The Artigue canyon, the sporty version

The Arctic Canyon, aquatic and sporty

With our team we went to explore the Artigue canyon two days ago. The water level was quite high at the end of spring and after the snow melted. A great opportunity to confront this canyon which then becomes very aquatic.

We spent a great morning there, between scouting out locations to prepare for future outings this summer and a good dose of fun for us.

We had to be a little careful though, the water level called for caution. But what a joy to have all this water just for us! We jumped everywhere, under a magnificent sun, in the turquoise water.

We really enjoyed ourselves, after having probed the basins and changed a few moorings, the canyon is now passable, ideal for a sporty outing that gets a bit going!

So, the World Cup is over, the adventure of the Artigue canyon begins,

and you, what are you doing this summer?

Getting started in the Artigue Canyon

How to start canyoning?

I started canyoning by chance, if chance exists. I met Rod in Ariège during a barbecue with friends. He was looking for people who spoke English to go on an outing to the Canyon de l’Artigue. He was giving a Assistant Instructor training course within the ICOpro structure. I was with two friends, we knew how to speak English but we knew nothing about canyoning and we had never heard of ICOpro. We said yes, and off we went.

The future Assistant Instructors welcomed us enthusiastically. They came from all over the world; a Scot, a Brazilian, a Frenchman, an American… They showed us the canyoner’s equipment and the activity. It was about going down a canyon using various techniques; we were going to go tobogganing, abseiling, jumping and walking. During the approach walk I remember feeling a mixture of curiosity, apprehension and well-being. We were moving around the mountain and that was already great. Rod showed us how to use the pirana to abseil down a rope. Well, we knew that, it was not bad. All that remained was to do it.

The international Assistant Instructors reassured us, we weren't too smart in this river nestled between the rocks. I was afraid of heights, or at least I thought I was, I didn't like the heights and the first jump was difficult, after that it was as funny as a kid jumping into the water. And then the rappel... The first rappel I didn't act proud, I wondered if the rope would hold, I didn't know what to do with my feet, a little drop of sweat ran down my forehead and it went very well.

So we spent a good part of the day, going down the Artigue canyon in joy and good humor speaking English. It was a treat to share this moment with my friends but also with these people who came from faraway lands. At the end of the canyon we turned around with our friends to say that we had gone down our first canyon. We all met at the Spéléo Canyon Ariège center to debrief the day. We received our ICOpro cards, we were family, we were initiated. And for me it was the beginning of the canyoning adventure.