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Kayak ArdennesArdennes rivers: live readings and trips

FAQ

Kayaking FAQ: your questions answered

Short answers to the questions people ask before paddling the Semois, the Lesse or the Amblève.

The answers are grouped under three themes. For the details, follow the links to the pages concerned.

Before you go

Choose your river using the Semois routes and the Lesse route. The day’s water level and the rules are explained on the navigable flows in Wallonia page.

On the water

Equipment provided, safety, children and dogs: the answers below sum up the essentials. Live readings are on the Semois, Lesse and Amblève pages.

Booking and prices

Online booking is coming soon. The amounts for each route are already on the prices page.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need kayaking experience?

No, on the Semois and the Lesse. A safety briefing comes before departure. Only the Amblève, a whitewater river, calls for real confidence, and the Alle – Bohan route on the Semois (17 km) for stamina.

Which river should I choose?

The Semois is the calmest, with four routes of 7 to 17 km. The Lesse has a single 12 km route, reachable by train. The Amblève, with its whitewater, is for confident paddlers. For a first time, the Alle – Vresse route (7 km) is the best choice.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Being able to swim is strongly recommended and you need to be comfortable in water. A life jacket is compulsory for everyone and is provided in all sizes.

Do I need a permit?

No permit is required. Navigation is regulated, though: it is only allowed on the waterways listed in the Walloon decree of 19 March 2009, within the set flow thresholds. See the paddling rules.

How do I check that the river is open?

Each river page shows the SPW reading and the allowed or forbidden status. Check it on the morning itself: the river flow changes fast after rain. For example, the Semois water level.

What should I wear and bring?

Quick-drying clothes rather than cotton, closed shoes, water, sun cream and a windproof jacket in cool weather. Leave a change of clothes in the car. The kayak, paddle, life jacket and a waterproof barrel are provided.

Can children come?

There is no minimum age, as long as an adult is in the same boat and the child wears a suitable life jacket. Children under 6 travel free, seated in the middle of a double kayak.

Can I bring my dog?

On the Semois, yes, free of charge. Tell us when you book so you get a suitable boat. A dog life jacket is not provided.

What if I capsize?

Keep your life jacket fastened and do not leave the boat in a fast current. On the Semois, the water is often less than a metre deep: stand up, bring the kayak back to the bank, empty it, then carry on. Keep your phone and keys in the waterproof barrel.

Can I go when it rains?

Ordinary rain does not stop the trip. What matters is the river flow and the absence of storms: in a storm or sudden flood, trips are suspended.

Can I come without a car?

Yes for the Lesse: Gendron-Celles station, on the SNCB Dinant–Bertrix line, is 5 minutes from the start, and the train journey is included in the price.

What do I pay online and what do I pay on the spot?

Online, only the 10% platform fee. The hire price is paid to the hire company on the day of the trip. Online booking is coming soon; see the prices.

Can I cancel?

You can cancel by notifying the hire company at least 24 hours before departure (by replying to the confirmation e-mail, which is addressed to them). As the hire is only paid for on site, you owe them nothing. The platform fee paid online is non-refundable, except in cases of force majeure, closure of the river by order or a fully booked hire company; in those cases it is refunded. If the river is closed on the day of the trip, the trip is rescheduled or the fee refunded.