Page 35 - kayaksession54_flipbook

33
Elwood Blues: It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake Blues: Hit it!
Canoeists gathering ahead of “Le Grand Descente de la Drôme” commonly evoke the spirit of Jake and Elwood's classic road-trip adventure. As the clock ticks around to 10.30am, a few basics are checked – and it's time to be off!
“La Grand Descente” is the heart of the Paul Villecourt's Open Canoe Festival – a remarkable, hugely atmospheric and truly international celebration of a pastime and an entire culture of adventure and outdoor living, all alongside the fast-lowing, emerald-green waters of the Drôme.
In six short years, the Open Canoe Festival has contributed to, and heightened awareness of, a long-awaited “renaissance” in European canoe-culture. The proile has been raised right across Europe, but especially right here in France – home to some of the world's greatest, and most commonly explored, canoeing rivers.
From the crystal clear waters to the giant, iconic teepee, from the live music to the Monday afternoon picnic of local produce, this impressive festival has captured imaginations, inspired friendships and created memories of a lifetime – just what's needed for a pastime that more commonly exists on the margins of the wider world.
ask aROunD anD yOu'll sOOn FinD many OF the unassuming, eveRyDay CanOeists aRe alsO expeRt paDDleRs, expeDitiOn bOateRs, anD veteRans OF legenDaRy RiveRs aCROss the glObe.
Below the picturesque village of Saillans, a paddler who embodies one ideal of canoeing picks his way through the characteristic braided channels of the Drôme. He's solo, in a cedar-strip wooden boat. His affectionate canoe-hound ensures he's not really going it alone.
Behind the wooden boat, a few others descend in a gaggle. Most paddle tandem. Some travel light, whilst others set off complete with their picnic hampers of local produce, perhaps including a bottle or two of the fine, locally produced Clairette de Die.
An Italian pair pass in fine style. One is sporting a cigar and a floppy hat. He's followed by a French family of three, with the two youngsters “learning by doing” - all smiling, all getting another experience which may lead to a lifetime of outdoor adventure.
Ask around and you'll soon find many of the unassuming, everyday canoeists are also expert paddlers, expedition boaters, and veterans of legendary rivers across the globe. The Drôme may be tame by comparison, but most are delighted to be quietly getting back to the ordinary, everyday joys – and simplicity – of a classic “road trip” on a truly fine watery-highway.
As with any road trip, good fortune goes a long way towards ensuring a good experience. Sunshine and good water levels always help, as does finding oneself meandering down easy and forgiving channels. Watching for a while at the Drôme can be fun. Participants in all manner of canoes thread their way through each section. Sometimes, each one appears determined to find a new approach.
As on any highway, most find workable routes most of the time. The hazards vary, but the differences are small. Those on road trips interpret the road-positioning of other traffic, anticipating future manoeuvres and looking for spaces. On the river, we interpret the flow. In each case, experience helps; but with care, canoeists at the Open Canoe Festival generally find ways to cope no matter what happens.
Most who stray from the more obvious channels find their choice doesn't really matter too much. A few boats run aground in the shallows. Others get spun around in confusing currents. Yet more get swept unceremoniously along the rocks on the outside of a misread bend. Watch for a while and you'll see that whilst not everyone manages every section with great style, almost all manage every section with a smile.
Paddle World