Everything you need to know for family canyoning in the Pyrénées-Orientales - 66
Le canyoning is a nature outing great to do in family, including with children. Very complete, it is a sports which combines theclimbing, hiking in the mountains and Nage en Rapids. The canyon descent is practiced along gorges dug and shaped by waterways over the centuries, in a wild and authentic setting. This aquatic and fun activity very much liked by children ! You slip on natural slides, descend from abseiling waterfalls, jump into pools deep and swim in pure, crystal-clear water. A truly family adventure ! The region of Perpignan shelters from beautiful canyons, some of which are perfectly suitable for children and beginners. But be careful, a family canyoning outing in the Pyrénées-Orientales, it's getting ready! Extérieur Nature explains everything you need to know to venture into the canyons with your children, in all security.
From what age can children go canyoning?
Canyoning is a safe activity for children. Contrary to popular belief, canyoning trips are not reserved for very athletic adults. There are routes suitable for all levels, from beginners to confirmed experts.
In general, most organizations offer canyoning outings for children from 8 years old. Some offer this activity from 6 years old, but in our experience, it is better to wait 8 years to embark on this adventure. The prerequisite is know how to swim a distance of at least 25 meters. It is also essential to be able to submerge completely in water without fear, including the head.
It is not necessary to be very sporty, it is enough to have a correct physical form. However, when it comes to children, it is recommended to ensure that they have minimal stamina, sense of balance and that they are not prone to vertigo. For this, a good tip is to start by organizing a short family hike, to check your children's walking abilities. Also test a climbing activity beforehand, to make sure that they are not afraid of heights.
Finally, to take full advantage of your activity in good conditions, consider eat well and stay hydrated before the exit. It is often not possible to bring water and snacks into the canyons.
The side playful of canyoning outings is very popular with children. They love to take up the challenge of overcoming successive obstacles: a great experience to share with the family!
How to organize a family canyoning trip safely?
For optimum obvious security reasons, it is essential to be accompanied by a professional. Canyoning is a safe activity, provided you are well supervised and know the rules and routes. Use an approved organization duly declared to the Department of Youth and Sports (DRAJES), as Outdoor Nature Adventure.
Opt for a canyoning outing supervised by a qualified guide (state diploma in canyoning) and experienced, who will offer you a canyon adapted to your level.
The Outdoor Nature guides are passionate about canyoning and know all the canyons of the Pyrénées-Orientales like the back of their hand. They are used to accompanying groups of all levels and will give you the best advice to overcome the various obstacles. Their kindness is also an important asset for children: they will be able to clearly explain to them how to descend the canyon in complete safety, but also reassure them in case of apprehension.
But the guide's mission does not stop there: he checks the weather forecast and the state of the canyons, because in case of bad weather or flood, the exit may be dangerous.
Finally, the canyoning equipment quality (wetsuits, helmets, harnesses, carabiners, ropes, etc.) is essential for a safe outing. The equipment must comply with the requirements of European standards (CE marking) and checked and checked daily. Remember to make sure before you go into the canyon!
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How to choose a canyon suitable for children?
The canyons are classified according to their difficulty: length, verticality, height of jumps and waterfalls, length of slides, etc.
For a family outing, with children aged 8 to 12, opt for a discovery canyon, suitable for beginners :
- the outing is shorter (maximum 3 hours);
- the jumps and rappels are not too high;
- the most difficult obstacles (jumps and abseilings) can be circumvented;
- the approach walk and the return walk are short and without difficulty.
Of course, if your family canyoning trip brings together teenagers and adults, you can choose more technical and sporty routes.
Consider checking with your canyoning guide or organization. They always give good advice and are just waiting to inform you and answer your questions.
How is a family canyoning outing going?
With Exterior Nature, the discovery canyoning trip lasts about 2 hours in all (maximum 3 hours), including the approach and return walks, the descent of the canyon and a few breaks to admire the gorges and the wild landscapes.
To take full advantage of the activity, we advise you to prefer the morning, because you will meet fewer people and it will be less hot. You can then continue your family day with a picnic in the middle of nature or a walk to discover the natural sites of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Your guide gives you go to a specific place, near the entrance to the canyon. As soon as you arrive, he gives you the necessary equipment (neoprene wetsuit, helmet and harness).
The only things you need to think about are:
- a swimsuit ;
- sports shoes, such as trainers;
- a bottle of water and a small snack to consume just before leaving;
- a beach towel for the return.
Then, your guide takes care of everything, you just have to follow him!
Where to practice canyoning with the family in the Pyrénées-Orientales?
The Pyrénées-Orientales are full of magnificent canyons, particularly in Conflent (Prades) and Vallespir (Céret). For family canyoning, Outdoor Nature offers you two discovery canyon outings :
1 / The canyon of Molitg-les-Bains close to Prades:
- 2 hour activity
- Jumps from 2 to 6 meters avoidable
- Abseiling of 3 and 10 meters avoidable
- Natural slides
- 5 minute approach walk
- 15 minute return walk
2 / The Galamus Gorge Canyon in Saint-Paul-de-Fenouillet:
- 2 hour activity
- Jumps of 6 meters maximum circumventable
- Natural slides
- No reminder
- 30 minute approach walk
- 5 minute return walk
For outings family canyoning between adults and teenagers from 12 years old, you can choose sportier canyons.
So, convinced? The family canyoning outing in the Pyrénées-Orientales is a great activity idea for holidays and weekends. In the heart of nature, in a preserved environment, cool and far from the crowds, it is the ideal setting to have a good time, all together. The guidebooksExterior Nature have been supervising canyoning outings since 2007. Passionate about nature and white water sports, we guarantee you an unforgettable experience, in a friendly atmosphere.
If you want to be advisable in the choice of your exit, we are here to answer your questions, do not hesitate to contact us :
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