INFO-KAYAK-SEMOIS: all the information you need to know and be aware of WHEN KAYAKING DOWN the SEMOIS RIVER

what is it?

It is a small module we have created to improve our interaction with you: mandatory closing days, the rate of flow of the Semois river,…). Featured in the top right-hand corner of each page of our site, the module enables you to see straight way the navigation characteristics of the river and the departure times. So gone are the days of turning up eager to set off in a kayak only to find the river conditions are unsuitable.

Can kayaking be PROHIBITED on the SEMOIS river?

Kayaking can be prohibited although this rarely happens. The river velocity is checked every day by the Walloon Region authorities using a flow sensor located at Membre-sur-Semois. As long as the level is somewhere between 2.2 cubic metres and 50 cubic metres there is no need to worry and the module will  therefore show its blue panel :

kayak-autorise

The Semois river may be closed to traffic for 2 reasons:

    • Too much water: the rate of flow recorded at 8 am is higher than 50 cubic metres, hence kayaking is too dangerous.
    • Not enough water: the average rate of flow over the last 72 hours is less than 2.2 cubic metres so there is not enough water for kayaks to travel on the river.

If either of these 2 conditions occurs our module will display its prohibition panel : Kayak interdit

WHAT TO DO WHEN KAYAKING IS PROHIBITED?

When kayaking is forbidden owing to weather conditions (shortage of water or excessive flow rate), the only thing to do is to wait until conditions return to normal and check out our site every morning after 9 am to see if the situation has changed. You can also follow us on the social networks. We will keep you up-to-date on the river’s status.

If you have already reserved some kayaks, we will let you know as soon as possible by e-mail, text message and/or  telephone so you do not end up travelling for nothing.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide advance notice of when the river will reopen for traffic as this depends on future weather conditions. If there is not enough water, we have to wait until it rains enough to raise the river level and if there is too much water, we have to wait until the surplus is absorbed naturally.

Are there any fixed times for kayaking?

Yes, fixed times have been set by the Walloon Region authorities and depend upon the time of the year:

    • Between 16 March and 15 June : kayaking is allowed between 9.30 am and 7 pm.
    • Between 16 June and 15 October : kayaking is allowed between 9.30 am and 7 pm.
    • Between 16 October and 15 March: kayaking is allowed between 9.30 am and 5 pm.

This means you may start your journey at 9.30 in the morning and you will have to leave the water at the latest time allowed according to the current time of the year.

what is the water level?

We have produced a video clip as an easy way of showing you how to find out the level of the Semois river.

You can now find out the water level by paying a visit to the Walloon Region website