Bellyak or Prone Kayak on the Gave de Pau, Hautes-Pyrénées

An original blend of kayaking and bodyboarding, bellyak is practised on whitewater and allows you, much like hydrospeeding, to navigate the river lying face-down, head first. There's simply no better way to feel fully immersed in the rapids! On your prone kayak, you'll feel every wave and every splash with maximum intensity. If you can swim and are in good physical condition, this descent of the Gave de Pau by bellyak is sure to be right up your street!

A tributary of the Adour, the Gave de Pau rises from the Cirque de Gavarnie and joins the Gave d'Oloron to form the Gaves Réunis near Peyrehorade, flowing through the Landes, the Pyrenean valleys, the Pays de Nay, and Jurançon along the way. It is in Villelongue in the Hautes-Pyrénées — just 10 minutes by road from Argelès-Gazost and 20 minutes from both Lourdes and Cauterets — that the Tom Rafting team will be waiting to welcome you for your prone kayak adventure on the Gave de Pau.

Before setting off, your professional guide will walk you through the equipment and safety rules. As you'll discover, the bellyak has a kayak-inspired shape with a central opening that allows you to exit the craft easily if needed. To steer it, there's no paddle — you simply use your hands. Your guide will of course accompany you throughout the approximately 1-hour 30-minute descent, remaining on hand to ensure your safety and make sure you get the most out of your bellyak experience on the Gave de Pau! Soak up the wild scenery of the Hautes-Pyrénées — but don't forget to keep your eye on the next set of rapids (Class II to III rapids)!

Let the current of the Gave de Pau carry you from Villelongue to Préchac in your prone kayak and discover the river like never before. Book your adrenaline fix now!