Itinerary - Intermediate Paddlers Course
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.
We'll come and meet you at your accommodation. Then over we'll go through the week over a little welcome drink, and answer any questions you have.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!!!
The final day of your kayaking week in the Alps where you say goodbye to the rivers and mountains :(
But hopefully it will be more of an a bientot!!
