Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book in advance?
YES: you must book in advance. To book your trip, please contact us by phone +33.(0)6.63.08.30.16 or send us an email.
Do you provide gear?
YES: for all our activities, technical gear is provided: boats, paddles, PFD. For white water activities, we also provide wetsuits long-john and jacket, wetshoes and helmet. If the weather is cold, we also provide extra socks and a long sleeve top.
Do you provide supervision by professional guides?
YES: all our activities are supervised by professional guides who have french certifications and International certifications (Rescue3 and IRF certifications). Before each activity, guides will make a safety talk: informations about paddling technics and whitewater safety rules. Then, guides will be with you on the water throughout the activity.
What do I need to bring?
For whitewater activities: swimming suit, towel, a bag (like a backpack) to put my personal belongings, sun cream (recommended), synthetic t-shirt (optional), a cord or elastic to tie up glasses or long hair, a change of clothes.
For sea kayaking: swimming suit, towel, a bag (like a backpack) to put my personal belongings in, wetshoes, sunglasses, hat or cap, sun cream, synthetic t-shirt (optional), a cord or elastic band to attach glasses or long hair, a change of clothes.
Don’t forget to bring warm clothes for after the river if the weather is cold (e.g. fleece jacket).
What are the requirements to participate?
To practise whitewater activities or sea kayaking, it is mandatory to know swimming.
Particpants must be in good physical conditions and must not have medical contra-indications to practise water sports.
It is imperative to respect minus age for booking activities.
See our General Conditions of sale.
How do I pay for my activity?
Payment by credit card via a link we will send you or by bank transfer. Payment on site ONLY by cash the D-day (TAKE CARE : we do not accept credit card the D-day).
How do I get on site?
When you book an activity, we will give you the exact meeting point for your activity. Transfer to the meeting point is at your own expense and must be made by yourselves. Once on site, technical transfers related to the activities are offered.
Is it mandatory to know how to swim?
YES: it is mandatory to know how to swim to practise whitewater activities or see kayaking. You must also be able to put your head under water.
At what age can children participate?
It depends on activity and trip. For each activity and trip, minimum age to participate is indicated: it is important to respect this indication.
What happens in case of rain?
Whatever weather conditions, the activities are maintained. Rain or bad weather do not prevent the activities from taking place; whitewater activities are almost the only outdoor activity that can be practiced in case of rain. Only EssaOnia and its professional river guides can take the decision to cancel an activity if the conditions of practice do not guarantee the safety of the participants.
See our General Conditions of Sale.
Can I practise whitewater sports if I wear glasses or contact lenses?
YES: it is possible to participate in all our activities, even if you wear glasses or contact lenses. If you wear glasses, remember to take a cord to avoid losing them if you put your head under water. If you wear contact lenses, you can take swimming goggles to protect you from splashes (but it is not essential).
Can we eat on site?
YES: it is possible to eat at our whitewater base camp in Centron. You can bring your own picnic: tables and benches are at your disposal in our space to chill-out or at the edge of the lake located a few steps away. You can also have a barbecue (bring charcoal). Or you can have lunch in a restaurant located at 300 meters from our base camp.
Can I take pictures on the water?
YES and NO: it depends on activities.
Sea kayaking: yes, no problem. Remember to bring your own camera. It is strongly recommended that it be waterproof. Or take a waterproof case to put it inside.
In rafting and other whitewater activities: it is very difficult, if not impossible, for you to take pictures during the activities. However, you can take your camera: it must be waterproof and have a cord to secure it on your PFD.
In any case: EssaOnia cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to your camera if you decide to take it with you on the activities.
Note: we offer a “Photo Souvenir” service with a professional photographer. he will follow us during the activity and then you can buy these pictures at the end of your trip.
Can I use my Go-Pro camera?
YES: of course, you can use your own Go-pro camera (or other brands). Remember to take the necessary clips to attach it to our helmets.
The use of your camera is under your own responsibility: EssaOnia will not be held responsible for any loss or damage caused to it during the activity. Similarly, we cannot be held responsible for any physical damage that may be caused by your camera in case of contact between people during the activity.
Can I participate in the activities if I have consumed alcohol or drugs?
NO: the consumption of alcohol and/or drugs is not compatible with whitewater activities.
For safety reasons and to guarantee the physical integrity of all participants, EssaOnia-Esprit Rafting reserves the right to refuse access to the activity to any person showing signs of inebriation or behavior that is not compatible with the proposed activities, without any possibility of reimbursement and/or compensation.
This principle is valid both for our clients and for our guides.