But finding a good spot to practice can sometimes be a bit of a headache... Below, we present a unique location near Pau (about 15 km away).
This kayaking spot is located on the Gave de Pau and works with minimal water levels. It's originally a rafting channel.
How to get there:
Just before the Assat bridge (left bank going downstream) there's a path running alongside the Gave, presenting the first "challenge"... The site has a barrier preventing access to vehicles over 2m tall (bad luck for trucks and cars with roof-mounted kayaks...). You'll need to unload and then reload your gear for smooth passage.
Once on the other side, a second "challenge": another barrier... But luckily, this one opens easily by swinging it horizontally. You're almost there... The spot is 50m further on the right. Easy embarkation upstream of the weir. The only straightforward entry point is the channel about 10m from the wall on the right - though if you're feeling confident, you could attempt a slalom between the boulders of the weir.
Spot overview:
This is a standing wave at the base of a rafting channel, ranging from 1m to... well, infinite! (Depending on water levels). It's at its best when the two small walls bordering the channel are submerged.
- The immediate downstream section is flat and risk-free - easy recovery!
- You can easily access the wave thanks to two fairly large eddies, and staying in is just as easy...
- At higher water levels, the wave forms a "U" shape with smoother ends that allow for great blunt moves!
- Warning! When water starts overflowing the small upstream wall on the left bank by more than 10cm, the wave turns into a hydraulic.
