The questions you ask yourself before your canoe trip kayak
On security:
Do you have to know how to swim?
Yes, it is essential.
It is imperative to know how to swim. To swim at least 25 meters, and to have immersed oneself. (know how to put your head under water!).
Can we take a child with us?
Yes, if he can swim more than 25 meters and immerse himself. Between the ages of 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 trip on the water 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.
Do we need to be supervised by an instructor?
For the majority of people, the descent is a family affair and can be done freely by adapting the course to one's 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 through the rapids. Accompaniment is essential for school groups or other children's groups (Reservation is required for any supervision).
I am pregnant. Can I go down?
No, and that would not 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 go to the trouble?
Practical issues :
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, a neoprene suit (e.g. windsurfing).
In all cases, closed shoes such as sneakers are necessary to walk in the water.
How do I carry my stuff dry for the day?
We offer you different sizes of waterproof drums (25 and 50 litres). Our boats are all equipped with special places and straps to tie them up.
Are dogs allowed?
We do not recommend it for their safety. However, if you wish, your dog can occupy the middle seat in a canoe, provided that you do not tie him up and that you are very vigilant.
You will be asked to keep him on a leash at the Leisure Center.
For the bus shuttle: he may be refused by the driver if he is aggressive or if the comfort and safety of the other passengers are disturbed.
The leash will disappear during the navigation. We draw your attention to the fact that you will cross ducks, your dog will want to bring you a foie gras? The boarding can stress your pet. Some rental bases offer buoyancy aid harnesses for our four-legged friends.
How do we get back to where we started?
Often you leave directly on the river by canoe, you go down to the agreed arrival point, and our shuttle buses or minibuses bring you back to your vehicle parked at the rental base.
Sometimes you take a shuttle bus to bring you to your departure point by canoe, you go down at your own pace, and at your arrival your car is waiting for you!
Can we stop along the way?
100% pleasure canoeing, take your time! A break is a must! Go down at your own pace, keeping an eye on the last shuttle's schedule 😉
What is the maximum weight in a canoe or a kayak ?
The boat hire company will provide you with a boat adapted to your level, your build or your motivations, it is a professional who knows his river and his equipment.
What are the differences between Canoe and Kayak ?
The difference between the canoe and the kayak is in two aspects: paddle and legs.
The kayak is an Eskimo invention. The pilot sits inside the boat. He has a double paddle. His legs are therefore extended.
On the contrary, in a real canoe, we sit on our knees and the movement is done with a single paddle.
Nowadays, our boats are hybrids between these two types of boats: we navigate comfortably seated and we use a double paddle. The boat is most often a "sit on top", the legs are free. You are no longer sitting on the bottom of the boat but on the boat. Comfort and safety!
How are river difficulties ranked?
In France we have taken the habit of classifying from 0 to 5 the technicality of the rivers.
The zero level is accessible by all as long as you know how to swim. This is imperative! Don't force people who are reluctant. They have the power to say no! Do not take young children. It is not a service to them. Think about their relationship with water when they are teenagers or adults. Tipping over is always a possibility in a canoe kayak. The rivers have been there for thousands of years, 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 it happens to be wet!
Level 2 it is not for the Olympic selection but it moves! To have some practice on lower levels or to have had an initiation is recommended but not obligatory.
Level 3 the French legislation limits the free rental to this technical level. We enter the serious descents! Obstacles are not visible, swirls and important waves.
Level 4 the Olympic Games, the slalom gates to go up, the stopwatch, etc.
Level 5 is the extreme! it's the limit of navigability.
Level 6 exists but it's more about free fall!
