The Paddler magazine Issue 58 early Spring 2021 | Page 114

ThePADDLER 114
The Dyle River

Here are five of her preferred waterways in Belgium :

THE DYLE RIVER IN MECHELEN
The Dyle River flows through the three Belgian provinces of Brabant Walloon , Flemish Brabant and Antwerp . It springs by Houstain-le Val and flows after 86km together with the Nete River . From this point , they form the Rupel River . One of Véronique ’ s favourite parts is by Mechelen , where you can paddle through the beautiful UNESCO classified town . There , you will see picturesque bridges , typical Flemish houses and nature . This unusual SUP city tour is 100 % recommendable !
THE DENDER RIVER
The Dender is a 65km long river , which flows by Dendermonde in the Scheldt River . It flows through the three Belgian provinces of Hennegau , East Flanders and Flemish Brabant . Véronique ’ s preferred section is between the towns Erembodegem and Ninove . This part of the river is beautiful in nature . Fields and trees all the way . Sometimes , boats pass by but they navigate so slowly that these ships are not dangerous for SUPers . You will cross some locks and a small charming harbour where a couple of sport boats are located on this section . This part of the river is beautiful , and you will meet many animals like ducks , blue herons , geese and cute hummingbirds . A particularly Belgian touch : hops on the banks ! On windless days , the river will offer you a beautiful reflection of the surrounding trees and nature . You will also see the fishes swim under your board .
THE DAMME CANAL
The Damme canal is located in the Belgian province of West-Flanders and connects the historic town , Brugge , with the Western Scheldt , the south Netherlands inlet and estuary from the River Scheldt . The assignment to build this channel came from Napoleon Bonaparte himself . Here you can see beautiful symmetrical Maryland poplars reflecting on the water , a cute little bridge , and a magnificent windmill . Sometimes , you can meet sheep at the grasslands on the shore . Water lilies and big goldfishes can also be seen during this tour . The water is very clean and you can even swim in designated areas .
THE MOERVAART CANAL
The Moervaart Canal is a 23km long channel connecting the Durme River with the Ghent- Terneuzen-Channel in the Netherlands . This one is only used for pleasure boating and offers generous natural surroundings . The shores offer you many flowers and in the water , you can see water lilies . Also , you can paddle under four classified bridges , near different houses at the shores with beautiful gardens , which ends directly at the channel . Many animals will cross your way , like different birds , ducks , blue herons and fishes . The highlight of this session is the Vapor- Bridge in Moerbeek , a classified lift bridge over the Moervaart . The sun rises just behind this magnificent bridge . An early SUP session there will leave you with breathtaking images .