After abundant rains leading to local flooding in the valley of Poekebeek, the time has again come to embark on a descent of this watercourse from Ruiselede to Nevele. In 2020, we were likely the first ever to attempt this challenge by packraft, and since then it has become a yearly tradition.
Evert, Tom and I put in around 9:30 am on a day that is to start sunny and calm, but is forecast to turn blustery later on. Temperature is expected to hover around 6°C. All goes well during the first part of the trip with pleasant weather conditions and the usual small challenges in terms of low bridges and overhanging tree branches. While approaching the Poeke castle, short showers with gale force winds start to come in and at times make it quite hard to stay away from barb wire lining the river bed.
After the Poeke castle our trip continues under similar conditions: sometimes bright and sunny, and sometimes terribly windy with rain showers. However, light is intense and the scenery is lovely. We don’t bother making a stop for lunch, and around 2 pm already arrive at the take-out in Nevele. As usual, a bit of acrobacy is required here to get out of the water properly.
As a conclusion it can be said that under today’s conditions, this is not a trip for packrafting novices, as it presents a real physical and technical challenge. Manoevering between tree branches, logs and barb wire while being pushed aside by strong gusts of wind, is not a trivial thing.
Report > Belgium 2023: Flanders
Filip H.A. Claeys 
January 21, 2023 at 8:10 am
Happy to have been one of those visitors. Otherwise we would never have met. Now we can follow this lovely adventure of you and your friends. Thanks for the talk and sharing these beautiful pictures !! Have a nice weekend !
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