Did you know that you can go white-water rafting, kayaking, and more only 5 minutes from Basel in Huningue, France? Just across the French border, near the Novartis campus, they have an artificially constructed water canal that offers rafting, kayaking, canorafts, standup paddleboarding, and hydrospeed; in essence, there is water fun for the whole family. The river is considered medium-difficult level (class II); there are some areas of free passage; some with irregular waves, medium currents, or weak whirlpools; as well as rapids and some easy obstacles. The river is open from March to November each year, unless the air temperature is below 0°C.

You need to wear a bathing suit or shorts, or a wet suit if you prefer. Life jackets, helmets, and water shoes are obligatory; glasses, contact lenses, or lace-up shoes are not recommended. All equipment can be rented on site. Kids have to be age 9 to participate and age 12 to rent equipment; kids under age 15 need to be accompanied by an adult; adolescents ages 15-18 require written parental consent. An ability to swim at least 25 meters is a must!

You can also use the waters with your own equipment for a 2-hour block or daily rate; discounts for students and holders of the Colourkey card. Not permitted are inflatable devices, beach toys, stand-up paddles (SUP), or Canadian canoes exceeding 4 meters. And if you have had enough of the water, there are playgrounds for the kids, a climbing wall, a parcours for orienteering, a kiosk, and places to have a picnic.

They are open this year until November 26; opening hours from July 3 to September 3 are 9:00-21:30 (19:30 weekends), with shorter opening times in spring and autumn (check the website for details).

They also offer special summer courses for kids ages 6-9 and for kids ages 9-15; register two kids and get the third 50% off.

http://www.ville-huningue.fr/en/White-water-sport/

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