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 lifting it?
The response of club members and the local community to the boating ban on the Dommel River has been marked by understanding but also concern due to the financial hardship caused, especially for the Neerpelt Watersport Club which relies heavily on kayak rentals for income.
Members appreciate the need for temporary restrictions, often related to safety or environmental conditions such as low water levels, but there is clear anxiety over the duration of the ban and its economic impact.
Currently, there is no indication of a significant organized campaign actively pushing to lift the ban immediately, as most recognize that the restrictions stem from environmental or safety concerns that must be addressed.
