HYDROSPEED on the Ubaye river
Hydrospeeding is whitewater in its most direct form: you become one with the river. Rigid foam bodyboard, reinforced wetsuit and fins on your feet — you descend the Ubaye river at water level, riding currents, waves, holes. A physical and sensory experience that neither rafting nor kayaking can replicate.
As close to the water as it gets
Hydrospeeding — or whitewater swimming — means descending the river lying on a rigid foam bodyboard, propelled by fins. Your body follows the currents; your fins drive you forward and let you steer. No craft between you and the river.
That's what makes this activity unique: you don't skim over the rapids, you go through them. The sensation of river surfing — riding a standing wave, letting yourself be carried by a current, punching through a rapid, catching an eddy below a rock — is accessible from your very first run.
This is the most technically and mentally demanding activity in our range. It requires commitment and a genuine desire to take on the river — and your guide swims with you, not behind you from a craft. They're in the water, right by your side.
You arrive at the Martinet base where we'll welcome you. Each session lasts 3 heures in total — welcome, gear-up, shuttle, briefing, navigation and return.
The runs and their difficulty levels
Your guide tailors the run to your level and the day's conditions — there are no fixed section names in hydrospeeding. Two main types of descent:
- Accessible run — well-defined rapids, readable currents, ideal for discovering whitewater swimming and learning how to position yourself
- Gorge Royale — a committing section of international renown, offered to experienced swimmers at the end of their progression, subject to guide approval
Your guide assesses your abilities during the session and plans what comes next accordingly. Safety and enjoyment first — always.
Our offers and pricing
Minimum age: 11–12 years depending on conditions.
2 adults + 2 children.
Extra member: €50 / adult or €45 / child
Over 12, contact us for a tailored quote — lunch available (BBQ at the base or at Na !Déj').
2 à 6 personnes
1 à 2 personnes
Everything you need to know about the activity
Practical information
- Total duration: 3h
- Sessions: 9am–noon, 1pm–4pm, 4pm–7pm
- Individual activity (1 bodyboard / person)
Requirements
- Minimum age: 11–12 years old
- Able to swim 25 m and submerge
In hydrospeeding, your guide swims with you — not behind you from a craft. They're in the water, right by your side through every technical stretch. A level of personal supervision that's hard to find.
Provided gear
- Thermal clothing: reinforced 2-piece neoprene wetsuit (thighs, knees and legs) + neoprene booties
- Safety gear: PFD (personal flotation device) + helmet
- Navigation equipment: hydrospeeding bodyboard + fins
What to bring
- 🩱 Swimsuit (worn underneath)
- 🤓 Glasses (if needed)
- 🧺 Towel (for changing after the run)
Any doubts or questions: 📞 Give us a call!
Special conditions
- Minimum age: 11–12 years depending on conditions and the guide's assessment.
- Maximum age: None — but this is the most demanding activity in our range. Good overall fitness is essential.
Hydrospeeding requires active kicking throughout the run — with or without the bodyboard, which can sometimes slip away.
- Joint weaknesses: ankles, knees, hips, spine, shoulders, elbows, wrists.
- Cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, diabetes or any other health issue that may affect participation.
Please let us know as early as possible — an adapted run is often available.
When to come?
The river is high, powerful, cold — rapids are at their most intense. Best for those who want to feel the full force of the Ubaye river. Scouting the run by raft beforehand is strongly recommended.
Warmer water, moderate flow — excellent conditions for developing technique: cleaner standing waves, manoeuvring lines to explore. And it's also the ideal season for families, with conditions accessible to everyone.
Fluctuating water levels, quieter crowds — runs are more technical than athletic. A great time for those who want to sharpen their river-reading skills in a wilder setting.
Below a certain flow level (variable periods each year), we will advise against this activity — the water level in the Ubaye river drops too low, which increases the feeling of rocks underfoot, especially in hydrospeeding.
Ready to take the plunge?
Solo, group or family — your guide tailors the session to your level and the day's conditions. Three hours on the Ubaye river to experience the river like never before, in complete safety.