F.A.Q. Kayak | Dinant Evasion

Do you have any question? We can certainly answer it !

BOOKING - MODIFICATION - CANCELLATION

Is a booking required?

On busy days, we cannot guarantee the availability of kayaks for those who have not made a reservation. For the 9km, the 12 or 21km descent of the Lesse by kayak, it is highly recommended to make a reservation in advcance.

For the combined kayaks (with the Ardennes Challenge, Alpes Challenge, Paintball/Lasergame or Mountainbike), it is required. No payment is requested online, under any circumstances.

For full details regarding reservations (changes, cancellations, etc.), please visit the general Dinant Evasion F.A.Q.

I did not receive confirmation of my booking request

After submitting a booking request by email or through the online booking form, you should receive a booking confirmation by email within 24 hours. Please check your spam folder.

You still have not received confirmation after this period? Contact us by phone +32 (0) 82 22 43 97

I just made a reservation for tomorrow but the office is closed. How can I know if I can start tomorrow morning?

For any reservation made in the evening for the following day, we recommend you contact the office from 8:30 AM onwards.

Do you have an alternative if descents of the Lesse are not allowed due to low water?

Can't descend the Lesse? Come paddle it anyway!
Discover Lesse & Meuse by kayak: a paddle along the water starting from our quays on the Lesse at Anseremme or from the Aquaspot, located nearby. A unique one-and-a-half-hour route will allow you to fully enjoy the water as you paddle between the Meuse and the natural scenery of the Lesse!
No need for strong currents, no need to rush down the river at full speed: here, we take time to paddle, discover and enjoy.

PRICES AND PAYMENT

Are prices calculated per person or per kayak?

Prices are fixed and are calculated per person, regardless of the person's age and distance.

Do I need to pay online for my reservation?

There is no prepayment required online.
For any reservation of more than 30 people, a deposit request will be sent by email.

We are 2 people but we would like to rent a canoe, what will the price be?

The price will be the price for 3 people even if there are only 2 of you.

HOURS AND SEASON

What is the best time to do the Descent of la Lesse?

The crowds on the Lesse vary notably depending on weather conditions and school holiday periods.

Do you enjoy animation? La Lesse is very popular during sunny weekends, particularly in July-August.

If you wish to discover the quieter version of the Descent of the Lesse, we recommend opting for weekdays if you visit us in July/August or favoring the beginning (around April-May) or end of season (around September-October).

What time should I go to the checkout desk?

The time shown on your booking confirmation received by email corresponds to the time you should arrive at the checkout desk and not the boarding time. Please organize yourself accordingly: in case of delay, your booking may be cancelled or adjusted depending on remaining availability.

Please note that if you go directly to Gendron or Houyet by public transport, our teams are on site from 9:30 AM.

Can I arrive at any time?

No, the time at which you must present yourself at the cashier is mentioned on the booking confirmation received by email. Please organize yourself accordingly: in case of delay, the reservation may be cancelled or adjusted according to remaining availability.

EQUIPEMENTS

What are the differences between kayak models?

• The Classic kayak (red) is only available as a two-seater. It has the special feature of being "self-bailing", meaning that water that enters (when passing the dam for example, after the rapids) automatically drains out. No need to get out of the kayak and flip it over.

• The Comfort kayak (yellow) is only available as a two-seater. More comfortable than the Classic with its mid-height backrest, it is however less pleasant than the Super Comfort if you opt for the 21 km route.

• The Super Comfort kayak (blue or yellow) is available as both a two-seater and a one-seater. Very stable, equipped with ergonomic seats and footrests, it is particularly recommended for the long 5-hour descent, so you can enjoy nature in the most pleasant conditions possible.

• The Canadian canoe (yellow) is a boat similar to a pirogue, also very stable, and can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child.

Are there toilets/showers on the route?

Toilets, changing rooms and showers are available at the finish of the 12 km and 21 km routes: rue du Vélodrome 15, 5500 Anseremme. At the starting points in Gendron (12 km boarding) and Houyet (9 and 21 km boarding) there are toilets available.

Along the route, toilets are also available at Gendron (at the level of Paradiso camping) and at Aiguilles de Chaleux. You will be able to locate them on the map you receive at the checkout (s ee the map).

How to dress ?

We recommend wearing a swimsuit under sports clothing (t-shirt, sneakers, jeans, sweater and jacket in case of uncertain weather). Also plan to bring a complete change of clothes to leave in the coach or your car so you can change when you arrive. Glasses should ideally be secured with an elastic band or string (cords are available for purchase at the desk).

Arrange for a secure place for your valuables (carkeys or mobile phones) that you might lose in the river. Waterproof phone pouchs are for sale at the departure point in Anseremme.

ACCESS AND PARKING

How does the shuttle work?

When you come by car, we recommend leaving it at the arrival point in Anseremme, along with your change of clothes.

The shuttle then takes you to the starting point of the descent, and you return by kayaks to your vehicles. This way, once the activity is finished, you are very close to the vehicles, as well as to the hot showers and changing rooms so you can change in the best conditions.

Out of respect for the neighbourhood and other customers, we ask you not to undress in the parking areas.

Is there a parking?

Spacious free parking lots allow you to leave your car at our various meeting and boarding points.

SAFETY AND ACCESSIBILITY

What if it rains ? What if the level is too high or too low ?

