|
Rafting, canoeing, kayaking
Adventures and emotions around the
splendid water scenery in Valle d'Aosta ...this
story is presented by the Aosta Tourism Boad.
See all
Aosta Tourism info
From April to September, the foamy,
mountain streams become a hive of spectacular
sporting activities: canoeing, kayaking and rafting
offer water enthusiasts emotional experiences, among
fast flowing water and natural slides.
The kayak, which is almost always
made from polyethylene, a material that is highly
resistant to knocks, is used by sitting in the
opening and closing the space between the person
and the opening using splash guards, to avoid water
getting in. River kayaks, with a rounded keel, are
suitable for rapid and precise movements in short
spaces and are easy to turn.
The Canadian canoe is a solid,
stable, raft suitable for the transport of multiple
people. The most immediate distinguishing feature of
the kayak is the use of a paddle with one oar. This
provokes a powerful, asymmetric thrust and because
of this, and in most cases, the Canadian is used by
two or more oarsmen, who must have good
coordination.
The Canadian canoe is slower than the kayak, because
it is more stable, but offers greater comfort; since
it is generally open it is less suitable for waves
and difficult, fast moving water.
Rafting is a more recognized sport,
a discipline that consists of descending a river on
various sized rubber dinghies. Expert guides are
available to teach new-comers or accompany
enthusiasts with programs of various difficulty and
duration; there are also courses specially designed
for children.
Hydrospeed, a discipline similar to
canyoning, uses a sort of open board, used on
river and stream waters.
|