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Canoeing, 'Kayak Blue IX', France, Jul 2009, ID 796

Cambridge University OTC

KAYAK BLUE IX was an introduction to open water kayaking in the French High Alps for 8 selected students led by two Level Four Instructors. The aim was to introduce the eight students, of varying degrees of competence, to the challenge of white water kayaking as well as improving any skills that already existed.

The French Alps provide the perfect location for the expedition due to the many different difficulties of rivers that can be found a short distance from the camp site, L’Argentierre de Bessée. The students experienced a varied degree of river standards under the strict guidance of the excellent instructors. We decided to go to the same region again this year as there are also a number of other activities that the group can take part in when not on the water; including Via Ferratta (rock climbing following a fixed route) through the stunning local scenery.

Initially, students were taught essential river safety skills and self-rescue techniques to ensure each kayaker felt confident on the challenging courses. The Officer Cadets then learnt and developed more advance techniques to enable them to approach more testing and technically demanding rivers such as the infamous ‘Ubaye Race Course’.

After the two week expedition students had developed skills that enabled them to competently execute Grade Three and Four Rapids. The exercise was a complete success with no injuries and great sense of achievement.

We would like to express our gratitude for the generous grant from the Ulysses Trust

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