C-1 slalom is a whitewater discipline that ruthlessly exposes the slightest flaw in technique. It demands the most precise and consistent forward stroke, calculated to make the canoe go straight. Perfect this technique, and every manoeuvre becomes easier, increasing speed and leaving strength in reserve as the race progresses.

Tony Estanguet of Pau proved this in the 2000 Olympics, returning from Sydney with a gold medal. He had re-designed the Olympic canoe with his brother Patrice, until it became almost an extension of his own body. His success created the necessary momentum to launch the French whitewater stadium project in his own backyard. On schedule for completion in the summer of 2007, it will provide two artificial basins for the start and finish of races, a stretch of smooth water for children and beginners, and a fierce whitewater river, linked to the local river, the Gave de Pau, by a freshly dug canal.  The Estanguets hope this complex will provide the vital facilities to help the French team bring home more canoeing medals in the Beijing Olympics next year.

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