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Can we do it if it's our first time?
Everything has to start somewhere! There are different degrees of difficulty, and we always adapt the descent and the course to the level of the least experienced or least comfortable person on the boat.
Is the equipment provided (wetsuit, waistcoat, helmet...)?
Yes, we take care of equipping you with all the safety equipment adapted to the temperature of the water but also outside, and top of the range. Comfort is essential during the activity!
Is there always a guide with us on the rafting trip?
Yes, all of our rafting trips are supervised by professional, state-certified guides. He will be with you and will steer the raft throughout the activity, unless he offers you to take the helm for a moment!
What if it rains?
Don't panic, you are well equipped for the rain! No better place for you than on the river. Unless there is a real storm decimating the trees, this is one of the few risk-free activities in the mountains. Unlike canyoning, the water level is not likely to rise violently, so we can embark without any problem, with an extra adventurous atmosphere...
Is there a minimum number of people to book?
No, except for the itinerant courses. We adapt the boat and complete the raft with other people if necessary.
Can I pee in my wetsuit?
Absolutely not! Even if our wetsuits are cleaned and disinfected with a suitable product after each use, think of those who wash them (by hand)!
River classes, technical difficulty :
Class I
Easy - Fast current with ripples. Few obstructions, which are obvious and easily avoided with a minimum of practice. Easy to recover from in case of problems.
Class II
Beginner - Simple rapids, with obvious passes, not requiring recognition. Occasional manoeuvring required, but medium-sized rocks and waves are easily avoided by trained riders. Outside help rarely needed if problems arise.
Class III
Intermediate - Rapids with irregular, moderate-sized waves that can be difficult to avoid. Complex manoeuvres in a fast current and good boat control in narrow passages or around rocks are often required. Large waves and obstructions may be present but are easily avoided. Powerful undertows and water movements may be encountered, especially on high volume courses. Reconnaissance recommended for the less experienced. Recovery usually easy but outside help can avoid prolonged bathing.
Class IV
Advanced - Intense, powerful but predictable rapids requiring precise boat control in rough water. Depending on the type of course, there are large waves and rollers that cannot be avoided, narrow passages requiring quick reactions in stressful conditions. Requires the ability to stop quickly and safely. Rapids requiring "compulsory" trajectories in a dangerous environment. Recovery can be difficult. Outside help often essential but requires skill and experience. Reliable Eskimo roll strongly recommended.
Class V
Expert - Extremely long, crowded, or very violent rapids. Passages that may contain large waves and rollers, or tight passes with complex and technically demanding trajectories. Rapids that can stretch over long distances between calm zones, requiring good physical condition. Backwaters encountered may be small, choppy, or difficult to reach. Reconnaissance recommended but can be difficult. Recovery difficult. Highly reliable eskimo roll, suitable equipment, substantial experience and practical safety skills are essential.
Class VI
Extreme and Exploratory - This type of course represents the limits of difficulty most of the time. Recovery may be impossible. For expert teams only, at favourable water levels, after careful reconnaissance and taking all possible precautions.
Infran: X
Impassable passage until proven otherwise. If a voluntary crossing by canoe or kayak is successful under normal conditions, the passage is downgraded to 6. A temporary obstacle that makes a normally passable rapid impassable does not affect the rating (e.g. tree across a class 3 rapid).
Commitment Definition Reference
E1Slightly involved, no particular risk except in exceptional circumstances: Durance, St-Clément -> Embrun
E2Committed, risk of injury or bad bathingUbaye, Upper Ex
E3Very committed, the consequences of a mistake can be serious, even fatal.Verdon, le Canyon
E4Emaximum commitment, same as levels E2 and E3 but portage is impossible in certain cases: obligation to cross.Vésubie, le couloir de Lantosque
The rating
General case :
The technical difficulty rating of a passage is noted in Arabic numerals. The average technical difficulty rating of the course is noted in Roman numerals, plus, optionally, in brackets, the technical difficulty rating of the passages that stand out, plus the commitment rating. Several figures may be used if the difficulty is not homogeneous.
Example:
Ubaye (10 m3), Les Ex du bas: class IV V (5+), E2 (E3).
On this route and at the water level indicated (m3 or height in relation to a level scale or a marker), the general difficulty alternates between IV and V, there are one or more passages of difficulty 5+, the commitment generally encountered is E2, occasionally E3.