Water Based Tourism In Apuseni Mountains

WATER-BASED TOURISM IN APUSENI MOUNTAINS

Introduction

CHAPTER 1

GENERAL ASPECTS OF WATER-BASED TOURISM

BREAF HISTORY OF WATER-BASED TOURISM

An important moment in history of water-based tourism was the European colonization of various countries of the world. Most of the practices were updated, transformed and transferred by the colonizers in their settlements adapted in multiple degrees by other migrants and taken in other parts of the world.

The oldest water-based activities in the world are: sailing, fishing and surfing. Sailing, for example, appeared in the Egyptian times, around year 4000 Before Christ and helped the humanity to travel over the land and also to transport different goods or to trade. Later on, it becomes a recreational activity that can be practiced not only by rich people, but also by ordinary people. The Egyptians are known as the first population which used fishing for surviving and also invented lots of methods and instruments for fishing. We can find the illustrations of fishing activity on numerous drawings and ancient documents from Egypt. Surfing is also an ancient sport that has connections with fishing, because fishermen were the first who discovered riding the waves as a quick and efficient method to go to the shore with their catch. This activity appeared in Western Polynesia over 3000 years ago and it became a sport after people, including kings and queens, started to like “stand-up surfing”, around 15th century.

As it was explained before, fishing started to be practiced for survival, but later on it developed two types of sports: fishing and big game fishing using motorized boats, which were becoming fashionable sports during 1950s-1960s, while they were promoted by celebrities, shows and films.

Coming to whitewater rafting which is considered the most representative water-based sport in The Apuseni Mountains, it has also a long history going back to indigenous people that used it for transportation, and nonindigenous people that used it for trading and hunting. (Jennings, G., 2007)

OVERVIEW OF DEFINITION AND TERMS

As many types of activities, the water-based tourism, sport and leisure has suffered transformations during time and the definition of them as a whole brings some problems into perspective. There were many kinds of interpretations due to the local and international interest and for that appeared a constant need to provide multiple meanings that are related to these terms.

Further, there will be illustrated the definitions of the most important terms that are referred to this piece of work, considered to be the basic material of water-based tourism.

Tourism can be defined as an activity which is in a permanent relation with a person that steps away from his or her routine places, for a known period of time, and whose main goal is to recreate and not being remunerated for it.

The next important term to be defined is water-based tourism. It consists by its relationship to any touristic activity undertaken with water resources like oceans, seas, marine costal zones, water ways, channels, rivers, strings, creeks, dams, lakes, ice areas. (Jennings, G., 2007, p.9)

Touristic activity can be defined as any kind of activity performed by a person, no matter if it’s a hobby, sport, exercise or other activity, in a place that can be visited and is not personal or common, for a defined period of time, without being remunerated for it. (Jennings, G., 2007, p.9)

Recreation can be defined as “any action that refreshes the mental attitude of an individual”. “Recreation is a wholesome activity that is engaged in for pleasure; therefore, it is play”. In other words, recreation is an activity that is associated with resting, relaxing, break, or anything made for leisure. (Jennings, G., 2007, p.10)

Leisure is a term that has many interpretations of its meaning, but the main idea is that leisure refers to those free hours during day that don’t require work or any duty, and can be spend how each individual seeks. It can be interpreted as freedom of choices but also can be a time spent on holiday, for example, that you are paid for. Leisure time can be used for improving many skills, including socializing and training, or developing new things.

CHAPTER 2

HYDROLOGICAL ASPECTS OF APUSENI MOUNTAINS

INTRODUCTION IN APUSENI MOUNTAINS

The Apuseni Mountains is a mountain range in Transilvania, Romania, which belongs to the Western Romanian Carpathians, also called Occidentali Carpathians (Carpații Occidentali). Apuseni Mountains subdivisions are: Criș Mountains (Munții Crișurilor), Șes-Meseș Mountains (Munții Seș-Meseș), Bihor Massif, Mureș Mountains (Munții Mureșului). The paleogeographic evolution of the Apuseni Mountains begins in the mezozoic era, alpine orogeny. The first geological formations are Precambrian crystalline schists followed by the middle and upper Paleozoic. The crystalline was divided into a crystalline prebaikalian, baikalian, respectively Hercynian. Prebaikalian cycle occurred in Precambrian, the second in inferior Paleozoic and the last in upper Paleozoic.

There were three tecto-magmatic cycles in the first two geological eras. During the Permian (Upper Paleozoic) occurred deposits so called molasse deposits (Molis = soft) of such tectonic hercynian. They are a continental type of piedmont deposits, deposited in a low depth sea, in association with volcanic formations acid (rhyolites) and basic (basalt). Permian occurs in all structural units of the Apuseni Mountains.

