The Five Coolest SUP Spots in Belgium - Véronique Musumeci
Belgium!
Who hasn't heard of its beers brewed by monks, its light and fluffy waffles, its finest chocolates and delicious “French” fries? UNESCO added the Belgian beer culture to their list of intangible cultural heritages! The Kingdom of Belgium invented the famous praline in 1912 and, in a totally different register, is known for the largest electronic music festival in the world, Tomorrowland. Yes, the host of the capital of Europe, however small, is known all over the world for various reasons. Let’s not forget the diamonds, the mussels and the most famous attraction of Brussels, Manneken Pis. A tiny boy peeing to save the city of Brussels!
The tri-lingual country that operated for nearly two years without an official elected government, can still reunite for its famous national football team, the Red Devils!
But did you know that Belgium can also be a perfect SUP destination?
Let’s zoom in on my selection of the 5 coolest SUP spots in Belgium!
N°1 : The Descent of the Lesse
I present here a 12km route winding through natural landscapes, castles, dams and limestone rocks. For this outing, you will enjoy the combination of SUP and train as the session is a one-way ride because of the current. The descent of the Lesse plunges you into a green nature classified as a Natura 2000 zone! The arrival in front of the rocky peak of the Aiguilles de Chaleux is a great moment. It is almost as if you were at the foot of the rocky peaks of Krabi in Thailand. The other highlight of this outing is the discovery of Walzin Castle. A fairy-tale-like castle that appears on top of a majestic cliff. Just magical!
After the castle, there is the passage of the first dam which I advise "on foot" for the adepts of stand-up paddle. This is because of the flow and the water level which can be low. You have to be careful not to slip on the rocks and don't be afraid of getting wet for this section but the fun and adrenaline are there. Turn around and enjoy the view of the castle and its beautiful mill. The second dam can be done on the board and is great fun. For an outing with low water level and flow, I recommend a wider board for stability, shorter and with several short fins to avoid touching the bottom. There are also retractable fins on the market. Ask about the possibilities! The rest of the trip on the Lesse is more leisurely with the discovery of a small cave, smooth passages on sections with more or less water. The end of the descent is at the mouth of the Lesse at Anseremme. If you have more time, a 21 km route is also possible and just as beautiful, offering, besides more paddling, forest landscapes.
N°2 : The Lake of Nisramont - A breathtaking setting!
In the heart of the Ardenne, fed by two rivers, the Western and Eastern Ourthe, the lake is an essential place to commune with nature. Via a dam built in the 1950s to supply the region with drinking water, the lake holds 3 million m³ of water. A session here starts at a wooden hut near a boat launch. This cute hut immediately sets the tone for this nature session. You paddle here surrounded by wooded slopes, limestones rocks, and pass a few hikers, kayakers and fishermen. The usual aquatic birds of the region can be seen. With a bit of luck, you may spot beavers, cormorants or kingfishers. Close your eyes and listen to the sound of nature!
The site is absolutely beautiful at every season. Paddle on the lake of Nisramont surrounded by autumn colours or snow is a moment of pure beauty. In the summer the lake is of course as its best.
After 2.3 km, you arrive at the separation of the “Deux Ourthes” (Two rivers). You have to choose which river branch to take. The rivers become narrower and you discover the meanders of the site. Turn around whenever you feel like it!
The plus? This spot allows you to easily combine SUP and hike. There is a beautiful 14 km hike around the lake with a difference of altitude of +/- 700 meters.
N°3 The DYLE - Picturesque Mechelen
Mechelen is a small, picturesque city, rich in charm and history. The city has been listed 4 times as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! This Flemish city has no less than 336 listed buildings and monuments. On this tour you discover its old buildings, its marina, its terraces as well as its aquatic fauna from your board. Look around you are in the middle of HISTORY! After this urban tour through the centre of Mechelen, it's time to turn around and head back to the departure pontoon. The discovery continues towards the lock located after the launch point and becomes more "natural". You pass under several other bridges before being blocked by a charming stone lock with an arched metal door. The most motivated among you can of course get out of the water via the stone steps and climb back into the water further on. For the others, it's time to go back, with a lot of beautiful images in your head.
N°4 The Kleine Nete – From a water mill to another
If you like nature cruises, the Kleine Nete is for you! This idyllic river, one of the purest in Flanders, is rich in flora and fauna. It is part of the Natura 2000 network. The entire route is 25 kilometres long, but you can also opt for a shorter route. Everything has been thought of: piers, litter bins, picnic benches and information boards. A perfect day out with family or friends. Moreover, the Kleine Nete is a shallow river, there are fewer risks for children here.
This SUP and kayak route starts at the park called Bobbejaanland! The Retie mill dates from 1756 and replaces an original wooden water mill. It is assumed that the first mill at this location dates back to the 14th century! This SUP ride is bucolic. At first quite narrow, the river widens and narrows in different sections. You will pass through a tunnel of trees reminiscent of the Sicao Green Tunnel in Taiwan! Sometimes you will have to stoop to get through. You may come across spotted dragonflies, the smooth snake, geese, water rails and kingfishers. The green orchid is also found in the area. After 5.8 km, you will reach the Kasterlee water mill. You will have to go out of the water to enter again via a small sandy beach. Keep your eyes and ears open, at the end of the section I am presenting you here, if the amusement park is open, you may see and hear the screams of the thrill-seekers on the amusement park rides!
N°5 The River Lys - The charm of the historic centre of Ghent
Ghent is a beautiful medieval city. Visiting it on its board will allow you to discover it from a unique perspective. Its canals are fed by the river Lys. Less well known than its neighbours Bruges and Antwerp, it is well worth a visit! During the day or at nightfall, you will be charmed.
You will enter the water two paddle strokes away from the “Geeraard de Duivelsteen”, the castle of Gerard the Devil, a former Gothic castle. You will then pass under the François Laurentplein via a long tunnel. There are two tunnels, so please follow the signs. The right tunnel is on the way out, and the left-hand is on the way back. There may be a temporary exhibition in the tunnel. You may have the opportunity to paddle in front of reproductions of works by renowned painters such as Jan van Eyck. He was one of the great masters of the 15th century. A unique experience.
The rest of the tour takes you past beautiful historical facades along the banks of the river. The castle of the Counts of Flanders (Flemish: 'Gravensteen') is one of the highlights of this SUP session. It is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Belgium. It can also be visited from the inside.
