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Kayaking tends to be a logistically-intensive sport, requiring expensive equipment, a vehicle, and a lot of time. Since moving to Europe almost 2 years ago, I've tried not to let being car-less and boat-less stop me from taking part in my all-time favorite activity. It hasn't been easy! There's nothing I miss more than throwing Big Purple on the roof of my car and going for a spontaneous weeknight sunset paddle or exploring a remote stretch of coast.
Last December I made an inventory of all the kayak rental shops in Belgium (excluding whitewater, of which there are quite a few in the south). So far, I've visited two shops that are difficult to reach by public transit and don't offer more than a linear out-and-back trip along a river. Yesterday we visited an outfitter in Lokeren. I can't say I've found a complete solution yet, but I have finally found a shop just a short train ride away that offers quite a range of paddling routes. And it might just be the most convenient kayak rental ever... exciting, huh? ;) Read on! |
Lokeren is a small city between Gent and Antwerp in Belgium. We rented single kayaks from the Kajak Company in the centrum for 10 euros/half day (15 euros/full day). They don't have an address listed on their website, so we got lost, but it's really simple to find. The launch is a short 300m (4 minute) walk from the train station towards the centrum. Before you cross the bridge, you'll see a small dock and kayaks on the righthand side. The rental kayaks are fine - pretty typical recreational boats, but still better than sit-on-tops.
The Kajak Company launch site, in Lokeren Centrum.
From the launch site you can paddle north along the Durme River. It's not immediately possible to go the other direction, as the river is funneled through a culvert under the bridge. Next time I will ask if it's possible to put in on the other side - it would be fun to see that side of the city. The conventional route takes you quickly out of the city through agricultural fields and some small patches of managed forest.
A lonngggg red bike/pedestrian bridge.
Small public take-out, about 5? km along the route.
We paused for lunch at a little public take-out (see photo above). It was nice to find a little forested area, even if the trees were planted in a perfect grid. Here it would be possible to portage and paddle down a separate channel that is blocked off from the main river. It's not clear why it's blocked off...
You can paddle along the river for quite a while. We stopped at Keysershof, a restaurant on river about 8 km from Lokeren (it was the first we passed, and we were well past coffee time!). The place was quite fancy, but they seemed fine with us docking and ordering coffee in our wet kayaking gear. They make a mean cappuccino and latte! We watched a family return from a cruise in a rental motorboat, paired with an icebox, champagne, and hors d'oeuvres. Everyone seemed baffled that we'd made it there using only the muscles on our bodies.
The Keyserhof, 8 km up the river, where they serve delicious coffee.
Now that I've had more time to research/look at a map, I'm excited to return and explore some other branches of the river (though it may require some portaging). Next month I'm organizing a company kayaking trip, and will bring some newbie kayakers to Lokeren, since it's beginner-friendly and so easy to access by public transit.
Bright pink lilies were a common sight.
More photos of kayaking in Lokeren (click to enlarge)
Date: Saturday, May 21, 2016
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Duration: 4 hours (including coffee and lunch stops)
Distance: 16 km (10 miles)
Duration: 4 hours (including coffee and lunch stops)
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