The Alps Trip 2026 is now available to book onto. As a Club Trip with confirmed 5 leaders attending, places are limited to 15 non-Leader paddlers, so places are very limited. Please add yourself to the waiting list if the event is full in case anyone drops out.
The Paddling
We are anticipating a week of boating on alpine G2/3 (equivalent of UK G3 with occasional G4) and G4/G4+, depending on river levels, boat choice and personal paddling experience. Rivers such as the Durance, Severaisse, Gironde, Ubay and others are on the wish list and offer a variety of river choice each day.
As a benchmark anyone attending this trip should be able to paddle the Upper Treweryn, and be comfortable running top to bottom and making the larger eddies. Anyone wishing to paddle the G4 options should be able to competently navigate the more complicated sections, make the smaller eddies, achieve crosses of the faster flowing sections (such as ‘Graveyard) - hopefully this provides a feel for the level you need to be at to get the most from the trip.
We hope to paddle Sun 14th June to Fri 19th June, although we’d anticipate not everyone paddling everyday in a Club Paddle environment.
It is planned to offer a G4 trip on most days, with varying availability depending on the river and the number of runs that can be achieved. These will be complemented by an alpine G2/3 trip for those wanting that style of paddle, or not able to paddle the G4 option on any given day. Each evening the leaders will set out the options for the following day to allow decisions to be made and plans put in place.
The nature of alpine paddling is such that not all rivers suit all paddlers or their choice of craft. As a Club Trip the leaders are responsible for the safety of the group pn the water, and will make any final call on the suitability for any trip for those wanting to go on it during the prior evening. The leaders will do all we can to accommodate everyone, but please appreciate this may not always be possible. Please also bear in mind that the leaders are volunteers, also on holiday - we aren't employed tour guides!
Expect some early starts through the week as we take advantage of paddling a variety of rivers around region.
For clarity, this trip is being put on and led only by Club leaders.
Pre-trip Paddle Weekend
We are asking all paddlers to attend at least one day on the Treweryn with the leaders prior to the trip. This is so that we can gauge your paddling experience, choice of craft etc such that we can plan the trips accordingly. This is a pre-requisite for anyone wishing to paddle any of the G4 options being put on. Any issues with making one of the date options please let us know asap so we can come up with a suitable plan.
The dates options for this will likely be May, dates to follow in the next week or so.
Activities off the Water
Being in the most stunning part of the French alps, there is plenty to do if you fancy a day or two off the water, with via Ferrata being a clear choice (Dangling on a wire above Chateax Q is awesome!) but also hiking and cycling options. Google is your friend for inspiration!
Travel
It is expected that everyone make travel arrangements and book their own tickets etc. We would anticipate everyone being at the campsite near Briancon by 4pm on Sat 13th June in time to make camp / settle in prior to the first paddle briefing. Those arriving early enough might also get a float on the Rabioux Wave adjacent to the camp site.
Departing is expected to be on Sat 20th June to make your way home / onward travels.
Please seek to car share as best you can - as members join the group of paddlers you’ll be added to the obligatory WhatsApp group to help with these arrangements.
Accommodation
Accommodation will be at the New Rabioux campsite, https://camping-new-rabioux.fr/en/home/. They have a range of camping, pre-pitched tent and cabin options, currently with availability for them all. You are expected to book and pay for your own camping directly with the campsite to secure your accommodation. It is a lovely campsite on the banks of the Durance river (day 1 paddle!), and next to the Rabioux Wave for those so inclined.
Catering
The campsite has a small cafe, there are some eateries in the local village, and plenty of supermarkets nearby for self catering. I’m sure we will eat out together on one or two nights as well. Assume you are looking after yourself, eating early, then gathering together for the evenings sat out under the stars. Perhaps a BBQ or two on the banks of the Durance as well.
Insurance
Please ensure you take out suitable insurance for the purposes of the trip generally, and also for paddling at the river grades you hope to paddle at on the trip. The Club accepts no responsibility for any necessary trip changes or location changes due to weather and river levels, etc.
What to Bring
Please bring all the necessary paddling equipment. Keep an eye on the weather, but generally shorts, rash vest and cag will be sufficient. If it looks chilly, then a dry suit will leave you happier. Boat choice is important - large volume creek boats are likely to be a requirement for a number of the G4 days, although the play spots of L'Agentierre lend themselves to a half slice - bring a quiver if you wish!
Other than that, BA, helmet, paddle, deck, rescue equipment and suitable footwear are a must. Outdoor kit for walking, and a via Ferrata kit is also handy.
Hopefully this sets out the trip and provides most of the necessary information at the moment. Any questions please get in touch.
Grant McKelvie
07837 963160
