kayaking
kayak hautes alpes
It all begins on a lake or other flatwater area.
First of all, you have to ‘get to grips with’ the equipment: helmet, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt, toe plate, flotation devices…
Then your instructor gives you some basic advice, and you’re off!
Some of your first manoeuvres will include zig-zags, turning in circles and pile-ups.
But advice from your instructor will quickly sort these out.
During your lessons you will learn to paddle, turn, orientate yourself, stabilise yourself and carry out rolls.
After a few hours of practice on flatwater, you will progress to your first river descents.
Different descents are available, from calm to committing, and from class I to class IV. The landscapes here are varied and beautiful and include the Combe du Guil, Malafosse,
and Clarée valley.
But the water is always cold!
Kayakers are a friendly bunch and there is a real team spirit, with members helping each other when they can. And it is easy to make friends with your paddling companions.
Kayaking allows you to learn a range of different techniques and/or you can specialise in, for example, river kayaking, slalom and freestyle.