Apuseni region has the following boundaries: to the north is the Barcău River, to the south is the Mureș River, to the east we have the Transylvanian Plateau, and to the west the Crișana plains.

THE HYDROGRAPHY OF APUSENI MOUNTAINS

The hydrography of Apuseni Mountains contains the following 7 rivers and 5 lakes: Someșul Mic River, Crișul Repede, Crișul Alb and Crișul Negru Rivers, Barcău River, Arieș River, Ampoi River, Vărăsoaia and Ighiu Lakes, Fântânele Lake, Tarnița Lake and Leșu Lake. The hydrographic network is very dense. High rainfall makes these mountains a real castle water of numerous tributaries which flow towards Criș and part of Someș and Mureș.

From Plopiș Mountains flows Barcău river, marking the Apuseni mountains north unit. In Meseș Mountains flow Krasna and Agris.

The three Crișul rivers have their source in the central high part of the Apuseni Mountains. Crișul Repede river flows from the southern part of Vlădeasa Mountains, forming the gorge from Cincea in the mountain zone, receiving from left Drăgan and Jada. From Bihor Mountains flows Crișul Negru with its tributary Crișul Pietros, and from south of Bihor Mountains flows Crișul Alb. Also in these mountains has its source Arieș river, that is tributary to Mureș river.

Also in the central part of the Apuseni Mountains has its origins Someșul Mic river formed by the union of Someșul Cald with the springs in Bihor Mountains and with Someșul Rece from Muntele Mare. In the northern part of the Apuseni Mountains flows the Almaj river, and in the south the Mureș river which forms a gorge crossed by important routes of communication.

2.2.1 Someșul Mic River

Photo no. 2 – Someșul Mic River (source: ro.wikipedia.org)

It is the river that crosses the most important city from Transilvania – Cluj-Napoca and has a total length of 178 km.

After the formation in the small tectonic-erosive depression from Someșul Rece, it crosses intrusive rock bar which serves as foundation for the dam from Gilău. The first tributary of Someșul Mic River – Căpușul, collects the streams from the Nordic slope of Gilău Mountains, having the typical asymmetric nature of submountain courses.

From here to Cluj, Someșul Mic River receives tributaries only from the right part, namely: Lona or Feneșul with a lenght of 22 km, with springs from the eastern wing of Gilău Mountains which crosses also the hilly monoclinic submountain region until shedding and also in Gârbăului Valley (S=28 km2, L=8 km) with his streams below Măgura Sălicei. (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.249)

Becașul River flows from the right side into Someșul Mic River, in Cluj city, and from the left – Nadășul River that has a surface of 331 km2 and a length of 33,6 km, a watercourse that subsequently adapts to the marginal-tectonic region of Gilău Mountains that are responsible for the shortness of the tributaries from the right part. (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.249)

Downstream from Cluj, Someșul Mic flows to the peripheral zone of the Transilvanian Basin, forming the limit between the Transilvanian Plane (from the right) and Someșan Plateau (from the left).

2.2.2 Crișul Repede River

Photo no. 3 – Crișul Repede River (source: ro.wikipedia.org)

Crișul Repede River drains the northern slopes of the massive Gilău-Vlădeasa and Pădurea Craiului. The basin shape of the river is not symmetrical because of the right tributaries out of Mezeș and Plopiș are almost totally missing or have small dimensions.

Crișul Repede River was formed as a result of regressive catchments through which the river crossed the morphological watershed from massive Plopiș-Mezeș and Vlădeasa, penetrating the Huedin depression where it has its springs.

It springs from an altitude of 710 m near the Izvorul Crișului Village from a hilly region from the northern side of Huedin depression. In the spring zone, it has relatively high slopes (aprox. 15m/km), but between Huedin and Morloca the slopes decrease till 3-5 m/km. On this region, it receives tributaries only from the left side (Șipotul, Domoșul, Călata River which has a length of 33 km).

Crișul Repede leaves Huedin depression downstream of Bologa Village where it receives the first tributary out from the eruptive massive Vlădeasa that springs from 1550 m altitude under Vlădeasa peak.

The debt of Crișul Repede River rises especially on the sector between Călatei and Secuieului Rivers and also the slopes rise about 6-7 m/km. In Ciucea-Negreni depression, Crișul Repede River receives the most important tributary – Drăganul (surface 256 km2, length 40 km) and two other tributaries that are smaller: Poicul and Semenii. It leaves the Ciucea-Negreni depression at Bucea Village, receiving the second most important tributary – Valea Iadului (surface 223 km2, length 44 km) that springs under Poienilor peak (1627m).

In Bratca depression, Crișul Repede River receives from the left side Brădcuța River (S=45 km2, L=12 km), Mișirului Valley (S=39 km2, L=9 km) Izbondișului Valley and Boznea which is a small tributary.

