On the Water

Water Galore

Through the ages, numerous canals have been dug to safeguard low-lying farmland and cities, as well as to enhance transport. Together with existing lakes, rivers and streams, this has resulted in an attractive network of waterways suitable for recreational navigation and water sports. www.waterrecreatie.be

While some cities have boat rides on their own attractive canal systems, such as Bruges, Ghent, Mechelen and Leuven, there are also river cruises taking you from one lovely Flemish harbour to another attractive destination, giving you ample time to enjoy the fine views on route.

Sporting Pursuits

While the North Sea makes for an ideal water playground, there are ample water sports to be had on the inland waterways and lakes. Yachting, wind surfing and kite boarding are very popular at the coast and the large beaches at De Panne and Oostduinkerke are famous for landyachting. It was near De Panne that the first land yacht was built in 1900 by the Dumont Brothers, it heralded the beginning of a very fascinating sport. On the inland waterways, you can go canoeing and kayaking as well as speed boating and water skiing. Fishing is another water 'pass time' with sea fishing by boat very popular as well as carp fishing inland. As well as 'on' and 'along' the water, you can also discover a surprisingly different Flanders from 'under' the water. Put your diving suit on and enjoy the charms of the flora, fauna, and serenity of the waters of Flanders.

Sailing

Apart from sailing on the North Sea, you can also enjoy the Flemish inland waterways by yacht. With a standing mast you can sail as far as Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels, Boom, or Temse; with a struck mast you can discover more of the inland waterways. There are numerous nature reserves, recreational parks, historic towns, and pleasant villages along the Flemish waterways. In addition, of course, there are marked walking and cycling routes which join up with the towpaths along the rivers and canals. And so, sailing along the Flemish waterways makes an unforgettable voyage of discovery.

If you don't feel like doing your own sailing, why not join a cruise on the Flemish waterways. De 4 Vaartijden, a refitted barge from 1924, will take you in luxury from one Flemish harbour to the next. www.de4vaargetijden.com

Boating

Discover Flanders from the water. Sail on the calm inland waterways through rolling landscapes and past quiet villages.
www.waterrecreatie.be
www.binnenvaart.be

Sand yachting

De Panne boasts the widest beach along the Belgian coast and is ideal for sand yachting and kite flying. Landelijke Zeilwagenfederatie vzw
Dynastielaan 20
8660 De Panne,
Tel: +32 58 41 57 47
e-mail: info@lazef.be
web: www.lazef.be

Parasailing

In parasailing you hang over the water with a parachute and you wear water-skis. You are pulled along by a high-speed motorboat. Outside
Tel: +32 59 32 03 32

Angling, wind surfing, beach football, sailing are among the popular sports practised at the seaside.