Maddy Roberts, part time HR consultant, full time dare devil, thought that spending a long weekend with friends in the Ardeche would be just what she needed. ltadventure, was right up her street. Little did she know just what was in store for her. Read all about it here and check out the video.

Maddy had never sat in a kayak before the afternoon at pont d’arc. She had no idea, just what lay ahead. A quick introduction to the basics, saw Maddy paddling around on flat water happy as Larry in no time at all. She didn’t know who larry was, but he was happy and that gave Maddy all the confidence she needed.

After she had got to grips with what she was doing, she wanted more! She had the thirst for it. The river was flowing at 25 cubic metres per second and that was enough to wet her whistle. She wanted the moving water. She knew that was where the fun would be.

Her first run was down a side shoot of Charlemagne. Facing up stream, she needed to break out into the flow, turn to face down stream and then, enjoy the ride! She did just that and her confidence went through the roof! Brilliant! Time to step it up a notch!

To get to the perfect position for the main event, a white water swim was needed. She blitzed it! No worries! Bring it on!

Once she had recived her brief, she looked out at the might river in front of her and gave it her all. She was gripped! All was going fine, she paddled her way down the moving water, dodging rocks as she went and the lined up for the drop!

She could see the waves below, the other kayakers moved to the side, maybe not in orr, but they moved to side. She gave it all she could and went for the drop and through the waves.

She had done it! 45 mins earlier, she had never been in a Kayak and there she was, paddling grade 2 rapids! She felt great, like she could do anything! It was a good trip and a great holiday.

Maddy is coming out to see us again next summer. This time shes bringing more people to take on the mighty, mighty Ardeche river!