jordan River Kayaking

May 17th 2011

Do you remember that high moment in Jewish History when the Jews crossed that river with Joshua as their leader, finally stepping foot into the Holy Land? A momentous event, to be sure, complete with Red Sea-style sea- splitting fun.

That river was called the Jordan River. Fastfoward in time thousands of years and……..

Does it still exist? Can we find it in our modern Israel geography while on your Israel vacation? Is this something you can include on your Israel bar mitzvah or Israel bat mitzvah itinerary?  You better believe it.

And now, instead of wading across it biblical style, you can KAYAK across it in the beautiful landscape of the Upper Galilee. Now that’s what I’m calling a redemptive experience!

There is one kayaking option that is more white-water rafting, complete with exciting rapids. If you are on a more cautious Israeli private group tour or on an Israel bar mitzvah tour, you can opt for the relaxing family-style version. If you’re looking for extreme sports, this option isn’t really your scene.

On the family- style travel route, all around you will be nearby residents chilling on the sidelines and little Israeli children splashing each other and you (careful with your urge to go swinging your oar in protest). You can control the speed you would like to go, and holler at nearby kayaks for some friendly competition if desired. A lazy river ride gone biblical.

You can also get a 6 person raft, which would add to the collective singing opportunity as you go on your merry way down the luscious snaking path of the Jordan River. The family style route is about 1 hour and fifteen minutes long. For speed kayaking, you’ve got yourself a 2 and a half hour adrenaline filled  bonanza that passes through small waterfalls and and exquisite scenery.

The Jordan River Kayaking experience was the brainchild of Kibbutz Kfar Blum member  Pini Almog in 1986 .

The kibbutz is located in the Upper Galilee region around the area where the Hasbani, Dan and Banias rivers join together to form the Jordan.

Grab your oars and start paddling!