C-1 in France, Paddling the Ardeche

[camthecanuck]

I'm going to be working in southern France in the spring and was wondering if there was anywhere along the Ardeche river that I could rent a c-1 play boat (I own a Converted Jackson All-Star), or an OC-1 such as an Ocoee, Esquif zoom/zephyr/spark etc...

I know I can get a kayak, but i'd rather go rock climbing than stoop to that level.

[jakke]

I never paddled the ardeche, but I guess you'll have a problem finding specialist (O)C1 canoes around there.
Some clasic models like old-town 158 or maybe a prospector might work at the best. I think you're better of searching for a specialist canoe school in the area trying to rent one there. Or try to arrange a "mini-armada" and have someone bring a boat for you .

[TheKrikkitWars]

I can't see it happening, why not just take your boat out with you?

[Kelvin]

Hi mate,
There are some reasonable playspots on the Ardeche, it's also not impossible to get to Lyon or Ambrum for the day. I'd make the effort to take your boat or buy one out there. Maybe you could take your outfitting
and convert a boat out there....? (Where are you heading from?)
Have a good season,
Kelvin.

[Louie]

I don't know many people across the pond but Falk. He is very knowledgeable and will bend over backwards to help. He post here under a funny name. He is from Germany, that is like a suburm of France, no ?

[bathtuboy]

My old Superfly is down there, but unfortunately I won't be there until September so you won't be able to get to it. I would recommend you try posting something on [url]http://www.eauxvives.org/[/url] there are plenty of paddlers from that area and some might be able to sort you out.
I've spent a lot of time there and have never seen any other whitewater OC1's though there are a few C1's about. The local rental companies deal pretty much exclusively in sit on tops so will probably not be of any use.

This is one of my favourite areas to paddle with some fantastic low volume creeking in the cevennes along with beautiful scenery and great food.

[camthecanuck]

Thanks for all of your insight.

I can't afford to fly my boat in from Canada, and Air Canada won't take it as luggage. Apparently they've also put an end to taking paddles, a move I don't fully understand.

One of you mentioned Lyon, I know Hawaii sur Rhone is there, perhaps there's a paddling shop, or outfitter nearby?

[Taniwha]

This is from the German with the funny alias...

I've paddled the Ardèche a lot and it is a beautiful region. Depends on the time you are down there, I would have a few suggestions:

1. I own an old C1 playboat I actually don't use anymore. It's a DAG Scandal. Get some insight here: http://www.dagkayak.com/web_Dag_gb/fich ... al_gb.html It is factory outfitted as a C1.
You could have it, borrow it, buy it off me, no sweat, nearly any deal is possible.

2. Unfortunately the boat is in Germany and France is not quite a suburb from it as Louie mentioned. It's actually 750 km (470 miles) from the place where the boat is right now to the Ardèche. From my place it is an additional 570 km (350 miles).

3. I have friends who go down to the Ardèche at Easter time this year, they could bring the boat.

4. If you are there already at Easter time you could meet with them, get the boat, paddle together, whatever.

5. If not and we agree on a sale price et al. they could bring the boat and leave it somewhere down there (i.e. at the campground we usually use, I'm pretty sure they will store it) for you to pick up.

6. PM me if you are interested and I give you more details to the boat and any other idea.

7. I've got some old paddles as well... i.e. a Robson Son http://www.robsonpaddle.de/robsonpaddle ... char=stech

8. Have fun at the Ardèche, there are some fun spots and Hawaii sur Rhône (near Lyon), St. Pierre de Boeuf and other playspots are rather close.

9. If all that doesn't fit you, don't worry: France is strong in C1 boating and the suggestion of getting to http://www.eauxvives.org/fr/ for more help is a good one!