Fournel Fun

During a spate run on the Drac two weeks ago I managed to crack my boat open. It was a very emotional time for me, and I’ve had to spend the last two weeks in a playboat, I’m not sure my feet will ever recover!

My new boat arrived yesterday, I needed to break her in. The Fournel was running at a nice level and what better way to christen a boat than by chucking it off a few drops? Team CC headed up the Fournel Valley for a steep gradient descent.

Mark boofing the right line

Johnny "el stompo's" the top drop

Train-ing down the drops

Me hitting the big one.

Disclaimer: The Fournel isn't to be taken lightly, the tow-backs in the drop pools are deceptive and the drops are big enough to do some damage to you and your boat if not respected. Many good boaters have had their fair share down-time on this river. Play safe and you'll have a quality day out.

Andy

This week at Canoe Control

It’s been a busy seven days in the French Alps for Canoe Control; the campsite is filling up and a steady number of courses, river guiding and assessments have been running all week. The sun has been shining every day with temperatures in L'Argentière ranging from 25-30*C and comfortable evening temperatures at the campsite. Rivers across the Southern Alps are flowing at perfect levels with crystal blue water and there’s still plenty of snow left!

Below are the highlights of our week;

4* Training and Intermediate white-water week

This week we ran an intensive 6 day course covering a wide array of kayak skills and leadership techniques on intermediate whitewater. The course took place on a large variety of venues ranging from flat water sessions to sections of class 3+/4 towards the end of the week. The CC boys were thrilled at the progress made by candidates over the week; with substantial improvement to kayak technique, leadership skills and confidence on Alpine white-water.

Brett running the Rab Wave

5* Training

Simultaneously a 5* training course was running to bring four gents up to a level ready for assessment. Stuart’s intensive course focused on leadership and core skills in an advanced white-water environment; including intensive eddy hoping sessions on the L'Argentière slalom course and Alpine descents of sections of the Gyronde and Durance rivers.

5* Assessment

A two day 5* assessment with external assessor Bob Timms marked the end of the week. I am pleased to announce a 100% pass rate with all 4 candidates meeting the required standards following an intensive few days with Stuart. Congratulations boys. A few snaps of the final assessment on the Durance Gorge below:

Canoe Control Party

The annual Canoe Control Party was, as always, a night to remember. Live music, BBQ, book signings by Slime and Whit and a bottomless keg from the local brewery prompted a brilliant night. Lots of familiar faces and a large number of new ones too, thank you everyone for a great night.

Currently rivers are running at a nice medium level, the sun is shining and moral is high, bring on another week of Alpine adventures!

Andy

20th June 2010

River Update:

A couple of cooler days with some cloud cover has allowed the levels to drop a little. Rivers in the area are still running at a high level, but are no longer brown!


Andy

17th June 2010

Its been a great day in the French Alps again today, ran the Durance this morning and then the Guisane this afternoon. Levels have returned to a really nice level, the sun is shining and there's much fun to be had.



Andy

16th June 2010

This week cc left our peaceful camp in the Biasse valley and headed for the Severaisse and Drac for the beggining of the week, before returning to the more familiar classics of the Durance valley.

Our temporary home at La chappelle


The crux move from La cassette to La chappelle on the Severaisse.




The team head down into an outrageously big Mont dauphin gorge.
Rich

River Update

The Gyre and the Onde are tanking and running black following heavy localised rainfall last night. Caution is advised on all rivers in that valley.

Andy

12th June 2010

Yesterday we had a great day on the upper Ubaye. We paddled from just below the road tunnels downstream of St Paul to Jausiers. The whole run was very high, and fantastic level for competent boaters. The rain from the previous days had washed through leaving pure melt water.

Rich on the top section of the upper Ubaye.

The Guil is also running very making some section such as the gorges very dangerous.

The Biasse very high. This river is an excellent indication for gauging levels of rivers running off the Ecrin because upstream of our base it is a pure natural snow fed river.

The Fournel is pure death on stick.

All rivers are again well on their grade and many over the recognised grade.

The sections of the Durance that usually accommodate the lesser experienced groups, are running very high also with lots of tree debris in the river.

Today is going to be very hot. We are getting warm southerly winds making warm nights and hot days. Expect big water for the next week or so.

Be safe and have fun.

Stuart.

10th June 2010: River Update

Durance is running high and brown following heavy rain

Andy

5 Star Training

As we mentioned earlier this year there has been a increase in 5 Star

courses this season in the Alps.

Students and staff from South Devon College are on the Gyronde on one
of our 5 Star trainig courses. The course is led by Stuart Woodward
backed up by Richard Axon (CC Alps Staff)

Over many years the South French Alps have provided us with fantastic
locations, for all our courses including many 5 Star training and
Assessments.

A great two days out on the water.
Stuart.

10th June 2010

River Update:
Following a night of heavy rain, all rivers in the Ecrin area are currently experiencing very high flows.
The storm has now passed and the sun is shining again :)

Andy

6th June 2010

Sun is shining and levels are high, perfect boating! Here are a few snaps:



Sunshine Run: big and bouncy











Onde: A number of trees are down and eddies are scarce, caution advised. A fast and very enjoyable run.










Gyronde: Great level, fast and continuous; wave trains and fluffy stoppers. Again watch out for strainers










Andy

Welcome to the Canoe Control blog

This season Canoe Control are producing an online report to keep you updated on waterlevels, conditions and goings on in the French Alps.

For more information please visit:
http://canoecontrol.com/
http://www.ukriversguidebook.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=63771

Enjoy.