By the way, what is hydrospeed?
Hydrospeed, also known as "white water swimming," is a fun white water sport practiced in rivers, with a foam float in hand and fins on your feet. Equipped with a thick wetsuit to protect you from the cold, a life jacket, and a helmet, you are ready to tackle the rapids of the Isère, those tumultuous areas that make this intense activity so exciting!
What is the difference between hydrospeed and white-water swimming?
There is none! Hydrospeed and white-water swimming are synonyms that truly fit their name. The combination of the two gives you the - almost - perfect definition of this exhilarating water activity: water, speed, swimming, and splashes (euphemism)!
Why "almost" perfect? Because there is one reassuring element missing from this definition: the famous foam float, which is more like a large buoy board (in which you can even slide your arms to protect your elbows and keep your torso out of the water) than a flimsy pool float.
How to choose your hydrospeed spot well?
Several criteria must be considered when choosing your hydrospeed spot:
The reputation of the site:
Rely on the reviews of whitewater practitioners, whether they are professionals or amateurs. The International Whitewater Base of Bourg-Saint-Maurice regularly hosts the World Canoe Kayak Championships... A (good) sign that doesn't lie!
The reliability of the conditions:
When we say "hydrospeed," we mean "whitewater"! Make sure to choose a site with a regular water flow, or you risk getting bored (or even not being able to practice).
The flow of the Isère, for example, is regulated by a series of dams, with regular water releases ensured by EDF. Book your white-water swimming activity with complete confidence: a minimum of 20m3 per second is guaranteed throughout the rafting season. Your qualified guides, uncompromising in terms of fun and safety, closely monitor the evolving conditions!
The profile of the river:
Find out about the length of the sections of the river suitable for white-water sports, the strength of the current, the presence of calm areas and rapids (areas where the water is very turbulent due to a break in slope or the presence of emerging rocks), etc.
A river with a diverse profile, like the Isère, allows for varying activities throughout your stay! Introduction to hydrospeed with your children at the beginning of the week, a more sporty session with your adventurous friends two days later, rafting together before heading home…
The difficulty level of the areas to cross:
Depending on your level (beginner, intermediate, expert in the discipline) and your physical condition, you will prefer to practice hydrospeed in a more or less technical and demanding river. For this, refer to the grading system for whitewater sports, which assigns a number from 1 to 6 (or rather: from I to VI) based on the difficulty of navigating in the water.
A class I river is considered very easy, very calm, and regular (therefore ideal for getting in the water with confidence). In a class III river, you will encounter some regular rapids, waves, and obstacles to navigate. Class IV becomes more sporty, with more technical and turbulent rapids.
But what about the Isère? Well, you will find rapids of classes II, III, and IV (beginner to advanced level), but also very calm areas to quietly practice handling the paddles and the few useful maneuvers to know (like the Eskimo roll, a technique inspired by the traditional figures used by Arctic Eskimos to right a capsized kayak).
The beauty of the site!
Whitewater kayaking is discovering nature from a unique perspective that those who merely stroll along the riverbanks will never know.
During your hydrospeed session on the Isère, you will traverse majestic and wild landscapes, such as the gorges of Centron, the place known as the jump of the Pucelle (with its famous bridge), or the rapids of Aime. A privileged viewpoint that will make you feel very small, but also in harmony with the mountains that surround you.
Where to do hydrospeed in Savoie?
The Isère (which originates in the heights of Val d'Isère, at the level of the Glacier des Sources) is considered by practitioners to be the river most suitable for hydrospeed in Savoie.
Its upper section features stretches that are sometimes calm (perfect for beginners), sometimes more challenging (like the famous rapids of Aime, favored by more experienced whitewater swimmers). Trust your guide to direct you to the exit that best suits the group's level (beginners or experienced, children and/or adults…).
Because yes! The Isère has sections of varying difficulty. You are not obliged to commit to the (very sporty) overall descent from Bourg-Saint-Maurice to Centron: a few small waves will be enough to satisfy the adrenaline cravings of children and beginners.
I'm torn between a rafting descent and swimming in white water...
Rafting and swimming in white water are both refreshing and adrenaline-packed river activities. In the first case, you will navigate on the water, aboard an inflatable boat; in the second case, you will move through the river.
Do you love being in contact with water? Do you prefer to move with fins on your feet rather than a paddle in hand? Do you love feeling free in your movements? Hydrospeed is made for you!
Do you have the soul of a sailor? Can you swim, but don’t want to kick for an hour or two? Do you have a little bit of a “one for all, all for one” side? Opt for a rafting descent !
Can children do hydrospeed?
Yes and no. Hydrospeed is a white-water sport that requires a certain level of physical fitness; this activity is therefore not suitable for young children.
On the other hand, most activity providers offer hydrospeed courses accessible to teens from 13/14 years old. There are even introductory sessions for white-water swimming starting at 10/12 years old! In this case, your guide will take you to the calmest sections of the Isère (no risk of facing rapids!) for a shorter session, perfectly suited for young swimmers.
