The unit set off from school with extremely excited cadets and eager parents, as they were potentially getting some respite. The travel to the channel tunnel was almost uneventful, barring the inevitable Dartfort Tunnel traffic. The tunnel crossing proved to be extremely easy as did the drive down to the Ardeche, despite it taking 14 hours.

There was clear disappointment when we arrived onto the camp site: it was windy and overcast, not exactly what everybody has envisaged for the South of France. The setting up of the tents proved challenging in the wind and the soft sandy ground. However working as a team, cadets and staff soon had all the accommodation up and began sorting the equipment for the week. Once this had been completed, everyone had a few hours of well earned rest. To get the cadets minds switched onto the job of the exercise a swim test was conducted, initially with many groans and complaints. However it soon became apparent that the once in the water, with helmets and buoyancy aids, that’s where many wanted to stay and have a swim.

The next day started the training in earnest. Three groups were devised and a rotation of kayak and canoe ensued. All had experience in both craft to eventually achieve the BCU two star award. Basic strokes went well, with cadets learning very quickly how to move the boats efficiently on flat water.

The following days saw excellent progress as they were constantly challenged to improve their skills. A number of trips were made up river so we could paddle back down to the campsite. A particular highlight was paddling through the famous arch at Vallon Pontd’Arc.

Surprisingly we had very few swims due to capsizes. On day 3 we looked at various rescue techniques as the following day would be a 24km journey down the Ardeche river. This proved to be very popular as the weather had become more typical of the South of France. Cadets were taught to use throw lines on the land and then were throwing to each other whilst partners were floating down the river in a small rapid near the camp site.

Defensive swimming was also taught and practiced.

Everything had been building up to the descent of the Ardeche river through the gorge. The gorge and the whole trip proved to be utterly spectacular all the way. It was also exciting from a paddling perspective as every few 100ms or so there was a grade two rapid to negotiate. Inevitable there were some cadets swimming, but, due to the prior training, the majority managed to remain upright. At lunch time there was a small change around with the boats so cadets could get a different perspective. Overall a fantastic challenging day.

The last day was a fun day where the cadets were taken upstream of the camp site to grade two rapids and they were taught how to surf and play on the waves, in both canoe and kayak.

Then the long trip home. Everyone wanted to stay at least another day, but unfortunately we had a rendezvous at the booked channel tunnel.

A fantastic experience for the staff and the cadets, where all the aims of the BCU 2 star were achieved by the cadets.

Lt Colonel M Balmbra