Surfers and sailors might bristle at this, but kayaking is the most versatile watersport on the planet - bar none. People of all ages and abilities can do it, and, whether you want to see some white-water action, ride coastal waters or cruise a calm lake, you can do it in a kayak.

One man who's done it all - and more - is Fat Face Team Rider Matt Tidy. He spends his whole life on the water, exploring, competing and coaching, and his latest venture is a course teaching people to master white-water kayaking in Slovenia.

'The Soca is a unique Alpine river', Matt explains. 'It's sourced from a natural spring, high in the mountains, and its course cuts through the amazing volcanic landscape of Slovenia's Julian Alps. It's a great environment for white-water beginners and intermediates to hone their skills, offering a variety of sections from Class II to Clas IV white-water'.

Kayakers on the course learn how to position their kayaks on the river, develop efficient uses of water features and paddle down river. During the trip, the group stays at a family-run guesthouse in the village of Trnovo, home to Alpin Action, Solvenia's major kayak shop and rafting operator. 'There's a great atmosphere', says Matt, enthusiastically, 'There's loads of stuff to do after hours, including some amazing restaurants in the valley (local specialities include fresh grilled trout or roast bear!), and on a warm night you can enjoy a full-scale barbeque in the valley under the stars.'.

Up for it? Find our more about kayaking in Slovenia at www.gene17.com. To get on one of Matt's courses, email him at tidytrix@hotmail.com. And if you want to find Slovenia on a map, find the top of Italy, then turn right.