Whitewater kayaking in the French Alps Monday, June 15, 2009

BRIANCON GORGE
I've just got back from 5 days whitewater kayaking in the French Alps. I haven't done much whitewater paddling before, although I have done a few days in lots of different places - including seakayaking down the Grade 3/4 Ottawa river to film "This is the Sea 4". My survival paddling has always been quite good!!

TREE DODGING ON THE CLAREY
THE CLAREY

I really enjoyed spending 5 days on the rivers, learning about reading the water and how to apply what I've learnt seakayaking in tidal races onto a river environment. We had some coaching from Tom Parker We stayed at the campsite by the slalom course at l´Agentiere la Besse and branched out from there. Highlights for me were 4km of Grade 4 rapids on the lower Guisane, running 7 drops at Fournel ( up to 12-15 foot), and our last run on the Grade 3+ Ond. I'll definitely be returning to the river!
THE DURANCE

MARIANNE AND TOM ABOUT TO HEAD DOWN BRIANCON GORGE