SAFETY AND ENVIRONNEMENT
 
The canoe-kayak is an activity that can be enjoyed by one and all. However, it isn’t practised without thinking. It is first a sport in nature that requires some knowledge and a little preparation.

Know how to swim on and under water.

Find out about the characteristics of the river: current, obstacles, level of difficulty that should comply with your level of expertise. You may come across dams, mills, bridges.

Never navigate alone, inform someone about your planned itinerary and your expected time of arrival.

Prepare your equipment: choose a boat that is adapted to your level and the river and obtain the necessary equipment (lifejacket, closed shoes, clothing adapted to the weather, helmet, etc.). Protect yourself from the sun, wind and cold water.
 

 
The Clubs and their graduate instructors are there to advise and accompany the beginner. Don’t hesitate to ask their help.
You’ll travel in a fragile natural environment. The presence of Man is sometimes perceptible. Take note of this.

Inquire about the legislation, the regulations, the prevailing local agreements concerning the river.

To reach the river, choose an appropriate place to park, use the footpaths, respect private property and crops. If necessary, ask for permission.
 
 
On water, learn how to recognise the characteristics of the river, the animal life, the flora and their environment. In this way, you will help protect the environment.

You will certainly come across fishermen. Respect their activity and pass without making noise, far from their lines. There are agreements between fishermen and kayakers. Find out about them.

Remember that you are using a small manoeuvrable and silent boat. Take advantage of these qualities to avoid disturbing other users.
 

By complying with these recommendations, you’ll serenely appreciate your excursion while discovering and preserving an exceptional natural environment.



NAVIGATION AND SIGNS
 
The FFCK has designed special signals for canoers and kayakers. Consisting of easy to understand and recognise pictograms, they can be set up on lakes and rivers and appear on River Charts. It is of precious help for the canoer-kayaker who can, in this way, become familiar with the characteristics of the itinerary in advance, easily find his bearings during the excursion and anticipate potential problems.
These signals aim at helping with navigation, thereby contributing to the safety and enjoyment of canoers-kayakers.

The Obstacles are Indicated by Signs that Imply a Portage or the Use of a Canoe Channel

> To know these signs