Tag: regional natural park of the verdon

Canoe-kayak, Canoe-Raft in the Verdon Gorges

- White Water activities

Canoe-Kayak, several names for the same discipline

Canoe, Canoe-Kayak, Canoe-Raft, Kayak-raft … Once again, several terms that designate the same activity. Before describing it in more details, we will linger on its ancestor; the kayak, in order to understand the advantages that this new activity offers us.

 

The disadvantages of the rigid kayak

Kayaks and canoes are boats that have been made and used since the dawn of time. The canoe as well as the dugout canoes propelled by a simple paddle are found in most of the civilizations that have developed on the coastline or along the waterways. The kayak, on the other hand, comes directly from the Inuit of the Arctic. Indeed, seal hunting and whaling have always been the main resources of these peoples. They therefore needed an efficient boat. The kayak was made of animal skins assembled on a wooden or whale bone structure. Sitting inside the boat and not kneeling, the paddler uses a double paddle, which has a blade on each side.

The “rigid” kayak, the “queen” boat on the river, requires several days of learning before being able to descend a river with a level of difficulty equal to or greater than that of the Verdon. Indeed, a beginner must learn to “heel” his boat. This is to be able to go from a current area to a counter-current area without capsizing the kayak. Once turned around, you have to get out of the kayak, swim back to the shore, empty it… A very tiring operation that leaves everyone exhausted after the third repetition. In case of overturn, on board their kayak, the Inuits had a way to recover. A technique called “eskimo roll”. This technique requires several hours of learning. It is not easy to perform in the moment in the river. This is why it is a technique used by experienced practitioners.

It is not possible to esquimauter with an inflatable kayak, a little swimming in the Verdon, it is always good!

 

The advantages of inflatable kayaks

The Cano-Raft has shattered this technical barrier. Indeed, this boat is practically unaffected by the current-counter-current passages and therefore does not need to “heel” or very little. Moreover, in case of “desalination”, it is very easy to get back into this boat, sometimes even in the middle of the river. The kayak-raft now allows any beginner to evolve on a course of medium difficulty having never paddled before.

 

Canoe-Kayak in the Gorges du Verdon

Single or two-seater, these boats are built on the same model as rafts; inflatable, light and resistant to all tests. Equipped with a self-bailing system, you will not be encumbered by the excess water accumulated while crossing the rapids. In short, this is the boat you need to travel the river in a sporty way. After having given you your equipment, your guide will explain to you with pedagogy how to succeed in your first descent of the Verdon in cano-raft. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone, your guide will accompany you all along the course and will also ensure your safety. Come and try this superb activity from April to October on the Verdon.

 

Verdon activities, the different courses

- White Water activities

The Verdon takes its source near the Col d’Allos in the Trois Évêchés massif at an altitude of 2800 meters. Then it flows into the Durance shortly after Vinon-sur-Verdon. It runs for about 180 km. In this article we will describe the three different sections of the Verdon used by Verdon Xp & The Funny Helmets for its activities.

The Verdon Xp activities in the Upper Verdon

From the sources to the first dam encountered; the one of Castillon (coupled to the dam of Chaudanne), we have to distinguish the section of the Upper Verdon with natural flow (not regulated by a dam). This section can be navigated by Rafting and Canoe. In spring, when the snow melts. But also in autumn thanks to the rains. During the summer, the water flow does not allow navigation but allows some water trekking routes very little exploited. In a wild and Alpine setting (near the Mercantour National Park), this rather narrow stretch of river has made its way between high cliffs. Walls decorated by fabulous geological folds

 

The Verdon Xp Activities in the Gorges du Verdon

From Castellane to the Pont de Carajuan on the commune of Rougon, the Verdon flows on approximately 15 kilometers. The river bed is wider than in the previous paragraph. In some places, the water has come to perforate the limestone. These are “clues” which allow the water to continue its way. We will pass the clue of the bar Saint Jean then the Clue of Chasteuil. It is a magnificent course which can be practiced in Rafting and Canoe. Only when the flow regulated by the EDF dam of Chaudanne allows it. You will never tire of admiring the landscapes of the Pre-Alps of Provence while sitting on a raft or a canoe. At other times, you can enjoy the song of the cicadas while sunbathing.

 

Verdon Xp activities in the Grand Canyon du Verdon

From the Carajuan bridge to the Sainte Croix lake, there is one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe and the biggest one at that; the Grand Canyon du Verdon. It is a real cut in the pre-Alpine limestone plateau which can reach 700 meters in depth over a length of 30 kilometers. This exceptional site is particularly difficult to access and the river bed is not very suitable for commercial navigation.

With a flow of more than 10 cubic meters per second

However, with this water level we can stop rafting at Point Sublime. Castellane-Point Sublime is the longest route that can be done. In summer (July-August), we only offer the Chasteuil-Point Sublime route in the late afternoon.)

With a reserved flow (Maximum 3 cubic meters per second)

With a low flow, the Grand Canyon du Verdon is the ideal place to practice aquatic hiking (aqua-rando). On the right bank, at the place called Belvédère du Couloir Samson, there is a half-day course accessible to all. On the left bank, along the Imbut path, there is a one-day aqua trekking course considered by many as the must of the Verdon.

Also, except July 1 – September 15, the reserved flow is 3 cubic meters per second. In this configuration, we can propose the Pont de Soleil-Point Sublime route by kayak. A course less sportive than the classic Castellane-Pont de Soleil but a fabulous course all the same.

See you soon on the fabulous playground of Verdon XP & The Funny Helmets !

 

Rafting and raft, history of a revolutionary machine

- History

The words raft and rafting already exist in the collective unconscious, but what are they really?
For many, a strong buoyancy aid that can overcome the tumult of a raging torrent. This remains vague.
Who invented the raft? Theodore Géricault? The raft of the Medusa? It is nothing of the sort. Primarily it is a boat of the American army which was used to transport troops and equipment. It was used for transporting troops and equipment on the sea as well as on lakes and rivers.

What is the rafting?

A “Zodiac” type boat, therefore inflatable, but with an identical front and back and without a floor. Built in a resistant material (hypalon or pvc), it resists perfectly to the shocks caused by the obstacles met in river.

The first commercial uses appeared in the early fifties in the United States. In particular in the Grand Canyon of Colorado with the company Gorgie White, pioneer in this field. This boat has the advantage of being able to take up to eight or even ten to twelve people on a river (for the biggest rafts). It is not necessary to know how to handle the boat since the guide/boatman will be in charge of steering the boat. Nevertheless, rest assured that the guides always take the time to brief their crew. So that everyone knows what he has to do. Both in terms of driving and safety.

Evolution of rafting; The Creature Craft

Darren Vancil, the inventor of the Creature Craft wanted a raft with automatic recovery. Indeed, the capsizing of a boat can sometimes prove to be uncomfortable on certain rivers. It is inspired by the Russian rafts of artisanal manufacture (the Bubliks) and the catarafts that Vancil developed his craft. Imagine a raft covered with a hoop that will prevent it from turning over. A real tumbler of the river! A boat made of many caissons to ensure a perfect resistance to the pressure inflicted by the rapids. In addition, Darren Vancil has equipped his boat with patented thigh braces that ensure its users are not thrown out of the boat.

Handling the boat

In Europe and on narrow rivers, rafts are handled with a paddle.

The guide is installed at the back of the boat and uses his paddle as a rudder. He gives orders to his crew so that the raft describes exactly the trajectory desired by the captain. On larger and more voluminous rivers such as those found on the northern and southern continents of the Americas, in Africa, Asia… Rafts are handled with an oar. The guide takes place on a large frame that supports the oars, which are attached to the raft. The passenger’s role is that of a dead weight since he is generally without a paddle.

There is also the motor raft which allows for example to cross the Grand Canyon of Colorado in record time but, as you can imagine, with much less charm. Of course, everyone can buy a raft and jump into the river of their choice. However, you should know that your safety will never be as good as in the company of a professional guide. You can also follow the link of the international rafting federation which will teach you all about the world of competition.

The Funny Helmets.