Steph Posted July 24, 2005 Share Posted July 24, 2005 Hi there, I'm seriously thinking about buying a kayak or canoe. Does anyone know if it's possible to just turn up at lakes or the sea and get your kayak out .. do you need a licence or something .. Many thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hegs Posted July 24, 2005 Share Posted July 24, 2005 I've seen people do just that, I don't think you need a license so long as kayaking is allowed at the place. However I think there are occasions when you are supposed to have third party liability insurance - check with www.ffck.org Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
towny Posted July 28, 2005 Share Posted July 28, 2005 We too are seriously considering taking up this pastime, does anyone know where you can get good deals for either kayaks or canoes in France (area 16).Or does anyone have a decent second hand one for a family of 4????towny www.lagaleriedutournesol.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted August 3, 2005 Share Posted August 3, 2005 [quote]We too are seriously considering taking up this pastime, does anyone know where you can get good deals for either kayaks or canoes in France (area 16). Or does anyone have a decent second hand one fo...[/quote]I am just trying to get this topic to the top of the queue again as we are also interested in buying a canoe for the River Orne (16). We also wondered: Can you launch it from anywhere (obviously not private land)? We would like to buy one which we also can use in the sea. Any recommendations? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 [quote]Hi there, I'm seriously thinking about buying a kayak or canoe. Does anyone know if it's possible to just turn up at lakes or the sea and get your kayak out .. do you need a licence or something .. ...[/quote]I now have it "straight from the horses mouth" i.e. from our french neighbour who is in charge of two rivers in Orne. You can launch your canoes/kayaks on any river, as long as you don't do it over private land but in a public area. The river belongs to the public that is, if you row across a private section the water belongs to you, the river bed to the private owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted August 24, 2005 Author Share Posted August 24, 2005 That's great thanks .. does your neighbour know if that applies to lakes as well? Plus, do you know if that means you don't need a licence?Ta Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted August 24, 2005 Share Posted August 24, 2005 [quote]That's great thanks .. does your neighbour know if that applies to lakes as well? Plus, do you know if that means you don't need a licence? Ta[/quote]I would not think you need a licence as he did not mention it. But I will ask him via e-mail and about the lakes. But he usually takes quite some time to answer!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steph Posted August 25, 2005 Author Share Posted August 25, 2005 Thanks Monika .. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Born_to_fish_68<P><IMG src="http:forums.livingfrance.comimagesline.gif"><BR>Born_to_fish_68 (AKA Paul)<P><P>North Yorks House 16 Lakes 24<BR><P> Posted August 28, 2005 Share Posted August 28, 2005 I have seen quite alot of canoes going on ebay as well as inflatable ones shipped direct from Germany all seem good value and well woth a look at. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viv Posted August 28, 2005 Share Posted August 28, 2005 Decathlon do quite a good range of kayaks, I think the cheapest I saw there was around 300 euros. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ariegoisie Posted September 6, 2005 Share Posted September 6, 2005 Access is much better in France than in the UK as the law is biased towards the common man rather than the riparian land owners (reult of the revolution I suppose). As long as you don't trespass on private land to access rivers and lakes then you should be OK. Obviously when paddling try not to disturb anglers, wildlife, livestock and leave no mess, that way no one can really object.There are a huge variety of canoes and kayaks to choose from. It really depends what you want to do. For serious whitewater, rodeo or small rivers/streams you need a specialist kayak or stubby 'playboat'. For descending rivers you can get by with a more traditional kayak. If you want to do a lot of sea paddling then you should really look at a proper sea-kayak.I prefer canoes myself as I'm more interested in touring and river descents rather than whitewater playboating and you can get several people and gear in them. That said, with skill, you can still descend some serious rapids in an open canoe, even up to grade V if you fit spraydecks. For general family use I would recommend an aluminium canoe like a Grumman/Marathon. These are tough as nails, will take lots of punishment from rocks and grounding and can live outside when not in use without going brittle in the sun or needing varnishing, etc. I have a 17' Marathon and have had 3 adults and 3 kids in it at one time. It has been down some big rivers and also cruises well on open water. I have also made a sailing rig for it which works very well (faster than most dinghies downwind) and am working on a bolt-on outrigger with trampoline deck so that it is more stable when close to the wind (and the kids fancy lying in the sun on the deck).Before you start it is worth taking the time to learn the basic techniques for paddling and safety. For canoes I recommend 'The Path of the Paddle' by Bill Mason, the god of wilderness canoeing.For an idea of the range of boats on offer look at www.getoutcanoeing.co.uk who do loads of canoes, kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, throw-ropes,etc. I don't think they will deliver boats to France but when you have decided wht you want you should be able to contact the manufacturer to find your nearest distributor.G. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Monika Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 [quote]Access is much better in France than in the UK as the law is biased towards the common man rather than the riparian land owners (reult of the revolution I suppose). As long as you don't trespass on pr...[/quote]Thank you G. for your very useful reply. I looked up the recommended site, and it is brilliant, there is a good description of each boat. I think you are right about the "peoplepower" in France (and you are right, it could be due to the revolution, England never had one!) My french neighbour, in the meantime has answered my e-mail, saying that quite a lot of lakes or etanges are private in France, so one would have to look at the notices, but the rivers belong to the whole nation, apart from land adjoining it which can be private. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mysfloss Posted September 16, 2005 Share Posted September 16, 2005 I would suggest before you buy a canoë/kayak that you pay a visit to your local club where you can gain experience and at the same time learn about the different disciplines within the sport.If you become a member of the federation then there are discounts to be had ,access to small ads for second hand boats paddles etc.not to mention the insurance,www.ffck.org is the federation site in france and on here you will find the address of your local club.Its also a great way to meet people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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