Venga: kayak and SUP yoga on the Old Dender

There's no better way to experience Scheldeland than from the water's surface. Action and sport, or peace and relaxation? On the Old Dender in Dendermonde you can do it all. Inspiration for an exciting water activity in an authentic piece of nature.

Super idea: supping on the Old Dender

One of the most popular water sports in recent years is stand-up paddleboarding – SUP for short. As the name suggests, you stand up on a surf board, which you propel with a paddle. The nice thing about supping is that the sport trains your entire body; while working the water and the slow movements are deeply relaxing. 

The perfect place to discover the sport – or improve your supping skills – is Dendermonde. The Old Dender runs right through the historic centre of the town, making it a wonderful sport for paddleboarding. By visiting Dendermonde on a SUP,  you get the chance to see the town from an entirely new perspective.  

First time on a surfboard? No problem, as well as a board, paddle and life jacket, you also receive some short instructions. The only thing left to do is enjoy the lapping water as you watch the historic buildings Dendermonde glide gently past.

Ultimate relaxation with SUP yoga

Two activities that seem made for each other: yoga and supping. Both require concentration, balance and focus, and both are deeply relaxing. By combing the two activities, you get the ultimate focus and relaxation. 

To do SUP yoga, you paddle to a green relaxing spot in the water, together with other participants and a yoga instructor. All SUP boards are clicked together in the shape of a star, with the instructor in the middle. In that way, you won't drift off as you try the different yoga positions. 

Whether you are new to yoga or a familiar face, SUP yoga is enjoyable. The poses are easy to begin with and build up to more challenging positions, like the downward-facing dog. A unique experience and the perfect way to start a sunny Sunday in the wonderful environment.

Kayaking past the most beautiful parts of Dendermonde

An oldie but a goldie in water sports is kayaking, a sport that never fails to appeal to people of all ages. You don't need to conquer wild rivers to enjoy an exciting adventure with the boat. A tour past the most beautiful spots in and around Dendermonde is just as exciting.  

Start at the Sas for example and paddle along the beautiful nature at the Tragel and into the busy streets of the town centre. Still got some power left in your arms? Then continue to the impressive nature area known as the Brusselse Forten. The forts were once an important part of the town's fortification, protecting the centre of Dendermonde. These days you'll find a pretty pond, the secret of many walkers and fishermen. 

Dive into the past

Done enough paddling? Time to step ashore and continue exploring the town of the Bayard Steed on foot. Be sure to pop into the Church of Our Lady. Not necessarily to confess your sins (although you can if you like), but above all to admire a genuine painting by Antoon van Dyck.  

Also not to be missed is the Belfry at the town hall, that has been on the UNESCO list of world heritage since 1999. In Dendermonde you find also find other world heritage, like the St Alexius beguinage with its trapezium-shaped courtyard. Do all those historic buildings make you curious to learn more about Dendermonde's history? Then find out more in the fascinating historical museum.

Spotting beavers and herons

Have you acquired a taste for the water? Then head off to the nature area Beneden-Dender, a delightful flood plain stretching across 850 hectares that is simply wriggling with (tiny and somewhat larger) animals. When the water is too high, the Dender floods its banks here. That creates a fertile and wet landscape with woods, marshes and pollard willows. The six connected walking circuits by nature organisation Natuurpunt lead you past all the secret corners of this beautiful nature area, where herons and beavers feel completely at home.

Reserve your kayak or SUP!

Can't wait to discover Dendermonde from the water? Book your activity with Venga. There you'll find all the practical details to get the most out of your adventure.