Paddling Through Rough Waters: FM Sergei Lavrov Swaps Diplomacy for Rafting

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has proven once again that diplomacy is not the only sphere he excels in: the pro at navigating diplomatic entanglements easily cruised through treacherous rapids in northwestern Russia, where he has opened a rafting center.

On Friday, Sergei Lavrov took a break from the often murky waters of diplomacy to paddle his way through whitewater rapids in northwestern Russia.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov easily went through the treacherous rapids in northwestern Russia

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It took the Russian foreign minister and his partners around seven minutes to complete the 600-meter stretch of rapids, while testing a new rowing canal in the Novgorod region.

Russian FM Lavrov and his partners while testing a new rowing canal in the Novgorod region

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The newly-opened Okulovka center, which provides unique conditions for rafting, is expected to become home to the national team and host top sporting events.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov while rafting in Russia's northwest

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The foreign minister is known as a rafting fan and has done a lot for the development of the extreme sport in Russia. Thanks to his efforts, Russia now has its own Rafting Federation, which he headed in 2007-2009.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov while opening a rafting center in northwestern Russia

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Sergei Lavrov has been involved in watersports since 1985 and often compares brainstorming in diplomacy with the daunting task of paddling through whitewater rapids.

He has been spotted spending his free time kayaking, skiing, smoking cigars, and drinking expensive scotch (although, of course, not simultaneously).