SUP & kayak rental at the Blaarmeersen in Ghent
📍 About the location
Blaarmeersen is Ghent's most beautiful recreational area, and the perfect spot to spontaneously get out on the water. You can do so here with a SUP board or a solo kayak. Our self-service locker is located right by the lake, outside the beach zone, and is open every day from April to October.
Also for groups and team-building events , Blaarmeersen is our largest and most suitable location in Ghent. Prefer paddleboarding or kayaking in the city center? Discover our other locations in the city center: at Beestenmarkt, or at Gazon Zomerbar.
Goed om weten!
⚠️ Important!
🗺️ Paddle routes
🅿️ Practical info
SUP boarding and kayaking on the lake
Kayaking and paddling on the Blaarmeersen: everything you need to know
De Blaarmeersen is not just a recreational area. It is the greenest and largest relaxation park in Ghent - a vast area on the outskirts of the city where you'll forget you're ten minutes from the city center. And the water is a good thing. The pond is no less than 17 acres, 760 meters long and has clear, calm water with hardly any current. So ideal for those who get on a kayak or SUP for the first time, but also for those who just want to enjoy themselves without stress.
Two routes, two experiences
From the Blaarmeersen, you have two very different options. If you choose the short route, you'll paddle slowly across the lake itself - surrounded by greenery, with the beach in the background and plenty of space to float at your own pace. No rush, no pressure. Just out on the water.
Are you more adventurous? Then take the Leie and paddle towards Ghent's city center. You pass along the Water Sports Track, through the Green Valley Park, and enter the heart of Ghent via the Coupure. A unique way to discover the city. Both routes depart and end at our locker on the Vissersdijk.
Self-service, no hassle
The Dobber-locker on the Blaarmeersen is located right on the lake, outside the beach zone. You don't need an entry ticket to the beach zone to get to the locker. Reserve online, open the locker with your confirmation email and you'll be out on the water in one minute. In the locker, you will find a kayak or SUP board, a paddle, a life jacket and a waterproof bag. Keep personal items safe in the locker during your session.
Practical: this is how to get there
De Blaarmeersen is located on the Vissersdijk in Ghent, near the Watersportbaan. By car, you can park at Parking East, within walking distance of the locker. By public transport, you can get off at the Vissersdijk bus stop, or take the train to Ghent Saint-Pieters and cycle or neighborhood from there. After your session, De Waterkant is nearby for a well-deserved drink or snack, and Urban Gardens offers a unique camping experience if you want to extend the day.
When is the best time to go?
The Dobber locker at the Blaarmeersen is open from April to October, every day from sunrise to sunset. The quietest and most pleasant moments are early in the morning or late afternoon, when the beach area is less busy. In the high season (July and August), we recommend booking in advance. Outside the high season, you can also make spontaneous reservations by and on site via the QR code on the locker.
SUP or kayak, which do you choose?
At the Blaarmeersen, you can choose between 10 SUP boards and 4 solo kayaks. A SUP is ideal if you want to paddle while standing up and want to test your balance, more exciting than it looks, and a great full body workout. A kayak is more comfortable and gives you more control, especially on longer trips. Do you have doubts? Both are suitable for beginners and you don't need any experience to fully enjoy them.
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FAQ
👉 What does kayaking or supping cost on the Blaarmeersen?
You can hit the water from €14.99 per hour for a SUP or solo kayak. A 1.5 hour session costs €19.99, 2 hours €24.99. You pay per vessel, not per person. Payment is made online when booking via Bancontact or credit card.
👉 When is Dobber open at the Blaarmeersen?
Dobber is available from April 1 to October 31, every day from sunrise to sunset. There are no fixed opening hours - you choose your preferred starting time. This makes an early morning session possible, or even a trip at sunset.
👉 Do I have to buy an admission ticket to the Blaarmeersen to paddle board or kayak?
No. An entry ticket to the beach zone is not required to paddle or kayak at Dobber. You reserve your SUP or kayak online and only pay for the rental time. You don't need a separate ticket for the recreation area.
👉 How does renting a SUP or kayak on the Blaarmeersen work without staff?
Dobber works completely independently - there are no staff on site. You reserve online at dobber.life (or on site via the QR code on our locker), choose your time and pay immediately. You will receive a confirmation email with an access code to open the locker via your phone. Pick up your equipment, get out into the water and put everything back away afterwards.
👉 Is kayaking or paddling on the Blaarmeersen suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Blaarmeersen is ideal for beginners. The pound is big, there are no motorised boats, and there is hardly any current - perfect for getting on a SUP or kayak for the first time. No experience necessary. You'll get all the gear you need to explore this sport.
👉 Can I kayak safely with children on the Blaarmeersen?
Sure. De Blaarmeersen is child-friendly and well-organized, with calm water without electricity. Children under 16 always go out on the water with an adult. A life jacket or leash are included with each session.
👉 What is the difference between paddling and kayaking - what do I choose on the Blaarmeersen?
On a SUP, you stand up and move along with a long paddle - sporty, active and great for balance. In a kayak, you sit and paddle with a double paddle - more stable and quieter, even with children. Both are ideal on the Blaarmeersen: the calm water gives you time to learn. Want the best of both worlds? You can combine SUPs and kayaks within one reservation.
👉 Where can I kayak or paddle board on the Blaarmeersen in Ghent?
You will depart directly from the Blaarmeersen recreation area, on the Vissersdijk in Ghent. The Dobber locker is located right on the lake, outside the beach zone. Ideal for those who want to paddle quietly in a green environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
👉 Can I also paddle from the Blaarmeersen to the center of Ghent?
Yes. Take the Leie towards the city center and paddle past the Green Valley Park, the Coupure and the historic center on the Graslei. A relaxing trip there and back takes about 2 to 3 hours. So reserve enough time.
👉 Where do I have to park if I want to float on the Blaarmeersen?
Park at Parking Oost, within walking distance of the Dobberlocker on the Vissersdijk. Please note that parking is chargeable from May to August. Are you coming by bike? There are bicycle parking facilities on the domain. By bus, you get off at the Vissersdijk stop.
👉 Can I take my dog on the SUP or kayak on the Blaarmeersen?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the SUP or kayak. Please bring a towel for their comfort and not to damage the material. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the beach zone or swimming areas of the Blaarmeersen. Keep your dog on the water with you and stay away from the swimming areas.
👉 Are there changing rooms at the Dobber location on the Blaarmeersen?
There are no changing rooms at the Dobber-locker itself. However, sanitary facilities are available at the Blaarmeersen beach during the summer season.