Downstream of Vadul Crișului, Crișul Repede River receives its biggest tributary from the right side – named Borodul (S=116 km2, L= 14 km). Up to Aleșd Village, the slopes of Crișul Repede are relatively low. Downstream Aleșd, the slopes of the river are growing fast and near Oradea area it receives some small tributaries like Cropanda, Medeșul, Chicicul or Valea Babei, Tășadul, around Sântandrei – the Peța River, and also from Plopiș sector – Valea la Arinii. (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.278)

2.2.3 Crișul Negru River

Photo no. 4 – Crișul Repede River (source: www.beaver.icaswildlife.ro)

Crișul Negru springs from the northern side of Curcubăta Peak from an altitude of 1460m, near the springs of Arieșul Mic River. Upstream from Cărtinet, Crișul Negru has large slopes (aprox. 30-50 m/km) and a rough course typically mountainous.

However getting into depression, the water cools down. Near Vașcău, the slopes vary about 10 m/km, then they are starting to decrease, reaching only 0,2-0,3 m/km, meaning that Crișul Negru River gets the typical look of a plain river.

Criștiorul (S=30 km2, L=14 km) is the first and only of the tributaries from the left side which springs from Curcubăta massive. On the other hand, the tributaries from the right side are the following: Oproaia (Crișul Nou) that springs from below Măgura Băiței (890 m) and Crișul Băița (S=92 km2, L=21 km) which is considered as the spring of Crișul Negru, together with the spring below Curcubăta Peak.

Downstream, in Crișul Negru are discharging another two small tributaries: Valea Neagră and Valea Chișcăului; afterwards at Drăgănești, Crișul Negru receives his most important tributary – Crișul Pietros (S=226 km2, L=31 km).

Crișul Negru is actually formed from two courses strong affected by the Bihorului carst waters from Valea Galbenă (S=36 km2, L=10 km) and Valea Bulzului (S=58 km2, L=7 km).

Another tributary received by Crișul Negru is Roșia (S=308 km2, L=38 km) and also three small streams Talpa, Mizieșul and Valea Nimăeștilor (S=109 km2, L=23 km).

Crișul Negru leaves Beiuș Depression through large limestone gates between Betrani-Borz. Downstream from Borz, Crișul Negru enters into the piedmont zone, which causes the divagation to the right, therefore to north.

The piedmont sector discharges into Crișul Negru: Holodul (S=568 km2, L=49 km) together with his tributary – Topa (S=278 km2, L=34 km), from the left discharges in Crișul Negru his last and biggest tributary – Teuzul (S=1166 km2, L=100 km). (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.281)

2.2.4 Crișul Alb River

Photo no. 5 – Crișul Alb River (source: www.beaver.icaswildlife.ro)

Crișul Alb River developed in the contact zone of Bihor massive, Metaliferi Mountains, Zărandului and Codru Moma Mountains. It drains by his main course a series of tectonic depressions like the ones is Bradului, Gurahonț and the bay Țara Zarandului. It springs from the western side of Bihorului Mountains from an altitude of 980 m, below the Certezul Peak (1184 m).

Along the river can be distinguished three principle sectors: superior sector, mountainous – which is very short up to Blăjani, lane sector of Crișul Alb – reaching downstream from the shrinking in Cociuba and the piedmont sector and plain downstream sector. In his superior course it has irregular slopes between 9-25 m/km.

His first rather important tributary is Valea Satului (S=107 km2, L=15 km) is collected by Crișul Alb from the left, having dimensions similar to the collector. The remaining tributaries from the left received from Metaliferi and Zarandului Mountains are Bucureșci (S=80 km2, L=14 km), Luncoiul (S=74 km2, L=10 km), Vața (S=87 km2, L=21 km), Zeldiș or Sighișoara (S=156 km2, L=16 km), Chișindria (S=102 km2, L=20 km) and also have similar dimensions.

The majority of the water collected by Crișul Alb River come from the right side, as is Râbiței (S=123 km2, L=18 km). Going further downstream it continues the row of tributaries organized on the southern side of Bihorului massive, as are: Baldovinul (S=42 km2, L=13 km), Șteiul (S=64 km2, L=22 km), Ociul (S=113 km2, L=19 km) and Valea de la Vazuri (S=95 km2, L=22 km).

The tributaries are rich in drain, their basin having a large opening to west – south west. The series of tributaries coming from Codru Moma starts with Aciuței or Tăcășcele creek, Cruiețul, Valea Ioșei (S=72 km2, L=19 km), Fenișu, Crocna, Craicovi, Poloșaneasca, Topoșa and Dezna (S=210 km2, L=33 km). (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.284)

2.2.5 Barcău River

Photo no. 6 – Barcău River (source: www.beaver.icaswildlife.ro)

Barcău River springs from the limestone plateau below Ponor (977 m) near Tusa Valley from which collects the water of some karstic springs with low debit.

