Leigh Lorayne
Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Camino Frances (2015)
Camino del Norte Irun to Ribadasella (2016)
Camino Primitivo Oviedo to Santiago (2016)
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I can’t speak about the river itself, but I do have some experience with canoe and kayak expeditions and used to be a certified white water rescue technician. If it’s only level 1 and 2 rapids, you’ll probably be fine, but I’d strongly suggest to find someone to do the trip with you. Water can be treacherous in so many ways, but not being alone mitigates quite a bit of that.Has anyone had experience kayaking/ canoeing the river from Espalion to Estaing?
This would be May 2. Spring so is the water faster then?
How were the grade I. -II rapids? Any real chance of capsizing? Any suggestions on securing my waist pack carrying valuables in case I do? Is the river generally deep or generally shallow with deeper sections?
I would be walking from St. come d’Olt to Espalion that morning. Is it reasonable to think that I might make it in time? The terrain looks pretty demanding. I could start early, but I am not a fast walker. I am assuming the company does group runs at certain times?? Or can you independently rent a kayak and drop off in Estaing? If a group I am assuming my pack could be driven ahead for pick up of water craft in Estaing. If independant could I strap my pack to the kayak?
I have tried to contact the company but I am not sure where my message went? And perhaps they are not open yet?
I come from an area of many lakes so I am comfortable on water and have been in canoes and kayaks, however moving water and rapids require slightly more skill..
Good advice, when I was there it was a very lazy river that looked like more paddling than floating. Yes, helmet, life jacket and water shoes because the portages looked very mossy.
Thanks for your first hand observations. The river sounds quite tame, but I wonder what time of year that was or is that significant on that river. Where I live spring has high, fast flowing rivers because of snow melt, but maybe not in France. I am sorry that your leg is stopping you from doing something you would really like to do.Good advice, when I was there it was a very lazy river that looked like more paddling than floating. Yes, helmet, life jacket and water shoes because the portages looked very mossy.
I much prefer higher water, it may look a little more intimidating, but there are fewer rocks exposed. It makes navigating a rapid easier most of the time, though some rivers you can walk in low water. Either way, rapids should generally have places you can portage around, especially when there are family tours run on it. I think it’s a brilliant idea and am just a little enviousSage advice. Thanks so much. I did hear from the company today. They are not open for reservations until April1. The ?? guided tour ( not sure - have to ask) leaves at 1:30 and arrives Estaing approximately 5:30 pm. Gear is trucked ahead for pickup at Estaing. Families do this trip so the rapids ‘should’ be reasonable, but it is spring so the river could be running faster. I will take your advice and canoe with a partner. I am walking solo so I hope there would be someone to join me. Many questions to ask when they are open for the season. Thanks again for your words of wisdom. No one drinks and drives in our boat!
An absolute highlight for us!Has anyone had experience kayaking/ canoeing the river from Espalion to Estaing?
This would be May 2. Spring so is the water faster then?
How were the grade I. -II rapids? Any real chance of capsizing? Any suggestions on securing my waist pack carrying valuables in case I do? Is the river generally deep or generally shallow with deeper sections?
I would be walking from St. come d’Olt to Espalion that morning. Is it reasonable to think that I might make it in time? The terrain looks pretty demanding. I could start early, but I am not a fast walker. I am assuming the company does group runs at certain times?? Or can you independently rent a kayak and drop off in Estaing? If a group I am assuming my pack could be driven ahead for pick up of water craft in Estaing. If independant could I strap my pack to the kayak?
I have tried to contact the company but I am not sure where my message went? And perhaps they are not open yet?
I come from an area of many lakes so I am comfortable on water and have been in canoes and kayaks, however moving water and rapids require slightly more skill..
Wish I coukd, but we walked into town on a market day with live music looking for a place to camp, and someone mentioned the place to us…Could you give me name and contact details of the company please. I’d like to try this too!
Do you it would have been better to be in a canoe? Did you have a guide with you?An absolute highlight for us!
I did capsize twice as you have to line your kayak up perfectly in a kind of conveyor system twice and then stay balanced.
Secure your stuff!
Thank you!Contact info:
Www.elsanature.com
contact@elsanature.com
06 88 20 14 39
Sylvain Lietout
The email I received from Sylvain says they are open for reservations April 1.
I googled them. Some nice pictures
Good luck! It should be fun!
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