Women’s River Camp in Norway, July 2025

European and French freestyle and extreme kayaking champion Marlène Devillez has been organizing Women’s Kayak Camps for many years, creating spaces where women can progress, connect, and lead with confidence on the river. Following her latest camp in Voss, Norway, she reflects on the purpose and ambitions behind these gatherings, and how they can encourage more women to build their skills, take part in competitions, and gain independence on the water.

Despite 20 years of high-level experience in freestyle and extreme kayaking, I still struggle to take the lead on a river when there are men around. The result of an education system? Of preconceived ideas? Of deeply rooted societal norms? Of a lack of visibility for women in sports? Of a shortage of female role models for the next generation? That’s not normal, and it needs to change.

I’ve always been struck by how few women are involved in our sport. Women remain a minority in whitewater disciplines, even though progress is being made. For example, in France, according to the FFCK, women make up only about 27.5% of licensed members, and on the high-level competitive scene, they represent just 24% of listed athletes.

That’s why Women Camps began in 2008 in France with freestyle sessions supported by volunteer coaches and the FFCK. And since 2023, we’ve launched river camps in Voss in collaboration with the Vosselveklubb. We started with a small camp of eight participants, but interest grew quickly and we ended up with twenty-five participants.

We want to encourage more girls to develop their paddling skills and to participate in competitions. We also aim to build confidence and skills among women. In mixed groups, unfortunately, it’s often the men who take the lead, but why? We want more women to feel comfortable leading and trusting their own abilities.

Girls enjoy paddling big rapids and beautiful rivers. A generalization might be that girls tend to think and assess more before paddling, while boys are more likely to just go for it and see what happens. We would make great progress by finding a balance inspired by these two behaviors.

« What we learn during those camps is how to read the river on our own and make our own decisions. The coaches are there to support, but never to decide for you. »

The participants in the kayak camp greatly appreciated the positive coaching approach (with women coaches only), the personalized technical feedback in small groups, the encouragement, and the cheerful atmosphere. What we learn during those camps is how to read the river on our own and make our own decisions. The coaches are there to support, but never to decide for you.

Am I capable? Do I see the line? Do I want to do it? Who are my teammates? Will I put others at risk if I go? Can I — would I like to — go first and show the line? The goal isn’t to prove things to others, but rather to oneself.

We believe the camp attracts international women because the rivers in Voss, such as the Raundalselvi, are known worldwide. It’s a dream to be able to paddle on this river. Don’t forget that this river is under threat, and we need our community of river lovers to help protect it from artificial development and dam projects (more info here).

Join us next year for the freestyle camp in Millau or the river camp in Voss!

Words: Marlène Devillez | Photography: Kaisa Tiivel

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