F.A.Q. Kayak

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

Is a booking required ?

For the 12 or 21km descent of the Lesse by kayak, it is not compulsory but it is highly recommended. On busy days we cannot guarantee the availability of the kayaks to people who have not made a reservation.

 For the combined kayaks as well as for the Lesse Trophy, it is indeed compulsory. 

For all details about bookings (modification, cancellation, etc.) go to the general F.A.Q. Dinant Evasion.

How to dress ? 

We advise you to wear a swimsuit underneath a sporty outfit (T-shirt, trainers, jeans, jumper and jacket in case of uncertain weather). You should also bring a complete change of clothes to leave in the coach or in your car so that you can change upon arrival. Glasses should ideally be secured with an elastic band or string.

Do not take any valuables, keys or mobile phones with you that you might lose in the river (there is no mobile phone network along the route).

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

The descent of the Lesse is perfectly feasible, even in case of rain.
In the event of floods or drought, the water level can vary significantly from one day to the next, forcing us to close the activity for safety and nature protection reasons.

In both cases, we make every effort to warn our clients and offer them a replacement programme. Please contact us for confirmation (+32 (0) 82.22.43.97).

How does the shuttle service work ?

When you come by car, we recommend that you leave it at the arrival in Anseremme with a change of clothes inside.

The shuttle then brings you to the starting point of the descent, and you return by kayak to the car. 

This way, once the activity is over, you are very close to your vehicle, as well as hot showers and changing rooms to change your clothes in the best conditions.  

Out of respect for the neighbourhood and other clients, we ask you not to undress in the car parks.

Is there a car park ?

Ample free car parks are available to leave your car at our different boarding points.

I've lost something, how can I find it back ?

Given the enormous quantity of objects of all kinds lost or forgotten by customers, it is strictly impossible to provide a sorting or storage service for the various items.

Anything we find is systematically thrown away at the end of the day, without any further treatment. 

I've booked for the long descent, how does it work ?

Consult our schedules on kayak access page.

I have booked for the short descent, how does it go ?

Consult our schedules on kayak access page.

Are dogs allowed ?

Yes, you can take a dog in your kayak.
The place on board the kayak is free for small dogs who can sit between the knees of their master. For a large dogs that takes a place alone, the price is the same as for humans. We do not provide dog-friendly life jackets.

Regarding the shuttles, if they are made by bus, the place is free for your dog. If they are done by train, the SNCB policy applies: small dogs (in a basket, a cage or a crate of 30x55x30 cm maximum) travel for free, while larger dogs require a ticket (3 €/dog) to pay at the terminal.

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

Is kayaking allowed to pregnant women?

The activity presents a number of risks, especially if the kayak capsizes: possible impact with the bottom of the riverbed, low temperature of the river, difficulty in intervening in rescue operations, given the configuration of the valley, etc. We therefore strongly advise against kayaking during pregnancy, and we disclaim all liability in this regard in the event of an incident.

Are the prices calculated per person or per kayak ?

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

Can we stop along the way ?

It is possible to stop at authorised docking areas. These are signposted. 

It is strictly forbidden to do so anywhere else on the Lesse, and offenders are liable to fines up to 250 € in the event of a breach.

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

The 12km trip (Gendron-Anseremme) is shorter, so it is ideal for younger people or for groups who wish 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.

What is the level of difficulty of the dams ?

The dams have a difference in height of 1m, so they can be crossed by everyone. 

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

There is no weight limit on board of the kayaks, but the width of the seat could possibly hinder some customers.

Classic two-seater : 46 cm
Comfort single seater : 46 cm 
Two-seater Super Comfort : 46 cm
Canadian canoe: 2 seats 45cm - 1 seat 57 cm

For better handling of the kayak, we recommend that the strongest person should sit at the back of the two-seater and canoes.

For large people we recommend the single seater kayak.  

How deep is the water ?

The average depth of the Lesse is 1 metre, but some places are much deeper. Lifejackets are available free of charge and in all sizes for people who cannot swim.

