HYDROSPEED TECHNICAL PROGRAM: WHITEWATER MASTERCLASS

Total Immersion for Experienced Swimmers in the Hautes-Alpes

Our « Whitewater Masterclass » program is an advanced full-day technical training, specially designed for experienced hydrospeed practitioners who wish to perfect their technical skills and explore the most iconic rivers of the Hautes-Alpes. This intensive program combines technical improvement, hydrological analysis, and descents on the most challenging sections in the region.

Participant Profile

This masterclass is intended for experienced whitewater swimmers:

• Who have already practiced hydrospeed multiple times
• Who master basic techniques (fin propulsion, positioning, rolling)
• With good physical condition
• Comfortable in rapids of class III minimum
• Eager to deepen their technical skills

Expert Guidance

Your day will be led by our expert guides, all holding State diplomas specialized in hydrospeed, with international competition experience and intimate knowledge of Alpine river hydrology. Our supervision ratio is limited to 1 guide for a maximum of 4 participants to ensure personalized coaching.

Day Program

Welcome and Preparation (8:30 – 9:15)

• Coffee welcome and detailed program briefing
• Individual assessment of skills and objectives
• Presentation of hydrological characteristics of the day’s routes
• Distribution of premium equipment (high-performance floats, reinforced wetsuits, carbon fins)

Advanced Theoretical Module (9:15 – 10:00)

• Hydrodynamic analysis of Alpine rivers
• Detailed reading of currents and complex hydraulic structures
• Biomechanics of fin propulsion and effort optimization
• Advanced whitewater navigation strategies

First Technical Course – The Sporty Guisane (10:00 – 12:30)

On this technical course of the Guisane River (Villeneuve/St Chaffrey section), you will perfect:

• Rapid lateral movement techniques
• Optimized crossing of thresholds and lateral currents
• Wave and stationary roller surfing
• Managing stops in powerful counter-currents
• Precise trajectories between obstacles

Technical Lunch (12:30 – 13:30)

• Energetic mountain picnic by the water
• Video analysis of morning performances
• Personalized debriefing and technical correction
• Mental preparation for the advanced afternoon course

Second Intensive Course – The Expert Gyr (14:00 – 17:00)

On this river considered one of the most technical and fast in France:

• Managing sequences of class IV rapids
• Emergency stopping and recovery techniques
• Complex water movements and real-time reading
• Convoy navigation on committed sections
• Key passage crossing strategies

Third Optional Module – The Sensation Durance (17:00 – 18:30)

For those who want more, we will continue with:

• The mythical Rabioux wave to perfect surfing
• The « spouts » and vertical movements
• Group synchronization techniques

Debriefing and Analysis (18:30 – 19:30)

• Complete video analysis of the day
• Assessment of acquired skills
• Delivery of a personalized technical handbook
• Discussion about progression perspectives

Selected Rivers and Courses

Our program takes place on the most iconic rivers of the Hautes-Alpes, selected for their specific technical characteristics:

The Guisane

This turquoise water river offers technical sections ideal for perfecting precise movements. The sporty section between Villeneuve and St Chaffrey presents technical passages with cascades and continuous rapids.

The Gyr

Considered the fastest and most technical river in France, it provides an exceptional training ground for advanced swimmers. Its waters coming directly from glaciers create water movements that flow at an impressive speed.

The Durance

Its famous Rabioux rapid offers one of Europe’s best hydrospeed surfing waves, ideal for working on advanced stationary techniques and vertical movements.

Specialized Technical Equipment

For this masterclass, we provide high-end specific equipment:

• High-performance floats with optimized geometry
• Reinforced 5mm neoprene wetsuits with joint protection
• Carbon fins with adjustable foil for optimal propulsion
• Helmets with integrated camera for video analysis
• Webbed gloves to improve propulsion
• Waterproof guide/participant communication system

Technical Skills Targeted

At the end of this intensive training, you will master:

• Advanced fin techniques (rotation, scissors, dolphin)
• Optimal use of currents and counter-currents
• Fine and anticipated reading of complex water movements
• Energy management over long distances
• Stationary surfing techniques on waves and rollers
• Group navigation strategies on technical passages
• Advanced self-safety in challenging environments

Price and Reservation

€545 for 1 person and +€180 per additional person (maximum group of 4 participants)

This price includes:

• Expert guide supervision all day
• Complete specialized technical equipment
• Transportation between different rivers
• Lunch and energetic snacks
• Technical analysis videos
• Personalized technical handbook
• Specific whitewater activities insurance

Dive into the elite of hydrospeed with this masterclass unique in France. Reserved for enthusiasts eager to make a significant technical leap, this intensive day will transform you into a true whitewater expert, capable of facing the most demanding rivers with mastery and elegance.

To book this exclusive experience, contact us directly by phone: 04 92 24 79 00