Hydrospeed - Whitewater swimming - A stone's throw from the Pyrénées-Orientales 66
You have too hot ? you want you refresh while doing sport ? So try it swimming down the river ! Exterior Nature takes you to hydrospeed outing, near the Pyrenees-Orientales (66). Go on the attack rapids of the Aude, just 1 hour drive from Perpignan et Canet-en-Roussillon and 1 h 15Argelès-sur-Mer ou Saint-Cyprien. Embark on an activity of white water swimming or with friends ou with your family and fill it up sensations andstrong emotions!
2
EXITS
FROM
12 YEARS
FROM
41 €
JULY AUGUST
EVERYDAY
On reservation
Our hydrospeed outings near the Pyrénées-Orientales
From 12 years old - From 41 €
Embark on a 7km descent in the class II and III rapids of the Saint-Georges gorges in the Aude.
Experience the thrill of competitive swimming in open water!
In a breathtaking setting, at the foot of vertiginous cliffs near Axat, enjoy an aquatic adventure in the heart of nature.
An ideal hydrospeed outing for amateur or experienced athletes.
From 14 years old - From 41 €
Attention adventurers : this torrent descent in the heart of a magnificent landscape is made for you!
Embark on a 7km hydrospeed course on the most turbulent part of the Aude river : adrenaline rushes guaranteed!
With its series of class III and IV rapids , this descent is perfect for athletes in good physical condition , lovers of thrills.
Where to go whitewater swimming or hydrospeed in the Pyrénées-Orientales?
There are no suitable sites for whitewater swimming in the Pyrénées-Orientales , due to the narrowness and insufficient water flow of the rivers and streams. However, the Aude (11) offers fantastic hydrospeeding descents , just a few kilometers from the Pyrénées-Orientales.
Extérieur Nature offers hydrospeeding excursions to the two best spots in the southern Languedoc-Roussillon and Occitanie regions . Whether you're a beginner or experienced athlete, a group of friends or a family, embark on an adventure in the Aude gorges ! It's an excellent outdoor activity to cool off in crystal-clear water and spend a memorable day.
And if you prefer to stay in the Perpignan region , try our other whitewater activities: canyoning and tubing!
At Extérieur Nature, we are passionate about whitewater outdoor sports.
Canyoning, hydrospeeding, rafting and tubing hold no secrets for us.
We share our passion and our good humor with you, to make you live an unforgettable experience, in complete safety!
Book your adventure in the great outdoors!
Whitewater swimming trip: good to know
What equipment is needed to do hydrospeed?
All the equipment for whitewater swimming is provided:
- the rigid foam float (hydrospeed);
- the reinforced neoprene suit;
- life jacket ;
- helmet ;
- neoprene slippers;
- a pair of flippers.
All personal protective equipment (PPE) is CE approved , and checked and verified daily to guarantee the highest level of safety.
What do I need to plan for a hydrospeed swim descent?
The only things you need to bring for your hydrospeed outing are:
- a swimsuit ;
- a towel ;
- a bottle of water and a small snack: you will appreciate them when you return from your hydrospeed outing.
We take care of the rest !
How do I book a hydrospeed trip?
You can book by phone or email in just a few minutes by clicking the button below:
In which cases can my reservation be cancelled?
The feasibility of your outing depends mainly on weather conditions and the river's water flow.
To do this, our guides regularly monitor the weather to determine whether hydrospeeding is feasible on the day of your outing.
In case of cancellation, you will be notified in advance by telephone.
Group hydrospeed outing
Whitewater swimming is an excellent group outing . Whether you're with friends or family, take advantage of preferential rates.
Looking to offer an original, aquatic and unforgettable stag or hen party ? Contact us!
Group hydrospeed swimming is also a great way to strengthen bonds and create a great team spirit among your employees: organize an aquatic team-building outing!
Can we do hydrospeed all year round?
Whitewater swimming is ideal in summer . Depending on weather conditions and water levels, hydrospeed outings can be organized in spring and autumn.
However, in winter, the water temperature is too cold to enjoy this water sport.
What is hydrospeed?
Hydrospeed is a water sport , also known as whitewater swimming.
Equipped with a rigid foam float (hydrospeed), a reinforced neoprene wetsuit, a life jacket, a helmet, and fins, you'll be immersed in the rapids of the Aude Gorges . The goal is to use your body to steer through the turbulent Class II to IV waters. Hydrospeeding is an ideal water activity for sharing a thrilling experience with family or friends.
Extérieur Nature invites you to discover this water sport, accompanied by our team of whitewater sports professionals.
In the south of France , the best place for hydrospeeding is on the Aude , in Axat , on the border of the Pyrénées-Orientales.
The Aude is a river that rises in the Pyrenees, at an altitude of over 2,000 meters. It has carved spectacular gorges into the limestone , rising to a height of over 300 meters. An ideal setting for water sports ! It also gave its name to the Aude department (11).
History of whitewater swimming and hydrospeed
Whitewater swimming first appeared in Canada in the 1950s and appeared in France 10 years later, in the 1960s.
At the time, the equipment was rudimentary and consisted only of a simple pair of flippers.
It was in 1978 that the Frenchman Claude Puch invented the hydrospeed , this unsinkable rigid foam float equipped with handles, essential for the practice of whitewater swimming nowadays.
Its usefulness has proven to be multiple: it is of course a flotation aid, but it also provides protection for the torso, pelvis and arms against possible shocks on the rocks.
The first French whitewater swimming club was founded in 1980.
In 1990, the French Canoe-Kayak Federation incorporated hydrospeed into its disciplines. Whitewater swimming then developed as a sporting activity and tourist leisure pursuit.
Discover all our whitewater activities in the Perpignan region:






