FAQ - Kayak on the Semois

We offer 4 routes adapted to all levels:

• Alle → Vresse (7km) - Family (2h)
• Alle → Membre (11km) - Discovery (3h)
• Poupehan → Alle (11km) - Panoramic (3h)
• Alle → Bohan (17km) - Adventure (5h)

Each Semois kayak descent offers unique landscapes of the Belgian Ardennes.

The Alle-Vresse route is ideal for a first kayak on the Semois experience:

• Only 7km (1h30-2h)
• Very calm waters
• Suitable from 6 years old
• Return shuttle included

We strongly recommend booking, especially:

• In July-August (high season)
• Weekends
• For groups (+6 people)

Our kayak rentals are limited to guarantee your comfort.

Essentials for your water hike:

• Swimsuit/shorts
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle
• Water shoes
• Waterproof bag (optional)

We provide life jackets and paddles.

Minimum ages by route:

• Alle-Vresse: 6 years (in double kayak)
• Alle-Membre: 8 years
• Poupehan-Alle: 10 years
• Alle-Bohan: 12 years

All children must know how to swim and wear a life jacket.

To navigate effectively on the Semois, master these techniques:

• Basic paddling: Alternating sides to maintain a straight trajectory
• Short and powerful strokes: Essential for maneuvering in moving water
• Arc turns: Use wide paddle strokes to turn effectively
• Eskimo roll: Essential recovery technique in case of capsizing
• Kayak control: Body position and paddle angle to optimize direction

The ideal equipment for your descent:

• Kayak: River model with stable and maneuverable hull
• Paddle: Lightweight with a blade surface adapted to the current
• Life jacket: Comfortable and CE certified
• Helmet: Essential for technical sections
• Waterproofing: Waterproof bags for your personal belongings

Each season offers a unique experience:

• Spring: Moving waters and lush landscapes (beware of strong currents)
• Summer: Ideal conditions for beginners (calm waters and pleasant temperatures)
• Autumn: Extraordinary color spectacle (reds, oranges and yellows)
• Winter: Not recommended (cold temperatures and unpredictable water levels)
• April to October: Optimal period for most routes

Discover these picturesque villages:

• Chiny: Ideal starting point for beginners with forests and trails
• Bouillon: Dominated by its medieval castle, cultural must-see
• Poupehan: Peaceful village surrounded by spectacular cliffs
• Vresse-sur-Semois: Typical Ardenne architecture
• Alle-sur-Semois: Ideal arrival point with welcoming facilities

For experts, the Semois offers:

• Bouillon rapids: Strong currents and technical passages
• Tight meanders: Narrow sections requiring great precision
• Rocky passages: Requiring careful reading of the current
• Technical portages: At certain spots during low water
• Expert route: 35 km with class II-III sections

Several programs protect the river:

• Semois-Chiers River Contracts: Ecosystem restoration
• Cleanup operations: Regularly organized by volunteers
• Eco-kayak charter: Commitments for responsible practice
• Species monitoring: Protection of local wildlife and flora
• Awareness: Information panels along the routes

Discover these local organizations:

• Semois Kayak Club: Regular outings and training for all levels
• Friends of the Semois Association: Kayak promotion and environmental protection
• Ardennes Kayak Club: Organization of local competitions
• Bouillon Kayak School: Courses for beginners and advanced
• Nature Kayak Group: Biodiversity discovery outings

Don't miss these events:

• International Semois Descent: Annual competition (May)
• Kayak Festival: Family event with free initiations (July)
• 3 Valleys Crossing: Technical route for experts (September)
• Kayak & Discovery: Nature observation days (spring)
• Young Paddles Challenge: Competition for 12-18 year olds (August)

For a successful family outing:

• Adapted routes: Choose Chiny-Florenville (8km easy)
• Double kayaks: More stable for parents with children
• Minimum age: 6 years for calm routes
• Children's equipment: Life jackets and helmets adapted to their size
• Regular breaks: Plan picnic stops and games

Discover these alternatives:

• Lesse: Ideal for beginners and families (varied routes)
• Ourthe: Technical sections with rapids (intermediate level)
• Amblève: Moving waters and spectacular landscapes (experts)
• Sûre: Natural border with Luxembourg (calm)
• Vesdre: Revitalized river with recreational routes

To master difficult sections:

• River reading: Identify currents and obstacles
• Lateral control: Precise maneuvers to avoid rocks
• Braces: Using the paddle as a support point in strong currents
• Ferry gliding: Crossing the current diagonally
• Quick recovery: Techniques to avoid capsizing

Prepare effectively:

• Endurance: 30 min cardio 3x/week
• Upper body: Strengthening shoulders and back
• Specific exercises: Paddling movements with elastic bands
• Flexibility: Stretching to prevent injuries
• Hydration: Drink 1.5L water before the descent

All our routes include for free:

• Transport: Bus to departure and pickup at arrival
• Equipment: Waterproof bucket and life jacket
• Assistance: Safety briefing and technical advice
• Maps: Detailed route plan
• Guarantee: Assistance in case of technical problem

Advantageous rates for groups and communities:

• Groups: Discount from 10 people
• Schools: Special educational rates
• Youth movements: Adapted packages
• Scouts: Privileged conditions
• Companies: Custom team-building

Equip yourself completely:

• Rescue rope: 15m floating
• Whistle: To signal your position
• Waterproof kit: Phone, medications, papers
• Safety knife: To cut ropes in case of entrapment
• Survival blanket: Compact and lightweight

Respect for the environment:

• Sensitive areas: Avoid fragile banks and nesting areas
• Waste: Bring a bag to take your trash back
• Biodegradable products: Ecological sunscreen and mosquito repellent
• Wildlife: Maintain 20m distance from animals
• Participation: Join cleanup operations

Routes adapted for novices:

• Chiny to Florenville: 8km (2h) - calm waters
• Membre to Alle: 6km (1h30) - wooded landscapes
• Vresse to Bohan: 10km (2h30) - peaceful meanders
• Herbeumont to Bertrix: 7km (2h) - light rapids
• Initiation route: 3km loop with instructor

Safe photo advice:

• Equipment: Waterproof smartphone or GoPro
• Accessories: Mandatory floating strap
• Moments: Photos only in calm areas
• Composition: Frame with banks and reflections
• Backup: Automatic transfer to the cloud

Training options:

• Certified schools: ADEPS and French-speaking Canoe-Kayak Federation
• Intensive courses: Technical weekends on the Ourthe
• Private lessons: With experienced local guides
• Safety workshops: Rapids management and rescue
• Pool training: Eskimo roll learning

Adapt your equipment:

• Summer: Technical swimsuit + UV protective lycra
• Spring/Autumn: Shorty wetsuit or 3mm neoprene
• Cold waters: Full 5mm wetsuit + booties
• Rain: Waterproof breathable jacket
• Accessories: Polarized glasses and cap

Upcoming evolutions:

• Infrastructures: Development of specific routes
• Eco-tourism: Development of "kayak & nature" stays
• Technology: Navigation applications and augmented reality
• Training: School initiation program
• Competitions: Organization of international championships

Priority to safety:

• Mandatory equipment: Certified life jacket and helmet
• Weather check: Avoid storms and sudden floods
• Signaling: Know emergency hand signals
• Groups: Minimum 3 kayaks together
• Rescue plan: Identified exit points