The tributaries from the superior sector and from Nușfalău depression spring out on the left side of the river. They do not have big dimensions, instead their longitudinal slopes are pronounced. Among, the most important are Toplița, Valea Mare and Valea Iazului (S=112 km2, L=22 km), Drighiu (S=45 km2, L=14 km). Downstream from the Marca gorge the river receives Borumlaca, Săldăbagiul, then his biggest tributary – Bistra (S=225 km2, L=53 km).

The tributaries on the right side, much smaller, are: Ipul, Cămăru (S=74 km2, L=11 km), Curătura, Dijirul, Husasău (S=123 km2, L=21 km) which drains in Barcău at Marghita, Egerul (S=49 km2, L=12 km), Valea Rece (S=97 km2, L= 25 km), Sânicolau, Șomecherecul (S=73 km2, L=16 km) and drainage channel Vaida-Roșiori (S=40 km2, L=16 km). (Ujvari, I., 1972, p.275)

CHAPTER 3

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF WATER-BASED TOURISM

Sustainable development consists of an action plan, for achieving sustainability in any activity that uses resources and where immediate and intergenerational replication is demanded. Sustainable development coincides with further economic growth and human development in the developed economy (and society) for finding the means of continual development beyond economic development. As such, sustainable development is the organizing principle for sustaining finite resources necessary to provide for the needs of future generations of life on the planet. It is a process that envisions a desirable future state for human societies in which living conditions and resource-use continue to meet human needs without undermining the "integrity, stability and beauty" of natural biotic systems. (Leopold, A., 1949)

3.1 TYPES OF WATER-BASED ACTIVITIES IN APUSENI MOUNTAINS

Even if Apuseni Mountains is a region that is not very known for water-sports that can be practiced, considering that there are many famous places in the world for this kind of activity, it is anyway a place where can be well practiced some of water-based sports, even those which are considered extreme sports.

The most practiced water-based tourism activities in Apuseni Mountains are considered to be the following: rafting, kayaking, canoeing, motorboating, windsurfing and scuba-diving.

3.1.1 WHITEWATER RAFTING

The most common and representative sport that can be well practiced in Apuseni Mountains is whitewater rafting. It is a recreational outdoor sport that uses a raft to navigate a river or other type of rough water with dangerous rapids.

In Romania the profession of rafting instructor is not well known and there are few instructors that studied this kind of sport, therefore you have to be very careful about choosing the right company who can guide you and provide you good quality equipment.

The rivers where you can practice whitewater rafting from Apuseni Mountains are: Crișul Repede River and Crișul Pietros River.

Crișul Repede River extends for about 48 km lenght, between Bologa Village and Vadul Crișului Commune. The most spectacular and beautiful region of this river is the 3 km sector between Șuncuiuș Commune and Vadul Crișului Commune, which is also the most suitable region for whitewater rafting at a beginner level.

Photo no. 7 – Rafting at Șuncuiuș – Pădurea Craiului Mountains

(source: travelguideromania.com)

The recommended period of time when you can practice this sport is in spring season because the water of Crișul Repede River is higher than in summer time. Also, the most suitable route for families is the Bulz-Vadul Crișului route where you can find a pleasant view and calm water and even youngsters can take part in such an adventure because of the low difficulty of the route. This route has the lengths of only 6 km that can be traveled in approximately 3 hours after 1 hour of training and equipping and can be accessed mainly between March and April.

Crișul Pietros River is suitable for experts because its rating scale is between II and IV and can be very dangerous because of its powerful waves, rocks and obstacles. The route for this extreme sport is between Boga Valley and Pietroasa.

Photo no. 8 – Rafting on Crișul Repede River (source: http://citynews.ro/din-oras/foto-rafting-pe-crisul-repede-de-ziua-dunarii-1245904)

Photo no. 9 – Rafting on Crișul Repede River (source: http://citynews.ro/din-oras/foto-rafting-pe-crisul-repede-de-ziua-dunarii-1245904)

3.1.2 KAYAKING

Kayaking is the second most practiced water-based sport in Apuseni Mountains that can be experienced on both stagnant water and flowing water with a special boat named kayak that has a special hydrodynamic shape. The paddler sits forward with the legs in front and has a double bladed paddle.

This sport can be practiced in Apuseni Mountains on Crișul Repede River, Leșu Lake and Beliș-Fântânele Lake.

Photo no. 10 – Belis-Fantanele Lake (source: www.apusenifantanele.ro)

On Crișul Repede River can be organized kayaking activities from Bratca Village to Vadul Crișului with a level of difficulty of I-II and with a duration of approximately 3 hours.

