Choosing the right boat

• Single-seat kayak: The paddler sits in the boat with his/her legs straight out in front of him/her, and uses a double-bladed paddle. An average kayak weighs about 11 kg and is 4.50 m long.
  
• Single-seat canoe: The paddler sits/kneels on a kneepad. The canoe has straps to hold the knees in the bottom of the canoe. An average single-seat canoe weighs about 12 kg and is 4.30 m long..
  
  
• Tandem canoe: The paddlers have the same position as in a single-seat canoe but each person paddles on one side. An average tandem canoe weighs about 18 kg and is 5 m long.
  
  
• Raft: Inflatable rafts are unsinkable. Most modern rafts are between 4 and 5 m long and can carry up to 12 people. The bottom of the raft is fitted with footstraps to prevent the rafters falling out..
  
  Hydrospeed or riverboarding: Using a wetsuit and fins, and with a foam or plastic float under the front of the body for buoyancy and protection, hydrospeed is one of the most exhilarating ways of descending a white-water river.

Tips

• Recommended equipment
  Rafting: 3- to 4-mm wetsuit, life jacket (minimum floatation standard required) with a belt (quick-release buckle) that can be used as a harness, light but rigid helmet that covers the forehead and cheeks..
  
  

Behaviour in white water
- White-water sports are not recommended for non-swimmers
- For hydrospeed/riverboarding, float in a horizontal position with your feet on the surface to act as shock absorbers
- Stay behind the boat if you capsize
- Wait until you have stopped in a back-eddy before trying to stand up.

Safety advice:
Emergency services: tel. 112 (single European emergency number).
Pollution alert: To report any pollution you see: Tel 01 48 89 29 12
For more information go to the Fédération Française de Canoë-Kayak website

Updated in March 2009