Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is the average water temperature in June in the Charente?
This can vary greatly from year to year. However, we can expect a minimum of 17/18 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 23/24 degrees Celsius.
Will I get seasick?
It is very unlikely! Small waves may be generated by boats crossing, the wind can also create a slight chop.
Is a neoprene wetsuit compulsory?
No, wetsuits are not compulsory but recommended, to prevent the risk of hypothermia during the marathon races.
How fast is the current in the Charente, is there a risk of being swept away?
The current in the Charente is weak, the only areas where the current increases slightly are in sections that do not form part of the race, or where access is prohibited.
What are the categories and prizes?
The Flow Des Gabarriers is an aquatic adventure that will recognise the fastest swimmers during a prize-giving ceremony at 5.30 pm. There are different categories (scratch ranking, wetsuit/no wetsuit, men/women etc.) and exciting prizes offered by our partners.
What is the time limit for the 3km?
The event ends at 6 p.m., so every participant must be out of the water at that time, which is a maximum of 3 hours.
Do I need an escort kayakist for the 3 KM or the 1 KM ?
No, the canoe escort is required for the marathons only
No canoes or paddles allowed to follow the 3 km and 1 km swimmers
Where are the start and finish lines located?
The starting line of the 3km is located under the Maurice Hennessy quay in front of Place du Solençon, to get there you have to swim across the Charente! The finish line is located at the Cognac Canoe Club pontoons.
Can I wear my favourite swimming cap ?
No, you must wear the official FDG swimming cap provided.
Can I register if I'm not part of a swimming or triathlon club ?
Yes, but a medical certificate of fitness dated less than 1 year before the event will be required.
Do the FINA/FFN rules governing open water apply?
No, only the rules set out in the "Flow des Gabarriers" internal regulations apply.
Where can I stay during the event?
The Cheval Blanc, the Valois and the'IBIS town centre are the three partner hotels for the FDG in Cognac. A preferential rate is applied for participants and their companions, which can be accessed directly with the hotel. Single, double, and quadruple rooms are available, with the option of breakfast starting from 5 a.m.
Questions about the Flow Des Gabarriers and the Gabarrier Apprentice marathons
I don't have a kayakist, what can I do?
Every participant is responsible of his own team including the kayakist.
Finding a kayaker locally can be challenging and stressful. It is HIGHLY recommended to secure your kayaker before registering.
The event page of Flow des Gabarriers is a way to post an announcement, reach out to local clubs, and activate the swimmer network.
How can I prove I am eligible for the swim?
A certificate from a NSM is all you need, or a screenshot of your watch's GPS track.
What is the time limit to finish the Flow Des Gabarriers 33km swim?
The maximum time allowed to finish the marathon is 10 hours for solo swimmers and 9h40m for relays. Any swimmer still in the water after 6pm will be asked to return to shore.
What is the time limit to finish the Apprentice Gabarrier 16km swim?
The maximum time allowed to finish the 16km race is 7 hours. Any swimmer still in the water after 6pm will be asked to return to shore.
What is a tandem solo ?
It's the opportunity to swim as a pair over the entire course distance (33 km or 16 km) with the support of just one canoe. Both swimmers must start and finish together, swim at the same pace, and wait for each other in case one slows down.
Where is the last checkpoint to reach Cognac before being pulled out ?
The Garde-Moulin Island in the town of Saint Brice is the last mandatory checkpoint before 4:00 PM. Any swimmer arriving after this time will be assisted at this location and transported back to the finish line in Cognac.
I want to take part in the Flow des Gabarriers relay but I don't have a team, what can I do?
Il suffit de se rendre sur la page évènement Facebook du Flow des Gabarriers pour trouver ses coe?quipiers ! https://fb.me/e/WDZcKZiu
I am part of a relay swim but I can no longer participate. Is it possible to change/add a swimmer or even downgrade the swimmers number?
Yes absolutely ! The cancellation insurance allows all those unexpected changes !
How is the relay takeover organised?
There is no set distance, time or place for the relay takeover. However, the best technique is to do the takeover from the team's canoe(s)/kayak(s). It is also possible to follow on a mountain bike on the Flow Vélo. The use of a motorised support vehicle on the banks is strictly prohibited.
How can I get to the starting line ?
Notre partenaire la « SNCF voyageurs » transportera les participants maathoniens et leurs accompagnateurs depuis la gare de Cognac vers les lignes de départ à Châteauneuf-sur-Charente (33 km) et Jarnac (16 km).
Le TER pour Châteauneuf-sur-Charente part à 6h45 samedi 14 juin 2025 de la gare de Cognac. Une navette en bus est prévue au de?part de la place de la Poste a? Cognac a? 5 h 40, 6h 10 et 6h 25.
Le TER pour Jarnac part à 10h25 samedi 14 juin 2025 de la gare de Cognac (pas de navette en bus pour emmener les nageurs à la gare)
Il est fortement conseillé de re?server ce trajet en TER de?s l’inscription car les places sont limite?es (1 EUR/personne)
What is hypothermia?
It is serious! And it can lead to severe consequences. Preventing hypothermia is crucial, so prepare yourself and your team for this eventuality.
How can I hire a canoe or kayak?
You can make the reservation online at the time of registration for 22 EUR per kayakist. Your kayak will be delivered directly to the starting site in Châteauneuf-sur-Charente or Jarnac. Life jackets, paddles, and waterproof container are included.
Is it possible to have several canoe/kayak escorts?
Yes, there is a minimum of one canoe per solo/team but no maximum. However, the number of boats available is limited so please think of the other participants!
Can I customise my canoe?
Yes, we encourage this! You can attach balloons to it, wear a funny hat or anything else that makes you stand out!
What items should be on board the kayak/canoe?
The day will pass quickly but your escort(s) will spend several hours on the water. Here is a non-exhaustive list of things to bring: lifejacket (provided with the rental), cap or hat, water, energy bars, shoes, watch, sunglasses, sunscreen etc.
Can my escort use a paddle board?
It is possible to use paddle boards providing the paddler has enough experience on long runs on the water. Paddling also is physically demanding.
Is it possible to have an accompanying boat?
No, the marathon course includes 9 locks and is not suitable for boats. Only canoes and kayaks can accompany swimmers.
How can I follow the swimmers from the shore?
With a bike using the Flow Vélo
It is forbidden to drive on the Flow Vélo with a motorised vehicle (no cars, motorbikes on the river towpaths)
Is it possible to hang onto or climb onto the canoe to rest?
Yes, but it is against the ethics of the sport! The spirit of open water is to limit physical interaction with anything else in your environment to what is strictly necessary, such as during entry to and exit from the water. It is therefore possible to touch your canoe or to hold onto it during relay takeovers for example. However, out of respect for other swimmers, we encourage you to limit the number of occasions when the swimmer is in continuous contact with the canoe.
Is it possible to swim through the fish passes or canoe passes?
No, this is strictly forbidden as it is very dangerous.
Will there be refreshments en route?
A few refreshment points are planned, especially on Garde Moulin Island and at the finish. Nutrition during the effort is the responsibility of each swimmer/team. It is individual to each athlete, who must establish their plan and logistics based on their needs.
How can I follow my progress live during the marathon?
Each solo and each team will be followed during the day via a real-time timing system accessible from a designated web page.
Is it possible to camp the day before at the departure area at Bain Des Dames in Châteauneuf?
Yes, it's possible while respecting the designated area and the applied rules, including access to the restroom and the prohibition of making a fire, for example.
