Neerpelt (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – A two-month boating ban on the Dommel River has left Neerpelt’s kayak club in crisis, raising concerns over local sports sustainability and waterway access.
Consequently, the revenue they typically receive from kayak rentals has drastically decreased.
The Dommel River, which flows downstream from Peer to the Netherlands, has been off-limits to boats since May 13. This indicates that for at least two months, all boats—from rafts to kayaks and tiny boats—have been forbidden on the small river.
Why? In fact, the water level is far too low. Less than 50 cm of water existed in some areas, which might harm boats.
“It’s a difficult time, but fortunately we can count on the understanding of our customers and members,”
says Tom Verduyckt of the Neerpelt Watersport Club, Belgium.
The Neerpelt Watersport Club, which relies on kayak rentals on the Dommel River for its livelihood, has seen its income decline sharply for some time now.
“We’re barely renting out any boats now, even though our volunteers are always ready to help. That’s all a real shame, of course,”
says Tom Verduyckt of the kayak club.
“It’s always difficult to find volunteers, but now they can’t really do much.”
Only in Borkel, in the Netherlands, are they still able to operate occasionally, but on a much smaller scale.
“There are other rental companies there, but we’re the only one in Neerpelt. Moreover, it’s very busy there, because the starting point isn’t designed for so many people. That’s just annoying and causes irritation.”
“It’s a difficult time, but thankfully we can count on the understanding of our customers and members,”
said the relieved kayak rental owner.
“But people naturally find it a shame that they can only paddle the short section. The short route also doesn’t go through the Hageven, a beautiful natural area, which they also find very regrettable.”
One bright spot was that the kayak club was permitted to rent boats throughout Ascension weekend. For the long weekend, the Flemish Environment Agency relaxed the ban, allowing the Neerpelt club and the rental businesses on the Kleine Nete river to “earn their keep.”
“That was really good for us; we really missed it,”
Tom recalls.
“It finally felt normal again, even if it only lasted for a little while.”
How are club members and the local community responding to the ban—are there efforts to advocate for
Comments
11 responses to “Neerpelt Kayak Club Faces Challenges Due to Dommel River Restrictions”
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Looks like the Dommel River is the new exclusive club for aquatic life only—no kayaks allowed! 🛶💧 Who needs a thriving sports community when you can just watch fish swim by, right? 😂
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Looks like the Dommel River has decided it’s more of a puddle these days—perfect for a quick dip but not much else! 💧🏊♂️ Good luck explaining that to the kayakers, who probably feel like they’ve signed up for a rowing class in a bathtub. 😂
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Looks like the Dommel River decided to play hard to get, eh? 🤦♂️ Who knew low water levels could turn a kayak club into a ghost town? Talk about a wet blanket on local sports!
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Imagine telling a kayak club they can’t paddle because there’s not enough water—what’s next, sending the ducks a memo too? 😂 If only the Dommel had a water level as high as the bureaucrats’ expectations!
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Quite the pickle, innit? Who knew a lil’ water could turn into a big drama, making the kayak club feel like a fish outta water! 🚤💦
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Such a shame, isn’t it? The Dommel River decided to go on a diet, leaving Neerpelt’s kayak club with nothing but soggy dreams and a boatload of disappointment. 🚣♂️💧
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Apparently, the Dommel River has decided to go on a diet, leaving the Neerpelt Kayak Club in a bit of a pickle. 🙄 Who knew a little less water could sink so many dreams?
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Seems like the Dommel River decided to take a summer holiday too! Who knew low water levels could put a damper on kayaking fun? 😂🚣♂️
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Seems like the Dommel River’s gone on a diet, and now the Neerpelt Kayak Club is just left with a soggy paddle and a frown. Who knew low water levels could put a damper on such high hopes? 😂
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Seems like the Dommel River decided to go on a strict diet, leaving Neerpelt’s kayak club high and dry – talk about a real ‘paddle your own canoe’ situation! 🚣♂️💦 Who knew water could be so exclusive?
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Seems like the only thing flowing on the Dommel these days is the disappointment. Who knew a kayaking club in Belgium would be drowning in regulations instead of water? 🤦♂️
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