The Aare:
Thun – Biel, Niederried
Date
- 22 – 23 July 2023
Duration
- 2 days
Price
- CHF495
- excludes accommodation
Ratio
- 1:4
Coach
- Dave & Karel
Course description
On this weekend trip we leave the big lakes of the Jungfrau Region to hit the liveliest section of white water of the trip between Thun and Bern where we have eddies and waves to play in. This fun and scenic journey, with the Blümlisalp and the peaks of the Bernese Oberland in the background ends with the highlight of paddling through Switzerland’s capital city Bern.
The second day continues along the more natural and picturesque side of the Aare, around Bern towards the Wohlensee. The character changes with more woodlands and a gentle flow.
The trip includes sections of grade II and long stretches of paddling so it is necessary to have some prior experience on the river and a good foundation in forwards paddling technique. Attendance of our River/Tide Race and Lake Training courses or equivalent would be advantageous.
Prerequisites
Our guided river weekends are aimed at paddlers who have experience on the river and lake completing our lake courses and river / Tiderace courses or equivalent.
Accommodation
We camp at TCS Bern-Eymatt. It is also possible to rent a bungalow, caravan or pod.
The course price excludes transport to and from the meeting point, accommodation and food, as well as travel and health insurance.
Meeting Point
Meeting point TCS Bern-Eymatt on first course date at 9:15AM (we drive then together to Thun).
Course pictures
Our Coaching Philosophy
At hightide we believe in coaching the individual. On our courses, we take people from where they are at and work towards what people want to achieve.
For some this might be gaining confidence to paddle and enjoy being out in nature, for others it means becoming more efficient in order to paddle expeditions or long distances. It could also mean developing the know how to venture out on the Sea or gaining the skills to play on rivers, around the rocks or in the surf.
Whatever your aim, with our wide experience on the ocean and our detailed knowledge of what makes up sea kayaking, we can help you achieve your goals and bring you forward. All our coaches come from a Sea Kayaking background, have qualifications on the Sea and are passionate not only about paddling but also coaching. We’ve spent years learning what really makes a difference in our sport and are committed to delivering it in the most effective way by making you feel the learning!
When you come to a course with hightide you’ll go away with a better understanding of how to improve and have a structure to remember what you have learnt. We believe our job is to set the conditions for the learning to happen so that when you go home it doesn’t stop.
Reviews
Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
As usual, had a great time with Hightide. They never disappoint with their professionalism, responsiveness to the needs of paddlers and they are always good for a laugh. Highly recommended!
Friendly staff, professional attitude
As a complete stranger to kayaking I did not expect this amount of progress I made in the course of a single day, the topics were carefully selected and built on top of each other, the instructor was easy going and relaxed, without making any compromises to safety.
Private Coaching (3 hours)
Excellent coaching session where I quickly enhanced my technique of turning, apprehend safely a rapid u-turn, optimize my move forward and learn how use the minimum of energy. It is exactly the type of coaching session that I was expecting, in order to get more familiar with my boat and the water element. On the top of that, conditions were perfect and the scenery of the lake is simply magical. Highly recommended.
Directions to Camping Eyematt, Bern
Car Share
> If you’re coming by car and want to take someone with you, please get in contact with us and we can let the other people know
By car
> from Bönigen: 1h
> from Bern: 10min
> from Zurich: 1h, 30min
> Parking at the campsite
> Coordinates >> 46°57’52.5 “N 7°23’01.7 “E
Public Transport
> Train to Bern
> Bus B 101 1311: Bern to “Eymatt b. Bern, Camping”
> Direction Hinterkappelen, Schlossmatt
> Always :01 & :31 minutes past the hour
> Journey time approx. 15min
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Outdoor & Paddle Community.
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