Before departure
It is imperative to
What should I wear for canoeing and kayaking?
IMPORTANT: Wear closed, laceless shoes that can go in the water.
In warm weather, a swimsuit or shorts and a t-shirt are perfectly adequate. In cooler temperatures, you should bring a windbreaker, warm clothes to put on during stops, and if you have one, a wetsuit. Some rental companies offer wetsuit rentals as an option.
Keep in mind that there is a high probability that your clothes will be wet upon arrival.
Helmets are recommended for children.
Secure your glasses : some rental companies sell cords. You can also attach them to your vest with a string. Jewelry is not recommended.
Bring a hat or cap.
And limit your use of sunscreen as much as possible; it pollutes the water and is harmful to marine life. Rental companies generally require you to wear a t-shirt under your buoyancy aid vest.
The buoyancy aid vest
Wearing the vest is MANDATORY.
Put on your vest and adjust it by tightening the straps on the sides.
The waterproof container
rental companies Canoë France provide waterproof containers.
Place your personal belongings inside; do not keep anything in your pockets (car keys, phones, etc.).
Screw the lid on flat. Give it an additional quarter turn to ensure it is watertight.
Remember to close it properly after each break (photos, picnics, etc.).
When there are two of you in the boat, place it in the middle and secure it, tightening it slightly.
If there are three of you in the boat, place it at the back so the middle crew member has room.
How to paddle and steer a canoe?
How do you sit in the canoe?
To get into the canoe, sit with your buttocks first, then bring your legs inside.
You must have your feet and buttocks firmly planted.
Some Canoë France rental companies offer comfortable canoes with backrests.
How to paddle?
The hands are centered on the paddle shaft. When you want to move forward calmly in a canoe, simply hold the paddle tightly in your right hand.
The hollow part of the paddle is for "pushing the water": I draw the water in from my feet and pull it back up to my body. And in fact, just by lifting the paddle in the air, it rotates, and I adjust it with my right wrist.
How to paddle a canoe with two people?
When there are two people in a canoe, the person sitting at the back steers the canoe, while the person sitting at the front acts as the engine by paddling regularly, always on the same side and without forcing it.
How to steer a canoe or kayak?
You should know that a canoe is steered from the rear, either with circular movements under the rear of the boat – very effective – or, as a second solution, is to use your paddle as a rudder: plant it in the water and gently spread it out, control the angle and the boat has turned.
How to turn in a canoe?
Paddle left to go right. Paddle right to go left. Right left = straight ahead (in principle…)!
How to navigate a river in a canoe or kayak?
Navigation in calm areas
It's important to stay in the middle of the river when there's nothing unusual happening. Leave some space from the bank; trees always pose a danger.
You have to observe the current that seems the strongest and stay in the middle of that current.
In case the canoe runs aground
If your boat is stuck on the rocks, don't hesitate to get out of the boat to put it back in the right place in the river.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION – To help you find your way down the river, some Canoë France display a map of the route on the dry bag. You can also download theapp Canoë France.
Approaching a rapid by canoe or kayak
In rapids, ANTICIPATE. Look far ahead. Beware of trees and branches.
Remember to position yourself properly in the boat.
Wait until the current is clear before entering a rapid. Leave about ten meters between each boat, otherwise you're guaranteed a bottleneck!
Aim for the inside of the turns and KEEP PADDLING otherwise you will be carried by the current towards the bank.
In case of a fall in a canoe
If you fall in, float on your back with your feet forward. Wait until you can touch the bottom, then get up and right the boat.
At the finish line of the course
Bring your boat closer to the shore and follow the instructions provided by the rental company.
Final advice: Leave no trace of your visit. Respect other river users.
And now it's your turn…