Photo no. 11 – Kayaking on Crișul Repede River (source: http://www.whitewater.ro/en/rafting/ture-rafting-usor/crisul-repede.html)

Kayaking on Beliș-Fântânele Lake can be experienced mostly between April and November, being an adventure that can take about 3-6 hours depending on the level of participants. The nature has its own beauty and for sure it is an experience that you cannot miss.

Photo no. 12 – Kayaking on Beliș-Fântânele Lake (source: http://adventurecenter.ro/kayaking-pe-lacul-fantanele-belis/)

3.1.3 CANOEING

Canoeing is also a paddle sport which can be practiced at a high level in the area of Apuseni lakes and rivers. A sport in which you kneel or sit facing forward in an open or closed-decked canoe, and propel yourself with a paddle with a single blade, using only your own power.

In Apuseni Mountains, canoeing can be practiced on Beliș-Fântânele Lake, on Tarnița Lake, but also on Crișul Repede River.

Photo no. 14 –Beliș-Fântânele Lake (Source: http://www.kenu.ro/index.php/ro/?option=com_content&view=article&id=14&Itemid=107)

Photo no. 15 – Tarnița Lake (Source: http://www.kenu.ro/index.php/ro/?option=com_content&view=article&id=24&Itemid=107)

3.1.4 MOTORBOATING

Motorboating is a water sport that means especially the use of a boat that has a motor which can be installed outboard (usually at the back of the boat) as well as inboard, being known also for the ease of handling.

Motorboating has also become a key part of the varied suite of touristic experiences offered at destinations associated with water resources. It is the future of boating experiences due to continue evolution of technologies that help getting faster to a destination than never before.

In Apuseni Mountains it is prohibited to be used motorboats on some lakes, like Tarnița and Fântânele, because of the pollution of the area. Despite these facts, people continue using them every weekend in Summer time, breaking the law.

Tarnița Lake was declared a protected area since 1994 by decision of Cluj County Council, and Fântânele Lake is included in the national interest protected area named “Apuseni Natural Park”. Among other things, the regulation prohibits motor sailing and any other activity that involves a motor.

Photo no. 16 – Motorboating on Tarnița Lake (source: http://adevarul.ro/)

3.1.5 WINDSURFING

Windsurfing is one of the youngest whitewater sports and it has no more than 4 decades. Today, it is one of the highest technologized driven watersport.

The well practice of windsurfing depends on the power of the wind and the temperature of the water. It’s one of the most complex whitewater sports by the variety of freestyle movements that can be done and also has the highest element of risk and excitement.

Because of its strict conditions for practicing it, windsurfing can only be experienced on the artificial dam lake from Mihoești, which is located at the foothills of Bihor Mountains.

Photo no. 17 – Mihoești Lake (source: www.acomo.ro/arieseni/obiectiv-turistic-arieseni-lacul-mihoesti-z241)

3.1.6 SCUBA-DIVING

Scuba Diving is the underwater sport with the longest time spent at the bottom of the water (sea, lake, ocean, etc) than any other underwater experiences. Snorkeling is an activity that is related to scuba diving, but practicing it you float at the top of the water and admiring the underwater fish and fauna.

One of the best places for scuba diving in Apuseni Mountains is Izbucul Tăuz Cave, situated in Bihor Mountains, not far from Arieșeni, a place best known for having the highest depth in Romania.

Scuba Diving can also be practiced in Beliș-Fântânele Lake but only by experienced scuba divers because it has a very tight entrance and inside there is no light, so the process it is done very slowly.

Photo no. 18 – Scuba Diver in Beliș-Fântânele Lake (source: http://apa.xtrem.ro)

3.2 LEVELS OF DIFFICULTY OF KAYAKING AND RAFTING

There is an international classification of river difficulty that is used worldwide for detecting how difficult the water sport can be if it is being practiced on different types of rivers. This system of classification is named The International Scale of River Difficulty and it is used for many water-sports and activities, including whitewater kayaking and rafting.

This system is very important because it shows you what kind of skills you must have in order to complete the route in a secure manner and not to put yourself into a dangerous position by overestimating your skills and your ability of practicing the water sport on a certain level.

The International Scale of River Difficulty was developed by Americans and it contains 6 classes of difficulty – from easy to extreme. Each class can be followed by a plus “+” or a minus “-” that shows if it is a higher grade of difficulty in that class or a lower one. Fairly often, the grades of the rivers are changing depending on many issues like: the flow – if it’s high or low, the weather, natural obstacles (rocks, trees, sand) and other.

