Whilst learning to canoe several years ago, Ray came up with the excellent concept of learning to canoe in warmer water than we would normally experience in places like Wales or Scotland. This would give a little more enjoyment to learning rescue techniques and falling in. Therefore Ray decided Woodlore should teach people to canoe in Southern France. The Ardeche is a perfect environment in which to learn to canoe with warm weather, warm water and stunning 300m limestone cliff scenery.
During the course you will be introduced to the canoe by Ray, who will be assisted by our specialist instructor Blue, who is one of the most experienced canoe coaches in the area with plenty of local knowledge. The course will start with three preparatory days on different sections of the river learning strokes, rescues, swimming rapids, poling, lining and negotiating moving water. By day 4 you will be confident and fairly competent canoeists and we make a two-day, 28km, expedition descent of the river, tackling exciting grade 2 rapids. We will spend the night in the gorge at a bivvy site with toilet, shower and BBQ facilities, within the National Park, where you may get the chance to see the local Wild Boar.
The range of wildlife in the region is impressive with sightings at our camp site alone including: scorpions, snakes, praying mantis, frogs, lizards, and slow worms. Whilst in the gorge there are often sightings of eagles, kite and beaver.
The whole region is steeped in history with the area being famous for its prehistoric cave artwork and dolmen burial sites. This area also housed a number of resistance fighters or Maquis, which caused the Nazi occupation many problems during the Second World War. The wooded hills and deep inaccessible valleys made this a perfect area for such partisan operations and the area is littered with pointers to this part of history.
During the course we will be giving you a robust introduction to flat and white water and also how to expedition using the canoe. Our aim will be to make you an efficient and self-contained tandem canoeist with both practical day sessions and evening lectures. You will be provided with an open canoe, paddles, a buoyancy aid, and a helmet and all other necessary canoe equipment for the duration of the course.
You will be staying in a private outdoors centre which is situated on the banks of the Ardèche river, a short drive away from the main town of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Your camping accommodation is glamping style in chic canvas bell tents, which will be furnished with beds, all bed linen and an electricity power socket.
All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners are included for you throughout your stay with us. Breakfasts are continental style – with fresh croissants and other brioche delights from the local bakery available every day. Lunches are picnic style using locally sourced fresh ingredients and your evening meal is a three-course dinner, which includes a carafe of wine.
The outdoors centre is the perfect space to spend time in the evenings relaxing. There is a lounge and bar area with riverside views, a beach volleyball court, and a boules court. Of course being on the riverbank means there is a private river beach, so you’re always a stone’s throw away from your next dip in the Ardèche’s refreshing water.
We are there in September to get the best of the water levels before it becomes very high later in the season and to avoid the crowds in July and August.
We will meet for a meal on the first evening at the outdoors centre, where you will have the chance to get to know the team and your fellow canoeists. You will also find out about the course and what to expect over the coming days.
The course will start at 18:00 on day 1 and finish at 12:00 on the final day.
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