2017 09 08 Paddling the Verdon with Ecole de Kayak du Verdon Essential version

Note: this is 10 minute version. There is also a 40 minute slow-tv version on this channel.
The Verdon Grand Canyon is not a very difficult (class IV at the summer water level), but the amount of undercuts and siphons make that the “normal lines” will sometimes bring you very close to danger. Because of the huge boulders you cannot see what’s coming and a siphon blocking the whole river might be around a corner.
It is a long paddle, in a deep canyon with no help nearby. Do not expect other kayak groups to be there, because there are not that many people paddling this canyon. If you do venture out without a guide, make sure, that the Imbut is free, before you paddle into it. (There is a portage, but it takes about an hour).
This is not to scare you: it is the most beautiful river I know and if you are a paddler able to do a class IV you should definitely try to paddle it (with a guide). If you are a class III paddler try paddling the pre-Canyon. You can paddle up to Point Sublime. You can enjoy the beauty of the canyon without having to face the danger. Okay, you have to carry your boat up some stairs at the end (takes 10 minutes or so), but its definitely worth it.
The water levels are controlled by a dam, so in spring a lot of times there is no water. In July and Agustus there used to be water on Tuesday and Friday, but last summer there was water only twice. Because it was a dry winter, but also policy of the EDF seems to have changed. Most years there are damn release in the first or second week of september, but it is all very unpredictable and hard to get good info.
To get in contact with the Ecole de Kayak du Verdon go to www.ecole-kayak... or contact them over facebook.

[@ronactive]

Very nice river and Video :-)