Here is a short overview of river classifications:

Source: www.oars.com

In conclusion, Class I is suitable for children and seniors or for those who try this kind of activity for the first time, Class II is suitable for children that are at least 4 years old and for all adults, Class III is ideal for children that are at least 7 years old and beginners or intermediates that are not looking for challenges, Class IV is definitely for those adults and children with a minimum age of 12-16 years old looking for adrenaline, Class V is recommended only for experienced paddlers and well trained persons that are adventurous and they might be even tested before the track, and Class VI is definitely for those experts who are not afraid of high risks and live for achieving new personal goals and records.

Photo no. 19 – The levels of difficulty (source: www.wetplanetwhitewater.com/rafting/class-system)

3.3 THE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT FOR WATER-BASED SPORTS

When we think of water-based sports – safety is the most important thing that we have to take into consideration. A good equipment contains high quality materials that protects the sportsman from any danger that can occur. Having the right equipment is the first step to achieve performance in a safety mode.

The kayaking equipment

Photo no. 20 – Kayaking equipment (source: adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/kayaking2.htm)

Kayaking equipment involves a big list of things that you must have in order to practice this sport. Besides the kayak, the most important thing is the paddle. There are many types of paddles, depending on what kind of paddler you are, you can choose from different material combinations, shape (curved or flat), weight, dimensions; for example: if you are a tall person, you might choose a long paddle. You can also choose between feathered and unfeathered blades, the last ones being parallel to each other, while feathered ones have a 70-90 degrees angle.

Another important thing that you must have at you is the life jacket that will protect you against strong waves, rocks and other obstacles, no matter if you are floating on calm water or on a difficult river.

For pushing the water away and for keeping you in the boat, you will need a spray-skirt. This item will fit around your waist and will secure you from getting wet. There are 3 basic types of spray-skirt, as you can see in the photo above: 1mm to 3mm neoprene skirts and nylon skirt, neoprene skirt being more water-secure and warm.

Photo no. 21 – Spray-skirts (source: outdoorcommunitydaily.com)

The helmet is also necessary for protecting the head from rocks, strong waves and other dangerous things that might appear. Of course, for those who want an extra protection, should carry on a First Aid Kit necessary for any wound that might appear.

The clothes are also important for keeping dry. In summer must be careful with the sun protection and in winter must wear layers. And about the footwear – neoprene booties are essential for keeping your feet warm while practicing kayaking.

Photo no. 22 – Neoprene booties (source: gokayaknow.com)

There are also many other accessories that you can take with you, like: gloves (for a long day on the water), anchor (for taking breaks in some places), kayak cart (for an easier transportation of your kayak to the water), bilge pump (for pumping out the water from the boat), waterproof radio.

The rafting equipment

Photo no. 23 – Rafting equipment (source: whitewaterraftingthrills.blogspot.ro)

The equipment for whitewater rafting contains 6 basic items that are very important:

The first one is the self-bailing raft – which can be found in two different types, the most used type is the one in which can fit 6-12 persons and the other type is named trekking boat – in which can fit 2-3 persons and has a slimmer shape;

The second item is the helmet which is absolutely necessary for protecting the head. It must be chosen right, paying attention at the size and dimension – not too loose or too tight, not too heavy or too light;

The item number three, as you can see in the photo no. 23 – it is the throw bag that is used for rescuing and it is necessary for any kind of boat for a plus of safety;

Another important item is the paddle which can be made from different types of material – from soft to hard ones, depending on which type of adventure you need it for;

The item number 5 is the dry bag used for carrying things on the raft;

Another important item is the life jacket or the personal floatation device that protects you against falling into the water and against rocks, big waves and other obstacles.

And about clothing and footwear, of course – it is necessary the neoprene suits and booties that protects you from being wet.

Photo no. 24 – The neoprene suit (source: http://360guide.info)

The canoeing equipment

Photo no. 25 – Canadian canoe (source: www.canoethewye.co.uk/equipment)

The essential canoeing equipment contains almost the same elements as the other two water-based sports (kayaking and rafting) and these are: the boat – named canoe which can be for one person or for three persons, the paddle – it is recommended to be purchased an extra one in this case, float bags that are positioned in front and in the back of the boat for preventing any danger of overturning, the helmet which is a must in any type of water-sport.

The other items are optional, depending on how experienced you are and what level of activity you practice. These are: the paddle jacket, suits and booties – in summer time most of people don’t use this equipment, floatation device for rescuing if it’s necessary- even if it is not a must for boats like canoes, dry bags for carrying dry things on the boat.

The windsurfing equipment

Even if it seems to be a sport with little equipment, windsurfing requires a complex gear. The main piece from the equipment is the windsurfing board which is also the most expensive item for this sport. It can be chosen depending on your weight and windsurfing skills, noticing that the bigger ones are for beginners.

Photo no. 26 – Windsurfing boards (source: www.surfertoday.com)

The next very important item for windsurfing equipment is the windsurfing sail which comes in many different shapes and features – see photo below.

