Introduction – When a Simple Idea Turns Into a Human Adventure

My name is Abdel, and I manage a team of 45 people in a mid‑sized digital company. Every year, I’m responsible for organizing an incentive day to strengthen team cohesion, reward everyone’s efforts, and give my colleagues a breath of fresh air outside the office.

But this year, I wanted something different.
Not another classic seminar.
Not another meeting room with a buffet.
Not another activity everyone has already done.

I wanted an experience.
Something memorable, energizing, and meaningful.

That’s when I discovered the Challenge‑Raft Day offered by EVP – Eau Vive Passion, on the Durance River in Châteauroux‑les‑Alpes.

And today I can say it clearly:
? It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my team.

This article is the full story of that day—what we lived, what I learned, and why I recommend this experience to any company looking to strengthen team spirit.

1. Arrival at the EVP Base – An Immediate Sense of Trust

We arrived at the EVP base at 09:00 AM sharp.
Right away, I felt the day was going to be special.

The setting was stunning:

• the Durance flowing right next to the base,
• the mountains of the Embrun region surrounding us,
• a clean, well‑organized, welcoming site,
• and a team of instructors who were smiling, energetic, and clearly passionate.

The EVP staff greeted us warmly, explained the schedule, the safety rules, and the activities planned for the day.

And most importantly:
? they immediately put everyone at ease, even those who weren’t sporty at all.

2. The Mini‑Challenge – Team Spirit Before Anything Else

The morning was dedicated to the Mini‑Challenge, a series of fun and accessible activities done in teams of 4 to 8 people.

The workshops included:

• laser shooting
• VTT relay
• cooperative skis
• “Koh‑Lanta” style balance poles
• catapult challenge
• “détanque” (a playful twist on pétanque)

Each workshop required:

• communication,
• coordination,
• strategy,
• and above all… laughter.

What I observed as a manager

Within minutes, I saw fascinating dynamics emerge:

• natural leaders stepping forward,
• quiet employees taking initiative,
• colleagues from different departments bonding,
• and a lot of smiles.

The Mini‑Challenge played a crucial role:
? it broke the ice, relaxed the atmosphere, and created a positive group dynamic before we even touched the rafts.

3. The Barbecue Lunch – A Rare Moment of Authentic Connection

At 12:00, it was time for the grill lunch.
Honestly, I didn’t expect such quality.

The menu included:

• fresh mixed salads
• grilled meats
• potatoes
• cheese
• dessert
• wine at will

All served barbecue‑style, right by the river, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Why this lunch mattered

Because it allowed everyone to:

• continue bonding,
• talk about the morning challenges,
• relax before the rafting session,
• enjoy a simple, authentic moment together.

I saw colleagues chatting with people they rarely interact with at work.
? The cohesion was already taking shape.

4. The Rafting Descent – The Highlight of the Day

At 1:30 PM, we geared up: wetsuits, helmets, life jackets.
Then we headed to the Durance for the rafting descent, guided by EVP instructors.

What I felt as a team leader

A mix of:

• pride (seeing my team excited),
• anticipation (the river looked beautiful),
• slight concern (some had never done whitewater sports).

But the guides were exceptional:

• professional,
• reassuring,
• funny,
• and incredibly skilled.

The descent itself

The Durance is perfect for beginners:

• fun rapids,
• calmer sections,
• playful waves,
• and breathtaking scenery.

The guides taught us how to paddle together, anticipate the river, and communicate effectively.

And then I witnessed something unforgettable:
? my team functioning as one.

People were cheering, laughing, encouraging each other.
Those who were nervous gained confidence.
Those who were shy became key players.

A moment I’ll never forget

At one rapid, a big wave hit us harder than expected.
We were soaked, some slipped, but everyone burst out laughing.

That moment alone was worth the entire day.