Kayak the Alps - Intermediate Paddlers

Kayak the rivers of the Southern French Alps with a guide to show you the best play spots

From grade II to grade V all within an hour of each other....! The Southern French Alps area has a huge amount of variety in a relatively small space!

Take in the dramatic mountain scenery, and beautiful sunshine as you paddle the lovely clear water of alpine rivers!

The week will start with an intensive white water skills session on our grade II /III slalom course on the Drac which will give you and the instructor the opportunity to gauge your level and plan the rest of the week accordingly.

After the first session your instructor will plan an itinerary to make the most of the local rivers, show you the best play spots and push you to your potential. A great way to explore the rivers of the Southern Alps in all their glory and have lots of fun!

Paddle the Drac Noir (grade IV), the Drac Blanc (grade III+), the Drac (grade II - IV), the Severaisse (grade III - IV), the Bonne (grade IV - VI), the Souloise (grade IV), all draining the snow and glacier melt from the largest mountains in the Southern Alps in the Ecrins National Park. Or travel a little further for the Durance (II - IV), the Ubaye (grade III - IV) or the Guil (grade III - IV).

And you won't be fighting with a million other paddlers or rafters for the best play spots because unlike our neighbour, the Briancon / Embrun area, we are a very well kept secret.

Whatever your level, we will put together a programme of rivers and rapids to suit you. You will have a team of qualified instructors to look after you on the river, show you the best play spots and generally make sure you have a good time!

All our kayak instructors are fully qualified to French and European standards and are all well traveled and experienced kayakers.

The guide to client ratio on grade III+ rivers is 1:4

Suitable for intermediate and advanced paddlers. All paddlers must be competent on grade II rivers and be able to ferryglide and break in and out of eddys. Children must be aged 12 or over and all participants must be able to swim.

0845 009 8501

Itinerary / Highlights

This is just an example kayaking itinerary aimed at a competent grade II/III paddler but can easily be adapted for lower or higher levels. We can chop it and change it around to suit you and can adapt for a mixed ability group as well! The Southern French Alps has a surprising amount of variety for its size!

It is designed to be progressive so that by the end of the week you are taking on some of the more technical white water rapids!!!

The instructors will also adapt it as the week goes on to take into account your abilities and desires and the river levels. As you know the same river can seem like two very different animals with different amounts of water flowing down it!!

All rivers of grade III+ will have an instructor ratio of 1:4.

DAY 1
ARRIVE and settle in to accommodation

We'll come and meet you to go through the week, have a little welcome drink, and answer any questions you have.

DAY 2: SKILLS ON THE SLALOM COURSE

Usually we will meet for kayaking in the afternoon when the levels are higher but it depends on the conditions at the time.

We have a fantastic grade II - III slalom course on the river Drac which is perfect for practicing and remembering your strokes!

Today will be an intensive session on the slalom course playing in the stoppers, surfing, doing tricks and generally practicing your kayaking skills.

It will help your instructor get an idea of your level so that he can plan the rest of the week accordingly.

A great start to the week to sweep away the kayaking cobwebs!


DAY 3: KAYAK THE DRAC

The river Drac is the main river of the Champsaur valley and is grade II - III but can get up to grade IV in high water. The rivers Drac Noir and Drac Blanc are it's two main tributaries (these are kayakable in their own right but are more technical grade III - V maybe later in the week!).

In normal conditions the descent is a long, easy roller coaster paddle with straight forward rapids and the occasional interesting wave or stopper to play on.

A wide valley with beautiful mountain scenery all around, it is a great introduction to alpine paddling.

DAY 4: KAYAK THE SEVERAISSE

The Severaisse drains many of the glaciers of the Ecrins National park and although a relatively small river it keeps it's levels through to August.

As Peter Knowles says in his guide to the Southern Alps - the Severaisse is 'pure dead brill' and 'very friendly'. It's a fast and continous alpine river with nothing major to worry about and it makes an excellent introduction to alpine paddling.

There are a couple of options for get ins and get outs on the Severaisse depending on whether you want to stick to grade III or go for some grade IV rapids.

After your trip down the Drac yesterday you and the instructors will have a good idea of your ability so you can make an informed choice based on the river levels!

Whatever you choose, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps. The river runs down the valley of Valgaudemar which is 24km long with 3000m+ mountain giants towering above you on both sides.


DAY 5: REST / CHOICE DAY

Your first day off! This is to give you a rest and also to give you an opportunity to make the most of your time here and try a different activity.

We have a range of possibilities available including canyoning, rock climbing, via ferrata, mountain biking, walking ... and more.

So you can either relax and sunbathe and let your body recover before the last two days or try something completely different.

It is really up to you and we can discuss the options available when you are here. Please note that any activities organised for this day are not included in the price and would be payable as an extra, either at the time of booking if you already know what you would like to do or locally when you are here.

DAY 6: KAYAK THE DURANCE

The Durance is one of France's classic white water rivers. It carries the highest volume of any river in France, with wonderful water which descends in wave after wave directly from the highest peaks in the Hautes-Alpes. It winds its way through an open valley with spectacular views along its course - a big volume white water dream for kayakers of all levels.

It is also home to one of the most famous play spots in Europe, the Rabioux!

There are several choices of sections ranging from grade II to grade V. Your instructor will decide which section will be the best for you to make sure you make the most of this fabulous river!


DAY 7: UBAYE, BONNE, GUIL....?

By now you and the guides will have a very good idea of your abilities and they will be able to advise you on which river to choose to end your week on a big high!

Alternatives locally include the Drac Blanc (grade III+) or the Drac Noir (grade IV), the Soulloise - grade IV - V. Or you can travel a bit further afield to the Ubaye which is grade II - IV, the Guil grade III - V, The Bonne grade III to V - you are spoilt for choice!!!


DAY 8: GOODBYE
This is the sad day that we say goodbye.....

Other Details

Accommodation Details

You can choose from a great chalet style youth hostel or go camping on a friendly camp site for your accommodation. Both are in the same village so it is easy to meet up with fellow kayakers.

All our accommodation is vetted by us and chosen for its warmth and friendliness, quality of accommodation, value for money and location.

Departure Dates, Options & Prices

FIXED DATES: 25 June - 2 July 2011 - ideal for individuals looking to join a group.
OTHER DATES: Any time from the end of April until August subject to availability. - ideal for groups of four or more booking together.

PRICES:
Camping Option - 599€ per person
Youth Hostel Option - 795€

0845 009 8501