Snastiuralaactive leisure by the water all year round

An independent guide to active leisure by the water. We sell and rent nothing and run no tours or races; not affiliated with the former website on this domain. If you are in danger on the water or on the ice, call 112 (or your local emergency number).

active leisure by the water all year round

Snastiurala — a guide to active leisure by the water

Water calls in every season: paddling and swimming in summer, wandering along the shore in autumn, skating and walking on the ice in winter. This guide gathers what helps you enjoy rivers and lakes calmly: how to choose an activity, prepare, dress and turn back to shore in good time.

A good day by the water is one that makes you want to come back. Most of the time, all it takes is a life jacket, a fresh forecast and someone on shore who knows your plan.

— Editor's note

Choose where to start

I want more stamina

How to prepare your body for paddling, long walks and swimming: general endurance, warm-ups and stretching without strict plans.

I'm packing my bag

Life jacket, layered clothing, sun and cold protection, a dry bag, a first-aid kit and what you need for the ice.

I'm curious about races

How amateur swims and paddling races usually work: registration, medical clearance, the briefing and safety rules.

Guide sections

  • Activities

    Shoreline walks, kayaking, SUP, open-water swimming, skating on ice and calm fishing.

  • Training

    Endurance for walks and paddling, swimming, warm-ups and stretching, with no rigid programmes.

  • Gear

    Life jacket, layered clothing, sun and cold protection, dry bag, first-aid kit and ice gear, with no brands.

  • Events

    How amateur swims and paddling races work and what to check in the race rules. Plus the article catalogue.

  • Technique

    Getting into a kayak, the paddle stroke, falling off a SUP and climbing back on, wind, weather and moving on ice.

  • Beginners

    A step-by-step guide to your first kayak or SUP outing: preparation, launching and coming back.

  • Questions

    Answers to common questions about water, ice, gear and clothing for time by lakes and rivers.

Before you head to the water: five checks

  1. Weather and wind

    Check the forecast for the whole day, not just the morning. Strong wind, a thunderstorm or a sharp drop in temperature is a good reason to postpone, even if you are already packed.

  2. Life jacket

    Your life jacket should fit, be fastened and be on you, not lying in the boat or on the board. Check the buckles and zip while you are still at home.

  3. Who knows your route

    Tell someone close to you where you are going, who with and when you plan to be back. Agree on the point at which they should start worrying and call for help.

  4. Phone battery

    Charge your phone fully and keep it on you in a waterproof pouch. The number 112 (or your local emergency number) works even with no credit on your account.

  5. Plan for getting back

    Decide in advance what time you turn around, where you can get ashore early and what you will do if the weather turns halfway.

The essentials in brief

Do you sell or rent gear?

No. Snastiurala is a guide: we sell nothing, rent nothing, lead no groups and hold no races. Here you will find only explanations and safety advice.

What ice will hold one person?

According to the public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM), safe ice for one person is at least 7 cm thick. A skating rink can be set up on ice of 12 cm or more, and a group can go out on ice of 15 cm or more (about 3, 5 and 6 inches). The strongest-looking ice is clear, with a greenish or bluish tint.

Do I need a life jacket on a SUP?

Yes, we recommend always wearing a life jacket, even if you are a confident swimmer. It is easy to fall off a board, and cold water, current or wind quickly drain your strength.

What should I do if someone falls through the ice?

Call 112 (or your local emergency number) straight away. Do not run right up to the hole: approach lying down to spread your weight and hold out something long — a stick, scarf, belt or rope. Once the person is out, move them well away from the hole, somewhere warm, and wait for medical help.

About the project

This domain used to host a different website — an online shop — and later some unrelated spam pages appeared on it. Their content has not been kept and is not reproduced here. The current guide has no connection to them; it simply inherited the name along with the domain.

Snastiurala writes about time by the water for adults: what you can do on rivers and lakes, how to prepare, what to wear, how to stay safe on the water and on the ice, and when it is better to stay on shore. We rely on the public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM) and common sense, publish no rankings, reviews or made-up stories, and do not name specific lakes or rivers. Rules for swimming, boating and going on the ice differ by country and place, so always check local rules.

  • Activities

    Shoreline walks, kayaking, SUP, open-water swimming, skating on ice and calm fishing.

  • Beginners

    A step-by-step guide to your first kayak or SUP outing: preparation, launching and coming back.

  • Questions

    Answers to common questions about water, ice, gear and clothing for time by lakes and rivers.

Sources

  • Public safety memos of Russia's emergency ministry (EMERCOM) on behaviour near water
  • Editorial materials of the Snastiurala guide

Where and when you may swim, paddle a kayak or SUP, or go out on the ice is set by local rules for each body of water, and these rules differ by country and place. Before heading to the water, check the current requirements and the warning signs on the shore.