Questions you ask yourself before your canoe kayak descent
On security:
Do we need to know how to swim?
Yes, it is essential.
It is imperative to know how to swim. Swim at least 25 meters, and submerge yourself. (know how to put your head under water!).
Can we take a child?
Yes, if he can swim more than 25 meters and submerge himself.
Between 7 and 10 years old it can be placed in the middle of a 3-seater canoe If the parents are beginners we recommend a short course, an introductory ride on the water is also possible.
What is the minimum age for a child for a canoe trip?
Depending on the difficulty of the river, the minimum age varies between 5 and 7 years.
Do we need to be supervised by an instructor?
For the majority of participants, the descent is family friendly and can be done freely, adapting the route to their abilities.
Being accompanied by an instructor allows you to acquire a better technical level, to be informed about the site you are visiting, to be guided when passing the rapids. Support is essential for schools or other groups of children (Reservations required for all supervision)
I am pregnant. Can I go downhill?
No and it wouldn't be serious. Canoeing is affordable for everyone if you have no medical contraindications. After this happy event, the river will always be there to welcome you... Why face problems?
Practical questions:
How to dress 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 wear during stops, and if you have one, neoprene clothing (e.g. windsurfing).
In all cases, wearing closed sneakers such as sneakers is necessary when walking in the water.
How do I transport my belongings dry for the day?
We offer you different sizes of leak-proof containers (25 and 50 liters). Our boats are all equipped with special locations and straps to moor them.
Are dogs allowed?
We do not recommend it for their safety. If, however, you insist on it, your dog can occupy the middle seat in a canoe provided you do not tie him up and exercise great vigilance .
You will be asked to keep him on a leash at the Leisure Center.
For the bus shuttle: it may be refused by the driver if he is aggressive or if the comfort and safety of other passengers are disrupted.
The leash will disappear when sailing. We draw your attention to the fact that you will come across ducks, your dog will want to bring you a foie gras? Boarding can stress your pet. A rollover can happen... Some rental bases offer rentals of buoyancy aid harnesses for our 4-legged friends.
How to steer a canoe?
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 we spread gently, we dose and the boat has turned.
> See our Instructions for use with Video extracts
How do we get back to the starting point?
Often you leave directly on the river in a canoe, you go down to the agreed arrival, and our bus or minibus shuttles take you back to your vehicle parked at the rental base.
Sometimes you take a shuttle to take you to your starting point by canoe, you go down at your own pace, and when you arrive your car is waiting for you!
Can we stop along the route?
Canoeing is 100% fun, take the time! A break is necessary! Descend at your own pace, keeping an eye on the timetable of the last shuttle 😉
What is the maximum weight in a canoe or kayak?
The rental company will provide you with a boat adapted to your level, your build or your motivations, he is a professional who knows his river and his equipment.
What are the differences between Canoeing and Kayaking?
The difference between canoeing and kayaking is in two aspects: paddle and legs.
The kayak is an Eskimo invention. The pilot sits inside the boat. It has a double paddle . His legs are therefore elongated .
Conversely, in a real canoe , we sit on our knees and the movement is done using a simple paddle .
Nowadays, our boats are hybrids between these two types of boat: we sail comfortably seated and we use a double paddle . The boat is most often a “sit on top”, the legs are free . We are no longer sitting at the bottom of the boat but on the boat. Comfort and safety!
How are river difficulties classified?
In France we have gotten into the habit of classifying the technicality of rivers from 0 to 5.
Level zero is accessible to everyone as long as you know how to swim.
This remains imperative! Don't force people who are reluctant. They have the power to say no! Do not take young children on board. This is not a service to be rendered to them. Think about their relationship with water when they are teenagers or adults. Overturning is always possible in a canoe kayak. The rivers have been there for millennia, they will be there the next time you come! Level 1 the river goes down.
Untimely reversals can happen! You have to steer the boat and you can sometimes find yourself wet! Level 2 is not for the Olympic selection but things are moving!
Having some practice at lower levels or having had an initiation is recommended but not obligatory. Level 3 French legislation limits free rental to this technical level.
We're getting into the serious descents! Obstacles are not visible, eddies and large waves. Level 4 the Olympic Games, wind-up slalom gates, timer, etc.
Level 5 is the extreme!
this is the limit of navigability. Level 6 exists but it's more like free fall!
