Team building in canoe-kayak offers a unique experience to strengthen team cohesion while enjoying the benefits of nature. This fun and stimulating activity enables employees to develop their communication and collaboration skills in a rejuvenating setting. Let’s find out more about the benefits and practicalities of this aquatic adventure that transforms colleagues into true team players.
The benefits of team building in canoeing and kayaking
Team building in a canoe or kayak differs from traditional seminars in that it is interactive and dynamic. This outdoor activity offers numerous benefits for companies and their staff:
- Strengthening team cohesion
- Improved communication and coordination
- Leadership and project management development
- Team spirit and self-improvement
- Creating shared memories
By paddling together, participants learn to synchronize their efforts and adapt to the unexpected. These skills are directly transferable to the professional world, where collaboration and flexibility are essential.
What’s more, the natural setting in which the activity takes place encourages relaxation and good humor. Employees can discover themselves in a new light, far from the stress of the office, which helps to strengthen bonds between colleagues.
A friendly, unifying adventure
Canoeing and kayaking team building can be adapted to different group sizes, from 5 to 500 people. This flexibility means that companies of all sizes can benefit from the experience. The activity generally takes place over half a day or a full day, offering a privileged moment for team bonding.
Here’s an overview of a typical canoe-kayak team-building day:
- Welcome and safety briefing
- Training session to master basic techniques
- Canoeing and kayaking challenges
- Convivial lunch break (often in the great outdoors)
- Complementary activities or competitions between teams
- Debriefing and sharing of experiences
Supervision is provided by qualified instructors who ensure the safety of participants while guiding their progress. Their expertise enables them to adapt the activity to the level and objectives of each group.
Turnkey packages for simplified organization
To simplify the organization of your team-building day, many service providers offer all-inclusive packages. These packages can include :
- Full equipment (canoes, paddles, life jackets)
- Professional supervision
- Transfers from your workplace
- Meals and snacks
- Complementary activities (paddle, via ferrata, caving)
- Seminar room hire for your meetings
Some service providers go even further, offering customized options such as souvenirs bearing your company logo or tailor-made itineraries. Don’t hesitate to ask for a free quote to obtain an offer tailored to your needs and budget.
| Package | Duration | Included | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery | Half-day | Canoeing + supervision | 50€ – 80€ |
| Classic | Full day | Canoeing + meal + complementary activity | 100€ – 150€ |
| Premium | 2 days | Canoeing + accommodation + meals + multiple activities | 200€ – 300€ |
A positive impact on the environment and society
Beyond the benefits for the team, canoe-kayak team building can be part of a CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) approach. This activity raises participants’ awareness of environmental issues while connecting them to nature.
Here are a few ideas for integrating an eco-responsible dimension into your team-building day:
- Organize a riverbank clean-up operation
- Offer an introduction to local biodiversity
- Opt for service providers committed to sustainable development
- Choose local and seasonal meals
- Offset the event’s carbon footprint
By combining team-building and environmental commitment, your company demonstrates its involvement in current social issues, while offering a memorable experience to its employees.
A canoe-kayak team-building event represents a unique opportunity to strengthen bonds between colleagues while experiencing an extraordinary adventure. Whether in the Gorges du Tarn, the Ardèche or even the Île-de-France region, there are numerous destinations where you can organize this unifying activity. Don’t forget that to take part, you need to be able to swim, and the minimum age is usually 5. So, are you ready to paddle together towards new professional horizons?
