Water Sports: Rivers and Lakes

Whitewater Adventures

Mountain rivers provide exceptional whitewater recreation from gentle floats to extreme descents. The Ubaye ranks among Europe's premier kayaking destinations with reliable flows and varied difficulty levels. Commercial rafting operations introduce thousands to river recreation annually, creating seasonal employment in valley communities. Safety regulations and guide certification reduce risks though rivers always demand respect for their power.

Canyoning explores the vertical world where water meets rock, combining rappelling, swimming, and jumping to descend spectacular gorges. The Verdon's tributary canyons offer routes from beginner-friendly to extremely technical. This activity requires specific skills and equipment—wetsuits for cold water, ropes for rappels, helmets for protection. Environmental impacts concentrate at popular sites where repeated passage erodes fragile travertine formations.

Hydrospeeding—descending rapids using fins and a small float—provides intimate river experiences. Stand-up paddleboarding adapted to rivers creates new ways to experience moving water. Each innovation attracts different participants while raising safety and environmental questions. Guide services adapt offerings to changing preferences while maintaining safety standards through challenging conditions.

Alpine Lakes and Reservoirs

Mountain lakes offer calmer water experiences from swimming to sailing. Natural lakes like Annecy support diverse recreation with environmental protections maintaining water quality. Reservoir development for hydroelectricity created new water bodies, some becoming recreational assets. Serre-Ponçon's vast expanse enables sailing and motorboating in spectacular mountain settings, though fluctuating water levels and cold temperatures create specific hazards.

Swimming in mountain lakes requires cold water acclimatization and awareness of hypothermia risks. Some lakes maintain supervised swimming areas with safety equipment and lifeguards. Wild swimming gains popularity as people seek natural experiences, though this disperses impacts to previously undisturbed locations. Education about cold water safety and environmental protection becomes essential as participation increases.

Fishing represents traditional lake and stream use that continues evolving. Catch-and-release practices reduce harvest pressure while maintaining recreational opportunities. Fly fishing for native trout attracts international visitors to pristine mountain streams. Fishing guides combine local knowledge with conservation ethics, educating clients about aquatic ecosystems while providing memorable experiences. Stocking programs balance native species conservation with recreational demand.