At the end of May, eight veterans with lower-limb amputations and prosthetic experience from the Second Wind community took part in a two-day rafting expedition on the Southern Bug River in Ukraine. Over the course of two days, the participants covered more than 20 kilometers of river, navigated challenging rapids, tested their endurance, and once again proved that life after severe injuries can continue with new adventures and new achievements.
The program took place near the village of Myhiya in the Mykolaiv region, one of Ukraine’s best-known destinations for whitewater rafting. The route passed through the Buzkyi Gard National Nature Park, the Granite-Steppe Lands of Buh National Nature Park, and the scenic Southern Bug Canyon, one of Ukraine’s most remarkable natural landmarks.
The first day introduced participants to the powerful character of the Southern Bug River. The veterans completed approximately 14 kilometers, navigating the Zaporizkyi and Integral rapids while maneuvering through the rocky Kuripchanskii sections. After the rafting, the group visited Snake Island before spending the evening together at a riverside campsite.
The second day was shorter in distance but considerably more technical. The route included the Chervoni Vorota rapid, the Strekozyna channel, the Ivanivska rapid, and the Kompaniiskyi rapid in the Hrushivska channel. Fast currents, rocky passages, and even a few overturned rafts added excitement and created another challenge the team overcame together.
For the Second Wind community, expeditions like this are far more than outdoor adventures. They are part of a long-term rehabilitation program supporting veterans with limb loss. Through adaptive mountain sports, rock climbing, mountaineering, and shared outdoor experiences, participants rebuild physical confidence, reconnect with their bodies, and find support among people who have lived through similar experiences.
“Every expedition is much more than a sporting activity. It is an opportunity to regain confidence, try something new, and realize that life does not end after an injury. It continues—with new challenges, new victories, and people beside you who truly understand your journey,” the Second Wind team says.
The Second Wind community welcomes veterans who have lost limbs as a result of the war. More information about the community and its outdoor recovery programs is available on the project’s website.
