Winter Canoeing
Embracing the Chill, Winter Canoeing Adventures Winter canoeing holds a unique charm often overlooked by many who assume canoes should be put away until spring. Contrary to this belief, some of the most rewarding paddling adventures unfold during the winter. Especially here in Belgium when the rain water fed rivers boast sufficient water levels. We, [...]
Canoe fishing
Canoe fishing, an immersive experience The morning is quiet as you make your way to the shallow lake at the back of the creek, the still surface broken by the flicker of predatory fish. Dawn breaks as the perch comes to the surface and takes advantage of the favorable feeding conditions. The hum of your [...]
Building a Bob’s Special with Rob
A binder full of dreams People sometimes ask me wether it doesn’t get boring to build one canoe after another and I have to admit, it doesn’t sound very exciting. What makes it fun and exciting are the people behind those canoes. They spend an average of 100 hours passionately working in our shop and [...]
The North Woods paddle
The North Woods paddle The great thing about canoeing and refining your paddling technique is that it never ends. There is always something new to learn, improve or refine. It is a lifelong learning curve with new insights and discoveries all the time. For example, I recently fell completely under the spell of the North [...]
Choosing a canoe paddle
Choosing a canoe paddle On an average canoe trip you make at least 1000 strokes an hour. That adds up to around 8000 strokes per day and makes the paddle your primary working tool. Even more so than the canoe. Choosing a canoe paddle, the right canoe paddle, should be done with care and deliberation [...]
Canoeing in the Weerribben-Wieden
Canoeing in the Weerribben-Wieden For multi-day canoe trekkings in Europe you have to go to Sweden. At least that is the widely held opinion. Well, for those who don't want to drive endless kilometers, there is good news. The largest peat bog area in northwestern Europe is located barely 300 kilometers from Brussels. The Weerribben-Wieden [...]
Building a wooden canoe with Herman
"In my wooden canoe I am one with nature" As an experienced paddler, Herman Pardon built an exclusive Abenaki river canoe at Freeranger Canoe. "For years I have searched for a solid, authentic wooden canoe. Until I found Bart's shop. " "I got to know Freeranger Canoe at the Open Canoe Festival in Ossenzijl (NL)," [...]
Interview with Canoe Builder Bart Deseyn
How a passion became a life style We've had the honor to be featured on the artisans blog Labois. Enjoy the read! Wood is a surprising material, from which we often forget that it also floats. In the postindustrial era, where iron, plastic and fiberglass seem to have conquered all the waters -and markets-, a [...]