Kayaking is not allowed on the Bocq
Article 3 of the Walloon Government decree of 19 March 2009 limits kayak traffic to the waterways listed in its Annex 1. The Bocq is not among them, nor in Annex 2, which sets the minimum and maximum flows. It therefore has no official threshold, and a “normal” flow never amounts to permission.
Reading the river flow for information
River flow in m³/s tells you the volume of water passing each second; it lets you follow a rise in water or a low-water period. The bands below are hydrological reference points, with no legal value.
| Flow (m³/s) | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 0.4 | Low water | Rocky bed largely exposed, fragile aquatic environment. |
| 0.4 to 2 | Shallow water | Rocky bottom visible in places, clear water. |
| 2 to 8 | Normal flow | Steady flow, water generally clear. |
| 8 to 14 | Strong flow | Faster current, after rain. |
| 14 to 20 | High water | Powerful current, cloudy water, banks partly submerged. |
| Over 20 | Flood | Overflowing possible, violent current and debris. |
The measuring station
The flow and water height come from the SPW hydrometric station at Yvoir, shortly before the confluence with the Meuse. Flow is the best indicator; height only tells you the level at the station.
Safety around the river
- After heavy rain, the Bocq can rise fast, with a violent current and debris carried along.
- In cold water, a capsize chills you quickly: one more risk not to take on a river that is not open.
- Respect the banks: the river shelters a fragile aquatic environment, especially at low water.
Where to paddle instead
Near Yvoir and Dinant, the Lesse is the nearest waterway where paddling is allowed: 12 km in about three hours between Gendron and Anseremme, described on the Lesse route page. The Semois is gentler and further away; the Amblève offers whitewater for confident paddlers. Prices are detailed by river, and the navigable flows in Wallonia page lists the thresholds of the open waterways.