They are compulsory for children under 10 years of age. 

What are the differences between the kayak models ?

• The Classic kayak is available as a two-seater and a single-seater. It has the particularity of being "self-draining", meaning that the water that enters (when passing the dam for example, after the swirls) automatically comes out. There is no need to get out of the kayak and turn it over. 
• The Comfort kayak is only available as a two-seater. More comfortable than the Classic with its half-height backrest, it is however less pleasant than the Super Comfort if you opt for the 21km.
• The Super Comfort kayak is also available in two-seater and single-seater versions. Very stable and equipped with ergonomic seats and footrests, it is particularly suitable for the long 5-hour descent, so that you can enjoy nature in the most pleasant conditions possible.
• The Canadian canoe is a boat similar to a dugout, also very stable, and can accommodate a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child. 

What happens if I stop during the descent and don't want to go on ?

In the event of an accident or if you feel unwell, immediately call the fire brigade: dial the emergency number 112, and indicate the nearest boundary stone. 

If you are tired and simply wish to give up, go to one of the recovery points listed in our folder and call our office. We will pick you up as soon as a vehicle is available. Fee of 35 €/kayak.  

Is it necessary to know how to swim to go on the Lesse river descent?

It is recommended to know how to swim.

The conditions of access to the river vary according to the water level and flow. In case of "strict" conditions (minimum age requirement = 12 years old or more), the current and depth can surprise a non-swimmer. When the conditions are more flexible (minimum age requirement = 5 years old), the water level is generally lower.

Check the current navigation conditions here.

Also note that Lesse is not very wide, in 2 to 3 strokes, one can easily reach a bank. Furthermore, when life jackets are not mandatory, they remain available free of charge upon request.

What time should I go to the ticket office?

The time on your reservation confirmation received by email corresponds to the time you should arrive at the ticket office, not the boarding time. Therefore, please make sure to plan accordingly: in case of delay, the reservation may be cancelled or adapted depending on the remaining availability.

I did not receive a confirmation after booking online...

After booking, you should receive a confirmation by email within 48 hours. Please check your spam folder.

Still haven't received a confirmation after this time? Have your client number ready and contact us at +32 (0) 82 22 43 97.

What items are prohibited on board the kayak?

In order to respect the Lesse and its users, it is strictly forbidden to bring on board the kayak any items that could harm the serenity of the valley. Examples include speakers, beer crates, barbecues, coolers, etc.

Two waterproof buckets of 10L each per kayak are distributed to you before boarding. Make sure to travel light ;-).

When is the best time to go on the Lesse river descent?

The flow on the Lesse river varies depending on weather conditions and school holiday periods.

Do you like crowds? The Lesse river is very popular during sunny weekends, especially in July-August.

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

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

For logistical reasons, we do not have any luggage storage service. We recommend that you leave your valuables at home or in your vehicle (unattended car parks).

However, one waterproof bucket of 10L per kayak is distributed to you at boarding to store your personal belongings. Waterproof pouches for smartphones are also available for purchase at the ticket office.
 

How do you kayak?

A video will soon be available.
 

Where to eat/drink after the kayak descent?

The Endless fries stand and the Cool Corner, located at the arrival point of the kayaks, welcome you after your activities for a well-deserved break (variable opening hours).

Are you coming in a group (minimum 20 people)? Reserve your meal at the Cool Corner!

Are there toilets/showers on the route?

Toilets, changing rooms and showers are available at the end of the 12km and 21km routes: rue du Vélodrome, 15 - 5500 Anseremme.

On the route, toilets are available at Gendron (near the Paradiso campsite) and at the "Aiguilles de Chaleux". You can locate them on the map received at the ticket office (see the map).

Are we covered in case of a problem ?

Dinant Evasion declines all responsibility in the event of theft, loss or breakage of your personal belongings, during your descent down the Lesse or in one of the various car parks made available to you. 

Still a grey area ?