When you register at the OCF, you will have to indicate your level of practice: beginner, intermediate or advanced. It is not that simple. Read this article carefully before registering.
The OCF’s team of instructors counts 30 coaches, including some of the best specialists in Europe. They all know that OCF participants have difficulty qualifying their technical level. Very few participants consider themselves to be beginners, when in fact they are! This can result in groups with very different technical levels, which we want to avoid.
Therefore, to determine your level, we invite you to ask yourself the following questions which are valid for all types of boats (tandem or solo canoes, inflatables, kayaks, packrafts…):
Level 3/ Advanced:
My partner and I master boat edging when eddying in and out, regardless of the strength of the current.
We master the techniques of back steering and bow rudders.
We know how to stop precisely in a chosen eddy line.
We can read the river and its dangers.
We are autonomous in our recovery technique in case of capsizing.
Level 2/ Intermediate:
My crew does not always master the canoe edging while eddying in or out in all current strengths.
We do not always master the techniques of back steering and bow rudders.
We do not always know how to stop precisely in a chosen eddy line.
We do not know how to read the river and its dangers completely.
We are not always autonomous in our recovery technique in case of capsizing.
Level 1/ Beginner:
Beware, just because you have done the Ardèche (or other tourist classic) does not mean you are no longer a beginner!
My partner and I do not know how to make a ferry, an eddy in or out, or a stop, or we do not know what it is.
We do not know how to read the river from a canoeist’s point of view, even if we have done some kayaking.
New sponsor : Réhaume canoes.
More than canoes: masterpieces! The Quebec brand Réhaume chooses the Open Canoe Festival to make itself known in Europe.
They come from the country where they are called “canots”, not “canoes”: Quebec / Canada. Their story begins in the 1980s when professional cabinet maker Alain Rhéaume turned his wood working skills towards the art of canoe building. Since that first canoe model, the product line has grown to include over 20 canoes, several display canoes and canoe bookcases.
Almost every part on the boats and bookcases are handcrafted. The lacing for their rawhide seats, the hand caning and steam bent parts are all made at their factory in Saint-Tite, Québec.
On the composite side, Réhaume has several very high-end models that stand out for their level of finish, but also for their weight. Imagine: the carbon version of their Explorer 16′ weighs less than 17 kg!
All models are available in several levels of finish, sometimes subtly mixing wood and composite materials. The most “high-tech” models will appeal to those who are looking for the perfect glide and the canoe of their dreams that can be carried by one person because it is so light.
Don’t hesitate to contact them to order the canoe of your dreams and follow the latest news of their arrival in Europe.
OCF 2023: April 28 to May 1st.
The OCF is back in 2023 and this time we’re going to repaint everything!
After celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2022, Europe’s largest festival dedicated to canoeing and its culture is back for an eleventh edition that will change a lot of things!
New website that finally works on phones, it’s about time!
New registration and payment system, much simpler, especially when you arrive at the Festival where you will just have to flash your confirmation email. No more waiting!
A new price to allow us to organise the Festival more serenely. It really costs nearly 265 € per person, whereas it was proposed at 110 € in 2022. The price difference was covered with sponsors and subsidies, which are dropping, while everything is increasing sharply! We will therefore increase the prices (150 € for registrations made before 15 March, 100 € for non paddling participants, 60 € for children under 12 and free for children under 5), but in return, we have the ambition of an organisation without any equivalent in the world!
And finally, a new workshop management system that will allow you to choose your workshops in advance and not on the spot while queuing.
What does not change is the atmosphere, the richness of the workshops, the best instructors in Europe, the big prize lottery, the good food, the concert… The only thing that is not guaranteed is the weather… and even there, we are working on it!
Registration opens in February 2023. But make sure to book your weekend: from April 28th to May 1st 2023!
Partners wanted!
7 levels of partnership offers to take advantage of the OCF.
From the primary sponsor to the prize suppliers, we offer 7 levels of partnerships giving sponsors and exhibitors the opportunity to take advantage of the visibility and exposure of the Open Canoe Festival:
Since 2010, many brands and companies have been trusting us: Pentax Europe, Teva, Esquif, Old Town, Tentipi, NRS…
Do not hesitate to contact us to receive our partnership offers!
The kids Festival.
We take care of your kids while you’re paddling!
During the 3 days of the Festival, a qualified and bilingual animator will take care of the children from 6 to 12 years old. Treasure hunt, land art, games, some workshops for adults… A lot of fun in the superb setting of Gervanne Camping, while the parents paddle on the river with peace of mind.
Activities programme for children between 6 and 12 years old.
This programme is indicative and may be subject to change.
(Snacks are provided).
Saturday morning: 9am to 12pm
Trampoline and nature walk / preparation of the festival Totem.
River fauna and flora workshop with the adults.
Saturday afternoon: 1.30 p.m/2 p.m to 5 p.m.
Games: the little naturalist and “I draw the Drôme”.
Sunday 9.30 am to 5.30 pm (attention: bring a picnic!)
Treasure hunt on the way up to Mirabel (old village).
Picnic.
Games.
Monday morning: 9.30 am to 12.
Land Art and Totem.
Painting on pebbles.
Workshop with older children “how to know if the water of the river is drinkable”.
Meeting point is at the entrance of the Teepee. Please bring your children: cap, water, sun cream, sunglasses…
