Description:
KAYAK CLINIC 2009
Introduction
The Ardeche Adventures Kayak Clinic is designed for paddlers of all ages, ranging from complete novice to intermediate, who want to develop their moving water skills and experience a kayak descent of both the Ardeche Gorge and the Chassezac River.

We understand that not everybody wants to be thrown into the deep end and be pushed beyond their comfort zones, so we have designed a holiday that suits paddlers who want to progress their skills along with enjoying the natural beauty and wonder of the Ardeche, with good food and great company.

The river levels are a comfortable grade 2 to 3 maximum, with some great safe play spots and a variety of rapids and flow.
With a pool available to develop your roll, It’s the perfect environment to learn at your own pace.

We supply all equipment so you just need to bring the kit you're going to get wet in! If you want to bring your own boat that's fine ,
but we do have an ever expanding fleet of kayaks and canoes from which you can chose.

Our packages run all the way through from early September to the end of May; this is the out of season period for the region and as a result you can rely on tourist-free roads and rivers as well as high water. You also have the advantage of cheaper off-season travel. This really is the ideal time for paddlers!

We are offering a package of six nights accommodation with all Kayaking equipment and instruction plus transfers from Nimes.

The kayak clinics generally run from Monday to Friday, with arrival Sunday and departure Saturday.

Costs £400.00 p/p non residential or £600.00 p/p residential with full board.

Included
All Kayak equipment and instruction
Transfers to and from Nimes Airport only
Bivouac fee’s
Farmhouse/gite accommodation
All meals

Not Included
Flights and Travel costs
Insurance

With the full board package you will stay in a farmhouse in Lablachere with breakfast, lunch and home cooked evening meals provided. We also have alternative gites available as well as a private campsite with a toilet/shower block and pool.

During the year we also run river safety and first aid courses, as well as BCU qualifications; just let us know what you would like to organise and we’ll arrange it.

Note: We have calculated this cost on the condition that we have at least six bookings. It is therefore at our discretion if we decide to run the clinic with fewer number.
Transfers other than to/from Nimes can be arranged as long as the entire group arrive at a shared arrival such as Marseille, Lyon or Avignon.

TYPICAL ITINERARY
Sunday / Dimanche
Fly into Nimes or Marseille, or get the Eurostar/TGV to Avignon. You will have decided if you want to hire your own car, or if you have arrived at Nimes, we will simply come and pick you up! Obviously if you want to make your own way down to us by road that's also fine.
This evening we will go through the weeks events (over a glass or two of wine if you wish), We can get an idea of your skills, and also get to just relax.

Monday / Lundi
On the first day we will get you kitted out with a boat that you are comfortable with. The morning session will take place on a section of the Chassezac River; here we will go through the fundamentals (Active posture, Connectivity, Power and Feel).
We will assess all of your skills from the capsize drill to basic strokes as well as working on basic river safety tequniques.
For the slightly more advanced paddlers, we will evaluate your paddling style and efficiency.
We have a pool, so after watching a DVD about the kayak roll, its time to take the plunge! It’s the rolling clinic and our aim is to get you rolling by the end of the week.

Tuesday / Mardi
Today we develop your moving water and river reading skills on the Chassezac; we do a gentle 7km, allowing you the opportunity to learn plenty while taking in the beautiful views. For groups at an intermediate level we can paddle a longer section.
In the evening we will give you feedback from today’s session and show you how to pack your dry sacks for bivouac tomorrow. Of course this is an option, you may well prefer the comfort of your room to a night under the stars.

Wednesday / Mercredi
Today we begin the Ardeche descent starting from Salavas at the top of the gorge.
All of your sleeping kit will go down in the open boat or be taken down to the bivouac site depending on the time of year.
We have plenty of time to stop and play and work on your moving water skills along the way, we will also try out some river safety and rescue techniques
After 16 km we arrive at the bivouac site, its just stunning here and very quiet out of season, the only disturbance will be from wild boar! After a magnificent barbeque we settle down to a night under the stars!
For comfort we do supply tents, mattresses and sleeping bags.

Thursday / Jeudi
After a breakfast of pancakes and porridge, it's back on the river to enjoy more of this beautiful gorge and stunning crystal clear river as we follow its winding path down to our destination of Saint Martin. Along the way we take lunch on the rivers edge.
Once arrived and back in our dry kit we can either go and get some food at one of several great restaurants there, or just settle for an ice cream or a beer and hang on until we get back to site.

Friday / Vendredi
Friday: This is your last day and as there is so much to see and do in this area we let you decide between a myriad of activities; there’s always the option of more river time and if the water levels are good it’s a great opportunity to learn some play boat moves down at the local wave.
There are also high ropes, climbing, abseiling, mountain biking, and of course walking. All of these can be arranged and we will let
you know any cost implications well in advance.
The final night you may want to spend at the local restaurant and relive your weeks achievements over a glass of wine.

Saturday / Samedi
Its time for home and after breakfast we will bid you farewell, that’s if we don’t have to drop you at the Airport and in that case we will bid you farewell there too!

Note: If you would like to extend your holiday or choose alternative arrival or departure days, just let us know, we can be
flexible to suit your needs, just drop us an email or call us on 0208 123 0076
Mike Smith and Phil Gasson