Kayaking is the solo, sporty version of a leisurely paddle. But you don’t need to be an athlete to enjoy it on the Vézère River! The river is Class 1, meaning it’s very calm, with no rapids, making it ideal for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
What exactly is a kayak?
A kayak is a single or double-person boat in which you sit with your legs extended and are steered using a double-bladed paddle (two blades, one on each side). The invention comes from the Inuit, who used it to hunt seals and whales in Arctic waters. That gives you an idea of just how sturdy and maneuverable it is!
One particularly impressive technique was developed by the Inuit: the Eskimo roll, which involves righting yourself after capsizing without even getting out of the water. No worries, we probably won’t get to that point on the Vézère!
Types of Kayaks at 7 Rives
In addition to canoes, we offer several types of kayaks to suit all skill levels:
- Single-person Sit-On-Top Kayak – you sit on top (not inside), stable and reassuring, perfect for beginners and children
- Single-person Decked Kayak – your legs go inside, more technical, for more experienced paddlers
- Double Kayak – for couples or friends who want to share the adventure and go faster
How to paddle a kayak?
It’s simpler than it looks. A few rules to remember:
- Hold the paddle with both hands, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Alternate strokes: left paddle stroke, right paddle stroke, to move forward in a straight line.
- To turn left, paddle several times to the right (and vice versa).
- To slow down or go backward, use backward strokes.
Our team will give you a complete briefing before you launch. In just a few minutes, you’ll be ready to go!
Kayak or canoe: which to choose?
That’s the big question. Kayaks are more compact, more maneuverable, and perfect for exploring alone or with a partner. Canoes are more stable, have a larger capacity (up to 4 people), and are more relaxed. If you’re with young children, a canoe will probably be more suitable. If you’re athletic and want to get some exercise, a kayak is for you.
🌿 Our tip: For your first time kayaking, I always recommend a sit-on-top kayak. Even if you fall in (which rarely happens), you’re simply sitting on it and can easily get back up. Children love it too because they have more freedom of movement. You can always upgrade to a decked kayak next time!
