Alps White Water Holiday – France 2026 – Thursday Day 13 Lower Durance

2026 08 13 Lower Durance

The final day of the Alps 2026 trip came, and the 4 remaining paddlers were up early ready for a big day. The plan was to complete the entire sunshine run, starting at St Clements and kayaking down to Ebrum. This is 18km of persistent grade 2 & 3 rapids.

The run started at St Clements Slalom course. Jaqui and Ella were left alone whilst the car shuttle occurred, we enjoyed several runs of the course together and enjoyed being independent and looking after each other.

The run from St Clements down to Rabouix wave was quick and familiar, but soon the Rab wave could be heard rumbling in the distance. We had a quick eddy stop to get some directions from Keith – keep far enough apart, follow his line and don’t get washed into the rocks that had emerged given the low water. Soon we were off, snaking through a large chaotic wave chain and on through the Rab wave.  We all made it through (much to my relief) and I might have even enjoyed it.

We carried on down the river, with the team feeling relaxed and arguably styling through the bouncy rapids. The rapid at Pont Neuf bridge caused no problems, but given the overhanging rock edge we all made sure to stay to river left.

Once back at camp, we enjoyed one last lake swim. A obligatory rope swing competition occurred (1st place: LaaLaa, 2nd Po, 3rd Dipsy).

So, thats a wrap on LCC Alps 2026! It’s been a wonderful week – thanks to the week 2 team (Keith, Mark, Dom & Jaqui) for all the fun and encouragement! We’ll all be heading back to the UK with significantly less plastic under our boats!