2025 05 31 Day 7 Prades – Chanteuges by Ian B
The get-on at Prades is one of the most spectacular you’ll find anywhere – a lush grassy launch spot, a sandy beach, a charming arched bridge, and towering basalt cliffs dominating the far bank. It’s a place that makes you pause and soak in the beauty before even dipping a paddle in the water.
We launched beneath the bridge and were soon into the action. The first stretch featured a couple of gentle shingle rapids – ideal for warming up and finding your rhythm.
Ian’s Rapid Guide
- Shingle Set-Up (Rapid 1): An easy flow down the left with a small wave train and gravelly shallows to steer through – ideal for checking trim and line choice.
- Sneaky Chute (Rapid 2): A narrow left-hand shoot that surprises with a sharp turn and a pushy tongue of water – quick reactions rewarded with a clean ride!
- Railway Run (Rapid 3): Just past the towering railway bridge, this rapid offers a slightly more technical descent with a series of small steps and deeper central flow. Watch for eddy lines near the basalt outcrops.
- Green Tunnel (Rapid 4): A fun, bouncy wave train winding through overhanging trees and lush riverbank. Paddle straight, smile wide.
From there, the river continued its meandering course, cutting through stunning scenery – greenery draping the banks, basalt columns standing like giant bookshelves, and rock formations around every corner.
The rapids were all manageable yet lively enough to keep everyone entertained. With calm pools between, there was time to take in the view and regroup before the next drop.
A scenic and thoroughly enjoyable 9km stretch shared by a strong crew:
Ruth, Mike, Nikki, Keith, Sue, Colin, Anthony, and Chris.