Canoeing andkayaking are fun activities close to nature, but they do require participants to be able to swim 25 meters unaided and to be over 6 years old. Wearing a life jacket, while mandatory, does not replace the swimming requirement, which applies to both children and adults.
So, before you board your boat to sail on the waters, check your physical condition and your swimming level!
Why knowing how to swim is crucial for canoeing
The risks associated with canoeing without knowing how to swim
Whether you are experienced or a beginner, canoeing andkayaking without knowing how to swim presents risks.
Indeed, here are the most significant risks faced by a person who cannot swim when participating in a water activity:
- Drowning: without knowing how to swim and even with a life jacket, the risk of drowning is very high for a person who cannot swim.
- Panic: fear of water significantly increases the risk of high panic during a capsize, for example.
- Exhaustion: without swimming technique or familiarity with swimming movements, a person who cannot swim will become exhausted much more quickly if they have to reach the shore.
That is why renting canoe-kayak equipment to a person who cannot swim is strictly prohibited by French law.
Please note: if you are afraid of thewater or don't feel comfortable with the activity, never feel obligated to participate! Set your own limits and know that you can also join the rest of the group for a picnic by the water, driving to the finish line. If needed, we can suggest a meeting point; just ask at reception.
How to learn to swim in order to practice canoeing
Swimming learned on your own or in a municipal swimming pool during group or individual lessons.
The format and duration generally depend on the age of the participants and their familiarity with the water. It's possible to take advanced lessons if you're already fairly comfortable in the water,or even if you're a complete beginner. Some swimming pools even offer sessions to help overcome aquaphobia.
When it comes to children, the earlier they start, the better! By getting used to the water from a young age, children develop a natural ease that allows them to learn to swim more quickly later on. Lessons may then be necessary at school or at the pool to refine their swimming.
Swimming lessons in Brive-la-Gaillarde, Collonges-la-Rouge/Meyssac. Intermunicipal swimming pools in the Lot.
Canoeing and kayaking on the Dordogne River are open to children aged 5 and over, provided they can swim 25 meters unaided. Please note: a swimming proficiency test performed while wearing a life jacket is not sufficient!
Techniques and tips for safe canoeing
Equipment needed to ensure safety while canoeing
Practicing canoeing and kayaking involves wearing a buoyancy aid or a life jacket, but what's the real difference? The main difference lies in the standards they must meet; we'll explain everything!
The life jacket
The life jacket meets the European standard EN 12402-4: 2020 and implies a buoyancy of 100 Newtons.
When renting with a professional on a class I or II river like the Dordogne, this type of equipment corresponds to "life jackets" with a crotch strap for smaller sizes (children).
Buoyancy aid
The buoyancy aid complies with the European standard EN ISO 12402-5: 2020 and implies a buoyancy of 50 Newtons.
Buoyancy aids are all the other equipment commonly called " life jackets " and without a crotch strap. This is often what you'll find on the Dordogne River in Class I or II rapids.
Wearing a personal flotation device or a life jacket is in no way a substitute for the need to be able to swim 25 meters unaided. On some rivers, starting from class III, wearing a helmet may also be mandatory.
Tips for beginners: maximize fun while staying safe
Are you a beginner and want to go canoeing? Discover our tips to get started with your first trip!
- Choose your equipment : whether you're heading out on a river or a lake, you absolutely must choose a boat suited to your skill level and the environment you'll be paddling in. An inflatable boat can be a good option on a lake, for example, but be mindful of the river you'll be using (rocks, rapids, etc.).
- Choose a route suited to your expertise: before any outing in whitewater or flatwater, check your route and its classification. River classifications range from Class I to Class V.
- Check the weather before you leave: Choose a reliable weather website like Météo France to confirm the conditions before you depart. Also check water levels and navigability.
- Inform a loved one of your outing: before any outing, inform a loved one of your precautions and send your itinerary.
- Choose a professional canoe-kayak rental: do you want to make things easier for yourself and enjoy yourself without any worries? Trust a professional rental company that is a member of the FNPLCK and/or Canoë France.
