The Ard River Paddle kicks off Saturday’s festivities!

A veil of mist often shrouds the Pont d’Arc at 9 a.m., the starting point where stand-up paddle (SUP) enthusiasts gather. For many, a fall seems inevitable — but that’s part of the fun!

What makes this SUP race unique? Its length and its natural setting. It is one of the rare races held on a whitewater river — a true challenge for paddlers.

Yet the enthusiasm never fades, just like the sun that finally breaks through the Ardèche mist, warming both participants and spectators. And if energy runs low after several plunges into the water, dozens of devoted volunteers are there on the river and at refreshment points, like the one at Gournier, to support paddlers throughout the day.

Since 2016, the event has grown by including stand-up paddle in its program. In 2021, the Ard’River Paddle was part of the regional challenge under the prestigious Eurotour label. Once again this year, it remains a key Eurotour stop within the International Marathon of the Ardèche Gorges, attracting top competitors as well as an ever-growing audience eager to witness this unique spectacle in the heart of nature.