Photo no. 27 – Windsurfing sails (source: 2radwindsurf.blogspot.ro)

Windsurfing masts are also important parts of the equipment; their price varies starting with about 200$ and can get very expensive, depending on the carbon content and size.

Photo no. 28 – Windsurfing masts (source: www.north-windsurf.com)

The next important piece of the windsurfing equipment is the boom which helps you to control the movement and direction of the board by holding it and it comes in different sizes and materials.

Photo no. 29 – Holding the boom (source: http://socrates.berkeley.edu/)

The last basic piece of the windsurfing equipment is called windsurfing fin and helps controlling the windsurfing board and the speed of it. It is placed under the board, at the end of it and it cannot be seen while surfing. By choosing the right size, shape, material, you can surf at the best capacity.

Photo no. 30 – Windsurfing fins (source: www.windsport.com)

The next items of the windsurfing equipment are also important but you can surf even without them: wetsuits, neoprene suits and booties, life jacket, boardbags, gloves, helmet and other.

The motorboating equipment

For practicing this water-based activity, first of all you have to buy/rent a boat that has the right size for you. It is recommended to take the advice of an expert when choosing one. It is also necessary for you and anyone else from the boat to know the basics of handling a motorboat, the rules of driving it, meteorology, the use of the safety equipment, to know how to swim and to rescue others.

The clothing is very important for all the crew from the boat. The basic clothing item is the suit which will keep you dry and warm and protect you against hypothermia. It contains a thermal headgear that will keep your body temperature, high trousers and a jacket – all from a special fabric that protects you from water, and it is strongly recommended to be bright-colored and with retro-reflective strips.

Photo no. 31 – Dry suit (source: www.apsltd.com)

The yachting boots must have non-slip soles and must be warm and comfortable and the marine gloves will protect your hands from different types of injuries and will also protect you from cold.

Another rule is to have floatation equipment for all the crew from the boat or life jackets, that anyone should wear while bad weather conditions and it is recommended to have the life jacket on while on boat.

The harness is a part of the equipment that offers you security. The modern ones have also attached some air-inflation systems like life-jackets. It should be at least one harness available for use on the foredeck. While wearing it, you should clip it on something strong enough to carry your weight, because while falling into the water it helps to drag you back.

Photo no. 32 – Security harness for boats (source: www.nauticexpo.com)

The emergency electronics are also necessary in case of danger. You cannot rely on using your cellphone for calling for help and indicating your position, that’s why a VHF radio is needed. It is equipped with a special button that you can press when you want to transmit an alert.

Photo no. 33 – Boat radio (souce: www.nauticexpo.com)

There are another few accessories that a motor cruiser should have on the boat: lifebuoys – marked with the boat’s name, retro-reflective tape, containing a whistle and a light, firing flares – that are kept into a waterproof place, first aid kit, fire extinguisher.

Photo no. 34 – Lifebuoys (source: www.crew-safe.co.uk)

Photo no. 35 – Firing flare (source: www.myclearwater.com)

The scuba diving equipment

Scuba diving is a water sport that requires complex equipment that allows you to see and breathe while you are underwater. The first important item is the oxygen tank which comes in different sizes and it can be made from steel or aluminum, the aluminum tanks being much cheaper than the other ones.

Secondly, the wetsuit is necessary along with the boots and gloves. Before going into the water, the boots are switched with the fins. For seeing clearly and for exploring the underwater nature, the mask is a very useful accessory.

The snorkel is also an important piece of scuba diving gear because you can breathe through it while you look below, before you go scuba diving.

Photo no. 36 – Scuba diver underwater (source: galleryhip.com)

The Buoyancy Control Device (BCD) looks like a vest or jacket and helps you to control your body in the water and it also holds the oxygen tank.

Photo no. 37 – Scuba diving equipment (source: http://iesa-fao.org)

The regulator it is an item that helps you breathe underwater the air from the oxygen tank in a comfortable way. It is hold into the mouth and connects the scuba tank through a cable. The octopus is a second item that if it is connected to the regulator first stage, another diver can breathe through it.

The gauge shows you exactly how much air remains in the oxygen tank and you can decide if you should dive deeper or end the activity.

The diving computer replaces both – the gauge and the watch because it shows you continuously the depth and the remaining oxygen time so you can dive safely and that’s why most of the divers prefer this kind of gear.

There are some other optional diving accessories that you can choose, like: dive light, knife, bags, photo and video camera, watch, visual and audio signaling devices, dive flag and float that indicates that divers are in that area.

CHAPTER 4

SWOT ANALYSIS OF WATER-BASED TOURISM ACTIVITIES

A SWOT analysis is a structured planning method used to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats involved in a project or in a business venture. A SWOT analysis can be carried out for a product, place, industry or person. It involves specifying the objective of the business venture or project and identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable to achieve that objective.