Kayaking down la Lesse is perfectly feasible, even in case of rain.
In case of flooding or drought, the water level can vary significantly from one day to the next, which may force us to close the activity for safety and environmental protection reasons. Always check navigation conditions before departing.
In both cases, we make every effort to notify our clients and propose an alternative programme.

Is kayaking authorized for pregnant women?

The activity presents a number of risks, particularly if the kayak capsizes: possible impact with the riverbed, water temperature, difficulty of rescue given the valley's configuration, etc.
We therefore strongly advise against practicing kayaking during pregnancy, and we disclaim all responsibility in this regard in case of accident.

Is it essential to know how to swim to do the Lesse Descent?

It is recommended to know how to swim.

The conditions for access to the river vary depending on the water level and flow. In case of "strict" conditions (minimum age required = 12 years or older), the current and depth can be surprising for a non-swimmer. When conditions are more flexible (minimum age required = 5 years), the water level is generally lower.

Consult the current navigation conditions on our site.

Also note that la Lesse is not very wide: in 2 to 3 strokes, you can easily reach a bank. Furthermore, when life jackets are not mandatory, they remain freely available upon request.

What is the water depth?

The average depth of the Lesse is 1 meter, but some areas are much deeper. Life jackets are always available free of charge and in all sizes at the boarding points, on request.

Wearing a life jacket is always mandatory for children under 10 years old, and for all visitors if the navigation conditions of the day require it.
Please check the current navigation conditions on our site.

What is the difficulty level of the weirs?

The weirs have a drop of 1 m, so they are passable by everyone.

The 9 km descent has no weirs; the 12 km and 21 km descents each have the two.

What is the maximum weight per person on board the kayaks?

There is no weight limit on board the kayaks, but the width of the seat could potentially be uncomfortable for some customers.

• Classic two-seater: 46 cm
• Comfort one-seater: 46 cm
• Super Comfort two-seater: 46 cm
• Canadian canoe: 2-seater 45 cm — 1-seater 57 cm

For better manoeuvrability of the kayak, we recommend that the heaviest person takes a seat at the rear of the two-seaters and canoes.

For people with a larger build, we recommend opting for the Super Comfort one-seater, which will better distribute the weight and ensure better stability of the vessel. We are not saying that you will not capsize, but that you will have less chance of it happening.

Can we stop along the way?

It is possible for you to stop at authorized landing areas. These are marked by signs.

It is strictly forbidden to do so anywhere else on la Lesse, and offenders risk fines up to 250 € in case of violation.

What objects are forbidden onboard the kayak?

With a view to respecting la Lesse and its users, it is strictly forbidden to bring onboard the kayak any objects that could harm the serenity of the valley. Examples: speakers, beer crates, barbecues, coolers, etc.

2 hermetic buckets/kayak of 10 L each (1 for your personal belongings, 1 as a waste bin) are provided to you before boarding. Please travel light ;-).

Are we covered in case of problems?

Dinant Evasion is insured for operational liability. Dinant Evasion is therefore responsible for the quality of its equipment, infrastructure and supervision of its Services.

Dinant Evasion declines all responsibility in case of theft, loss or damage to your personal belongings during your descent of la Lesse or in any of the different car parks at your disposal.

Dinant Evasion cannot under any circumstances be held responsible for an accident occurring on the kayaking route (collisions between kayakers, disputes with other users, incidents caused by wildlife or flora, etc.).

What happens if I stop during the descent and no longer wish to continue?

In case of accident or discomfort, immediately call the emergency services: dial 112, and indicate the nearest marker to your location.
If you are tired and simply wish to give up, go to one of the recovery points listed on our folder. You can leave your kayak there and reach the finish point on foot via the trails.

For beginners, do you recommend the long or short descent?

The 12km trip (Gendron-Anseremme) is shorter, so it is ideal for participants wishing to do a second activity on the same day.
The 21km trip (Houyet-Anseremme, approx. 5h) is not more difficult than the 2h30 course, it is simply longer.

Do you have lockers or a storage system for my valuables?

For logistical reasons, we do not offer a storage service. We recommend leaving your valuables at home or in your vehicle (unsupervised car parks). Plan accordingly to secure your valuables (car keys and mobile phone) that could be lost in the river. Waterproof pouches for smartphones are also available for purchase at the checkouts.
Nevertheless, 1 hermetic bucket/kayak of 10L is provided to you at embarkation to store your personal belongings.

INFORMATIONS DIVERS PRATIQUES

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, you can bring a dog in your kayak.

Space on board the kayak is free for small dogs that can sit between their owner's knees, and paid for large dogs that take up a seat of their own (the same price as a human with a 2.5€ reduction applied upon request at the checkout). We do not provide life jackets suitable for dogs.

Regarding shuttles, if they are operated by bus, the space is free for your dog. If they are by train, SNCB policy applies: small dogs (in a basket, cage or crate of maximum 30×55×30 cm) travel free, while larger dogs require a ticket (3 €/dog) to be purchased at the automaton at the train station.

(*) Dogs must be kept on a leash on the shuttles.

Where to eat/drink after the kayak descent?

The Cool Corner and the Snack Friterie la Phine Frite, located at the kayak arrival point, welcome you after your activities for a well-deserved snack (variable hours).

If you come in a group of at least 10 people, think to book your meal at the Cool Corner !