At the heart of the Quimperlé region, the Canoë Kayak de la Communauté de Quimperlé (CKCQ) is much more than just a club: it’s a place where sport, nature and conviviality come together. It’s a place where sport, nature and conviviality come together, where the skills passed down through the generations are nurtured and the new practices of tomorrow are prepared. Open all year round, it invites young and old alike to discover water in all its forms, from lush green rivers to the open Atlantic.
A club recognised for its excellence and teaching methods
The CKCQ has been awarded the French Canoe Kayak School label, a guarantee of quality and safety. The CKCQ has won awards from local stakeholders for its ability to combine fun learning with sporting performance. Its teaching methods are based on a progressive approach, adapted to every age and level.
Activities for everyone, all year round
Laïta river hire – gentle, natural walks
Embark on an escapade along the river, between reed beds, wooded hills and fragrant moors. This 15km descent combines fresh and salt water and takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. Boats are available for single, double or triple occupancy, and a shuttle bus makes it easy to return to the starting point.
Discovering the Ellé – heritage and wild rivers
Accompanied by an experienced guide, explore the Ellé valley, with its old mills and more challenging sections such as the fish pass at the Gorrets dam. This 1 hour 30 minute trip will appeal to both those who love peace and quiet and those who prefer a gentler pace.
Sea kayaking – between idleness and marine sensations
For the more adventurous, the club offers sea kayaking trips to the beaches and coves of Le Pouldu, with occasional longer trips to the port of Doëlan. The routes depend on the tides, and the logistics are planned to ensure that everyone gets the most out of their expedition.
Children’s courses – shaping the future today
From the age of 7, children can take part in summer courses designed to develop their confidence and independence. Over five half-days, they can discover solo or duo kayaking, paddle boarding and other water sports, in a safe environment supervised by qualified instructors.
A gateway to local competition
The CKCQ doesn’t just offer introductory courses. It also supports young competitors as they progress, whether in slalom, ocean races or multi-sport challenges. The flagship event of the year, the Kemperlé Océan Challenge, brings together enthusiasts and the curious to take part in dynamic events such as the beach-challenge, long races in single kayaks and V6 pirogues.
Solidarity, nature and heritage
At CKCQ, sport goes hand in hand with civic commitment. Members take part in river clean-ups, festive events such as rafting trips, and the promotion of our natural and historical heritage. A striking example: an operation carried out with environmental associations removed nearly 240 kilos of rubbish from the Laïta in one day.
Practical information
In summer, the club is open every day, generally from 9am to 6pm. Out of season, the club is open for shorter periods, depending on weather conditions and the calendar of activities. Located in Quimperlé, the club is ideally situated right next to the river, with facilities for welcoming members of the public, preparing boats and storing equipment.
Between tradition and the future
Quimperlé Community Canoe Kayak embodies a rare balance: preserving local traditions, enhancing the natural heritage, and passing on to younger generations a taste for water and effort. Whether you’re curious to discover the river, keen on maritime excursions or motivated by competition, the waters of the Ellé, Laïta and Atlantic rivers are waiting to welcome you. Here, every stroke of the paddle is an encounter with nature and with yourself.
(photos courtesy of Canoë Kayak de la Communauté de Quimperlé)
