Technical Equipment Provided by Buena Vista Rafting
Rest assured, you do not need to buy a specialized explorer kit. For all our aqua trekking and canyoning excursions, we provide you with top-of-the-line thermal protection and safety gear:
- Full Neoprene Wetsuit (5 mm): The Verdon River is fed by the deep waters of upstream dams, meaning the water stays cool all year round. Our two-piece suits (long john and jacket) keep you warm and act as a shield against rock friction.
- Neoprene Socks: Slipped inside your shoes, these are essential for insulating your feet from the cold water.
- Helmet and Life Jacket (Buoyancy Aid): These are the two mandatory safety elements, perfectly adjusted to your body type by our guides before heading out.
The Golden Rule: What Shoes are Mandatory for the Water?
If there is one safety rule we are absolutely uncompromising about, it is your footwear. Your feet are your best allies when maneuvering over slippery river rocks and canyon obstacles.
MANDATORY Footwear: Real Lace-Up Sneakers!
You must arrive with a real pair of closed-toe sneakers (running shoes, trail shoes, or tennis shoes) equipped with a grooved, high-traction sole. These shoes will go entirely into the water, so we highly recommend bringing an old pair that you don't mind getting dirty.
Why sneakers? They provide excellent ankle support (preventing sprains on unstable river pebbles), protect your toes from impacts against giant boulders, and offer solid grip on wet rock faces. Plus, because they tie securely, you won't lose them in the river currents!
STRICTLY FORBIDDEN Footwear
For obvious safety reasons, our guides will refuse you access to the activity if you show up wearing:
- Flimsy plastic beach shoes (like supermarket aqua-shoes or water socks): Their soles are too thin, meaning you will feel every sharp stone, and they offer zero ankle support.
- Open-toe water sandals (even hiking sandals): Your toes are left exposed, which is the easiest way to get hurt against hidden rocks.
- Flip-flops and Crocs: They will float right off your feet the second you start floating down the river rapids!
What to Wear Underneath Your Neoprene Wetsuit?
To avoid uncomfortable folds and skin chafing under the tight neoprene, simplicity is key:
Best Choice: A classic swimsuit (swim briefs, boxers, or a one-piece swimsuit). This is the most comfortable, practical, and hygienic option.
Avoid: Loose boardshorts. The extra fabric tends to bunch up uncomfortably under a tight wetsuit.
Do Not Wear: Cotton underwear or cotton t-shirts. Cotton absorbs water, becomes heavy, stays cold, and causes painful skin irritation. If you are worried about the sun during the approach hike, opt for a synthetic, UV-protecting lycra rash guard (surf shirt) instead.
Your Backpack Checklist Before Leaving for Our Base
Before leaving your accommodation to join us at our base in Castellane, double-check that you have packed:
- Your swimsuit (wearing it under your clothes when you arrive makes changing much faster!).
- Your pair of lace-up sneakers to wear in the water.
- A towel and a full change of dry clothes for after the activity.
- An eyewear retainer strap to secure your glasses if you must wear them on the river.
- A small snack and a water bottle (especially if you are traveling with children).
- For the full-day excursion (Samson-Trescaire): A compact picnic and a bottle of water, which we will pack securely into our waterproof canisters.
Ready to Explore the Grand Canyon?
You are now fully prepared for an incredible aquatic exploration of the Verdon Grand Canyon!
Traveling with young children? Discover the beginner-friendly Tusset Aqua Trekking route or go canyoning in the beautiful Haut Jabron.
Looking for grandiose scenery and long floating sections? Let yourself be tempted by the classic Couloir Samson Aqua Trekking trip or our full-day Samson-Trescaire immersion.
Want something more technical? Opt for the challenging canyon of Saint-Auban or the famous Riolan canyon!