Questions you ask yourself before your canoe or kayak trip
Regarding security:
Do you need to know how to swim?
Yes, it's essential.
Knowing how to swim is imperative. You must be able to swim at least 25 meters and know how to submerge yourself (put your head underwater!).
Can we bring a child?
Yes, if he can swim more than 25 meters and submerge himself. Between 7 and 10 years old, he can be placed in the middle of a 3-person canoe.
If the parents are beginners, we recommend a short course; an introductory paddle on the lake is also possible.
What is the minimum age for a child to go canoeing?
Depending on the difficulty of the river, the minimum age varies between 5 and 7 years old.
Do we need to be supervised by an instructor?
For most participants, the descent is a family-friendly activity, allowing them to choose their route at their own pace.
Being accompanied by an instructor allows you to develop better technical skills, learn about the area you're visiting, and receive guidance through the rapids. Instruction is essential for school groups or other children's groups (reservations are required for all guided trips).
I'm pregnant. Can I go downhill?
No, and that wouldn't be sensible. Canoeing is accessible to everyone unless you have a medical contraindication. After this happy event, the river will still be there to welcome you… Why go looking for trouble?
Practical questions:
What should I wear for canoeing?
In summer, a swimsuit or shorts and a t-shirt are sufficient.
In spring and autumn, you should bring a windbreaker, warm clothes to change into during stops, and if you have one, a wetsuit (e.g., for windsurfing).
In all cases, closed-toe shoes such as sneakers are necessary for walking in the water.
How can I keep my belongings dry for the day?
We offer different sizes of waterproof containers (25 and 50 liters). Our boats are all equipped with special storage areas and straps for securing them.
Are dogs allowed?
We advise against it for their safety. However, if you insist, your dog can occupy the middle seat in a canoe provided it is not leashed and you remain very vigilant.
You will be required to keep it on a leash at the Leisure Center.
For the bus shuttle: the driver may refuse your dog if it is aggressive or if the comfort and safety of other passengers is disturbed.
The leash will be removed during the trip. Please note that you will encounter ducks; your dog might want to bring you back some foie gras! Boarding can be stressful for your pet. A capsize is possible… Some rental centers offer buoyancy aid harnesses for our four-legged friends.
How do you steer a canoe?
A canoe is steered from the stern, either with circular movements under the boat – very effective – or, alternatively, by using your paddle as a rudder: plant it in the water and gently pull away, modulating the stroke until the boat turns.
> See our User Guide with video excerpts
How do we get back to the starting point?
Often you set off directly on the river in a canoe, paddle down to the agreed-upon destination, and our shuttle buses or minibuses take you back to your vehicle parked at the rental base.
Sometimes you take a shuttle to your canoe starting point, paddle down at your own pace, and your car will be waiting for you when you arrive!
Is it possible to stop along the route?
Canoeing is 100% fun, take your time! A break is definitely in order! Paddle down at your own pace, keeping an eye on the schedule for the last shuttle 😉
What is the maximum weight allowed in a canoe or kayak?
The rental company will provide you with a boat suited to your level, your build or your motivations; they are a professional who knows their river and their equipment.
What are the differences between a canoe and a kayak?
The difference between a canoe and a kayak lies in two aspects: the paddle and the legs.
The kayak is an Inuit invention. The paddler sits inside the boat and uses a double-bladed paddle, allowing their legs to be extended.
In contrast, in a true canoe, we kneel and propel ourselves with a single-bladed paddle.
Nowadays, our boats are hybrids of these two types of craft: we paddle comfortably seated and use a double-bladed paddle. The boat is most often a "sit-on-top," leaving the legs free. We no longer sit at the bottom of the boat but on top of it. Comfort and safety!
How are the difficulties of rivers classified?
In France, we've adopted a system of classifying river difficulty from 0 to 5.
Level zero is accessible to everyone, provided they know how to swim. This remains essential! Don't force anyone who is hesitant. They have the right to say no! Don't take young children out. It's not doing them any favors. Think about their relationship with the water when they're teenagers or adults. Capsizing is always possible in a canoe or kayak. These rivers have been here for millennia; they'll be here the next time you come!
Level 1: the river is flowing downhill. Unexpected capsizes can happen! You have to steer the boat, and you might end up getting wet!
Level 2: it's not Olympic level, but it's still quite challenging! Some experience on lower levels or having taken an introductory course is recommended but not mandatory.
Level 3: French law restricts independent rentals to this technical level. We're entering serious rapids! Obstacles are not visible, and there are significant eddies and waves.
Level 4 is like the Olympic Games, with slalom gates to navigate, time trials, etc.
Level 5 is extreme! It's the limit of navigability.
Level 6 exists, but it's more like freefall!