SWOT creator might be Albert Humphrey, who led a convention at the Stanford Research Institute in the 1960s and 1970s using data from Fortune 500 companies. However, Humphrey himself does not claim the creation of SWOT, and the origins remain obscure.

In the following table will be analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of the situation regarding the water-based tourism activities and also the opportunities and threats that characterizes the water-based sports in Apuseni Mountains.

CONCLUSIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jennings, G., Water-Based Tourism, Sport, Leisure, and Recreation Experiences, Elsevier, USA, 2007;

Asociația Centrul Ecologic Green Area, Revista „România pe ape repezi”, Noiembrie 2011;

Ujvari, I., Geografia apelor României, Editura Științifică, București, 1972;

Leopold, A., The Land Ethic, 1949, http://www.waterculture.org/uploads/Leopold_TheLandEthic.pdf;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing#History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_fishing

http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring04/britton/history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apuseni_Mountains

http://www.gotravel.ro/blog/unde-poti-practica-sporturi-extreme-in-romania/

Rafting pe Crișul Repede – Munții Apuseni

http://www.business24.ro/sport/sporturi-extreme/ai-chef-de-senzatii-tari-suntem-in-plin-sezon-de-rafting-1502225

http://istgeorelint.uoradea.ro/Reviste/Anale/Art/2011-1/13_519_AUOG_Tatar.pdf

http://www.whitewater.ro/en/rafting/ture-rafting-usor/crisul-repede.html

http://adventurecenter.ro/kayaking-pe-lacul-fantanele-belis/

Deşi este interzis: Bărcile cu motor continuă să brăzdeze lacurile Tarniţa şi Fîntînele

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Scale_of_River_Difficulty

http://www.oars.com/our_adventures/river_ratings.html

http://outdoorcommunitydaily.com/2011/09/sea-kayaking-accessories-101-what-do-i-really-need/

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/kayaking2.htm

http://whitewaterraftingthrills.blogspot.ro/2014/08/white-water-rafting-equipment.html

http://www.whitewater.ro/en/intrebari-frecvente/ce-echipament-folosim-la-rafting.html

http://paddling.about.com/od/gearequipment/a/Canoe_Gear.htm

http://www.windsurfing-guide.com/windsurfing-equipment.html

http://www.safetyonthewater.ie/sites/default/files/brochures/Irish%20MotorBoat%2028.06.04_cr.pdf

http://iesa-fao.org/scuba-diving-among-danger-pleasure.html

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jennings, G., Water-Based Tourism, Sport, Leisure, and Recreation Experiences, Elsevier, USA, 2007;

Asociația Centrul Ecologic Green Area, Revista „România pe ape repezi”, Noiembrie 2011;

Ujvari, I., Geografia apelor României, Editura Științifică, București, 1972;

Leopold, A., The Land Ethic, 1949, http://www.waterculture.org/uploads/Leopold_TheLandEthic.pdf;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailing#History

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_fishing

http://iml.jou.ufl.edu/projects/spring04/britton/history.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorboat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apuseni_Mountains

http://www.gotravel.ro/blog/unde-poti-practica-sporturi-extreme-in-romania/

Rafting pe Crișul Repede – Munții Apuseni

http://www.business24.ro/sport/sporturi-extreme/ai-chef-de-senzatii-tari-suntem-in-plin-sezon-de-rafting-1502225

http://istgeorelint.uoradea.ro/Reviste/Anale/Art/2011-1/13_519_AUOG_Tatar.pdf

http://www.whitewater.ro/en/rafting/ture-rafting-usor/crisul-repede.html

http://adventurecenter.ro/kayaking-pe-lacul-fantanele-belis/

Deşi este interzis: Bărcile cu motor continuă să brăzdeze lacurile Tarniţa şi Fîntînele

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Scale_of_River_Difficulty

http://www.oars.com/our_adventures/river_ratings.html

http://outdoorcommunitydaily.com/2011/09/sea-kayaking-accessories-101-what-do-i-really-need/

http://adventure.howstuffworks.com/outdoor-activities/water-sports/kayaking2.htm

http://whitewaterraftingthrills.blogspot.ro/2014/08/white-water-rafting-equipment.html

http://www.whitewater.ro/en/intrebari-frecvente/ce-echipament-folosim-la-rafting.html

http://paddling.about.com/od/gearequipment/a/Canoe_Gear.htm

http://www.windsurfing-guide.com/windsurfing-equipment.html

http://www.safetyonthewater.ie/sites/default/files/brochures/Irish%20MotorBoat%2028.06.04_cr.pdf

http://iesa-fao.org/scuba-diving-among-danger-pleasure.html