Before leaving
It is imperative to
How to dress for canoeing?
IMPORTANT: Wear closed, slip-on shoes that can go into the water.
In hot weather, a swimsuit or shorts and a t-shirt do the trick. In cooler temperatures , you should bring a windbreaker, warm clothes to wear during stops, and if you have one, neoprene clothing. Some rental companies offer neoprene wetsuit rental as an option.
Consider that there is a high probability that your clothes will be wet upon arrival.
For children, helmets are recommended.
Secure your glasses : some rental companies sell cords.
You can also attach them with a string to your vest. Jewelry is not recommended. Bring a hat or cap.
And limit sunscreen as much as possible, it contaminates the water and is harmful to flora and fauna. Rental companies generally ask that you wear a t-shirt under the buoyancy aid.
The buoyancy aid vest
Wearing a vest is MANDATORY.
Put on your vest and adjust it by tightening the straps on the sides.
The waterproof container
Canoë France rental companies provide you with waterproof containers.
Place your personal belongings inside, do not keep anything in your pockets (car keys, telephones, etc.).
Screw the lid flat.
Make an additional ¼ turn to ensure sealing. Remember to close it properly after each break (photos, picnic, etc.).
When there are 2 of you in the boat, place it in the middle and tie it a little tight.
If there are 3 of you in the boat, place it at the back so that the middle crew member has room.
How to paddle and steer a canoe?
How to sit in the canoe?
To get into the canoe, sit butt first, then bring your legs in.
You must have your feet and buttocks firmly positioned.
Some Canoë France rental companies offer comfort canoes with backrests.
How to paddle?
Hands are centered on the paddle handle. When you want to move slowly in a canoe, you just need to hold the paddle tight in your right hand.
The hollow part of the paddle is for “pulling the water”: I fetch the water at the level of my feet and bring it back to my body. And actually, just raising the paddle in the air, my paddle spins and I adjust it with my right wrist.
How to paddle a canoe for 2 people?
When there are two people in a canoe, it is the person seated at the back who steers the canoe, while the person seated at the front acts as the motor by paddling regularly, always on the same side and without forcing.
How to steer a canoe 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 a second solution is to use your paddle as a rudder: plant it in the water and gently spread, dose and the boat 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 kayak?
Navigating in quiet areas
It's important to stay in the middle of the river when there is nothing special. Leave a little space from the bank; trees always represent a danger.
You must observe the current that seems the most important and stay in the middle of this current.
In case the canoe runs aground
If your boat gets stuck on stones, do not hesitate to get off the boat and put it back in the right place in the river.
PRACTICAL – To find your location during your descent, some Canoë France display the descent map on the container. You can also download the Canoë France application .
Tackle a rapid by canoe-kayak
In the rapids, ANTICIPATE. Look far ahead. Beware of trees and branches.
Remember to position yourself correctly in the boat.
You must wait until the stream of water is clear before entering a rapid. Leave around ten meters between each boat otherwise you're guaranteed a traffic jam!
Aim for the inside of the bends and KEEP PADDING otherwise you will be carried by the current towards the bank.
In the event of a fall in a canoe
If you fall, float on your back with your feet forward. Wait until you have your footing, get up and right the boat.
At the finish of the course
Bring your boat closer to the bank and follow the directions provided by the rental company.
Final advice: Leave no trace of your passage. Respect other river users.
And now it's your turn...
