
This is the first descent of Europe’s longest river by kayak from the source in the Valdai Hills northwest of Moscow to the river’s delta at the Caspian Sea. The Volga traverses 2300 miles (3700 km) through western Russia’s most beautiful countryside with some of the richest history known to man.

TOTAL MILES TO DATE: 2130.09
TOTAL DAYS: 59
MILES COUNTDOWN: 0.00

From left to right back row: Jeff Wueste, Ann Hansen (mom), West, Isabella Hansen (dtr), Ed Hansen (dad), Lizet Alaniz (West's wife), Barbara Edington (sister), Christine Battaglia (sister), Kelly Edington (brother in law) Front Row: Suzie Pennington (sister), Gina Hansen (sister), Lauran Edington (niece)


Here is a picture of the team at the source of the Volga River. Picture courtesy of Egor Voskoboynikov. Egor and his girlfriend, Alona Buslaieva, were instrumental in helping West and Jeff get from the airport in Moscow to the source as well as collect necessary supplies ahead of the expedition.

From left to right back row: Jeff Wueste, Ann Hansen (mom), West, Isabella Hansen (dtr), Ed Hansen (dad), Lizet Alaniz (West's wife), Barbara Edington (sister), Christine Battaglia (sister), Kelly Edington (brother in law) Front Row: Suzie Pennington (sister), Gina Hansen (sister), Lauran Edington (niece)