Canoeing and Kayaking

I bought an inflatable kayak in 2020 and I discovered the question I had to ask myself was not “where can I kayak?” but “where can I not kayak?” as the answer was much shorter.

Perhaps you also have an inflatable kayak, or you have a Canadian canoe and want to know where you can use it, and what are the rules. Hopefully, you will find your answers here!

Where can I use a Canoe/Kayak?

In short, anywhere. Almost. There are many different Water Boards (Waterschappen) in The Netherlands and they all have their own rules. A good rule of thumb is if you see somewhere where you can get in about safely without damaging the bank, you can use your canoe there.

List of waterschappen

Here I list some of the waterschappen with links and brief summary of prohibitions. This list is always changing so please consult the listed websites. Information was correct at time of publication

Waterschap Limburg
The following are free canoe areas, although some have date limitations, so please check the website first.
– Niers
– Swalm
– Tungelroysebeek
– Deurne Canal
– Oude Helenavaart
– Uffelsebeek
– Grote Molenbeek

The follow area is only allowed with permission:
– The Roer: only allowed with permission from the waterschap and only from 1 June to 1 October

Waterschap De Dommel (Tilburg/Eindhoven area)
You can canoe, sail, and row on every waterway in the area of the De Dommel. In some places you may not sail, and in others you may use a small motor. They provide an interactive sailing map that lists permissions/restrictions here

Waterschap De Stichtse Rijnlanden (around Utrecht)
You can canoe on almost every waterway here as the restrictions are largely put upon motor boats (e.g. they are not allowed on the Kromme Rijn without a permit)

Waterschap Rijn en IJssel (mostly Gelderland Province)
You can canoe and row, in principle, anywhere within this waterschap area. There is some common sense required: only launch your boat where you will not damage the bank; be careful around bridges, weirs, and locks. Only on frequently used routes will there be warning signs, so because there is no sign does not mean there are no dangers. Take into account the current and also after heavy rainfal a babbling brook may become a raging torrent within a matter of hours. Do not take risks.

IJsseldelta (Kampen, Zwolle)
Like others, there are no restrictions. They even provide some canoe route for you to follow.

Inside cities – Canoing in cities such as Amsterdam, or Utrecht on their canals is allowed but bear in mind the water ways are busy with tourist boats so follow local rules.

What are the rules?

Of course, outside of the rules as to where you can go, there are also rules on how to act on the water. This list is non-exhaustive.

• Do not drink alcohol on the water. Especially, if you hire a motorboat such as in Amsterdam.
• Do not make loud noises or play music, especially on city waterways.
• Always sail to the right of the water;
• A canoe usually has no right of way on open water;
• Beware of all large ships (longer than 20 m) and sailing vessels;;
• Inexperienced swimmers and children must wear a life jacket;
• Leave the water immediately in case of thunderstorms;
• Do not go out on the water alone in strong winds;
• Stay (especially at lower temperatures) within swimming range of the bank;
• Bring dry clothes in a waterproof container;
• Keep a safe distance from weirs and water intakes;
• Beware of weed or dirt traps; these are floating beams (usually in July and August) across the width of the waterway to catch water plants, reeds and grass clippings;
• Keep the water clean and preserve nature, only go ashore at designated places.

Signs
To learn more about the various signs you can see them here. This is a small selection of some of the most relevant.

Canoeing on Major Rivers

In short, this is also possible. You could canoe from Arnhem to Amsterdam, starting on the Rijn, for example. However, remember that in The Netherlands the major waterways are major shipping routes with large ships constantly using them. You can enjoy canoing in The Netherlands and completely avoid them, and it will be much more enjoyable. If you simply cannot avoid it, be sure to know the meaning of signs, and it would also be worth knowing what the various horn blasts signify.

Maps

Are there maps? You bet there are maps!

ANWB water maps can be bought via that link. Unfortunately, they have discontinued their app.
Nautical Chart NL is one app for water maps.
VaarWater is an app for Amsterdam.

One last thing

As with lots of things, there are always busy-bodies who like to say you are doing something wrong, and this is especially true when I am kayaking on waterways. Always check that there are no signs saying it is prohibited. If there is nothing and you have followed the rules set out here you should be fine. You can politely explain that you have the right to canoe where you are. Or you can ignore them and paddle away. They never jumped in the water after you!