Ex-Olympian Thomas Van Der Plaetsen kayaks across Belgium for the Children's Cancer Fund
In March, ex-Olympian Thomas Van Der Plaetsen undertook a true feat. He undertook a kayak trip of 700km and crossed the whole of Belgium in this way. His motivation? The Children's Cancer Fund and his niece Marie, who was affected by this disease herself. To support him during this trip, Thomas called on one of our rental campers. Read his report on this crazy adventure here.
Departure 14/3
On Friday 14 March we leave for Torgny, a small village in the far south of Belgium. There we will spend the night, as close as possible to the starting point of the adventure. Friday afternoon, camper fully loaded, ready for action.
The next morning it is still bitterly cold. The mercury is just below zero when I walk to the starting point with my kayak. After just a few hours of paddling through ice-cold water and with a cutting wind in my face, I knew: the camper is worth its weight in gold during this trip.
Because during this trip I kayak an average of about 56km/day. But because of the many locks, I have to drag the 35kg kayak out of the water, place it on wheels and then walk quite a bit with it. This requires a lot of energy.
Our "Battlestation"
After a long day on the water, it's great to warm up, spoon in something warm, and become human again. But the motorhome is more than just a shelter. It became our base to consult, adjust plans, receive guests for the podcast and in the evening an oasis of peace to sleep, recover and be ready for the next stage.
Our camper was soon renamed the "battlestation". For me, it's the place where I can refuel. Literally and figuratively. With food, rest and dry clothes. For the cameraman, it is a mobile editing cell: editing photos and videos, charging batteries, organizing files... everything gets a place. Luxury on wheels, and absolutely indispensable during a trip that will really demand everything from me.
Fighting with myself
After a few days of brisk paddling, I wake up on day 5 as a wreck. Nauseous, dead tired, completely empty. Still, I crawl back into my kayak, even if it's with lead in my arms. Everything hurts, I have to vomit and don't get anything. But quitting? Not an option. Every kilometer I miss, I have to catch up later.
So I continue. Blow by blow. Sometimes literally stumbling around. And when it really doesn't work anymore, I dive into the camper for a quick power nap. That day will be a battle of attrition: 23 kilometers in 11 hours. Not impressive but persevered. The two days after that went a little better, although I still feel miserable. No energy, no food that stayed inside. But I'm still on the water. And that's what it was all about.
The most beautiful in the country
I lost my heart years ago in the Ardennes. And even now I leave a piece behind. The Gaume region with its rolling hills, old castle ruins and quiet abbeys is beautiful. The valley of the Semois winds me through the endless forests of Chiny and Bouillon. And the Meuse between Hastière and Namur I give a new nickname: "the Ardennes Riviera". Cliffs, charming villages, water glistening in the sunlight. Pure enjoyment.
The Blaton-Ath canal and the twists and turns of the Dender are unexpectedly beautiful, perfect for cyclists and walkers. And of course the Lys also meanders happily along with my journey. I am rediscovering my own country. From a kayak. With a motorhome as a faithful companion. Freedom, adventure, and challenge on home soil!
Refreshment, warmth and a good bed
After such a day of paddling until your arms fall off, the camper is not a luxury but a necessity. First in the shower to rinse off the sweat, dirt and river water. Then quickly turn on the heating to warm up further. And after some e-mails, social media and organization for the next day, just plop down in that bed, exhausted, with a head that still dances along with the waves of the river.
And then there is the kitchen. My daily salvation. Because with a consumption of about 6000 to 7000 calories per day , we had to eat heartily. Pasta, oatmeal, leftovers from yesterday. As long as it filled. The motorhome is not just a vehicle, it is my base, my kitchen, my bathroom and my bed all in one. A small house on wheels, perfect for a big challenge.
Mission accomplished
The last few days have been tough. My body is exhausted, the bed in the camper sucks me a little deeper every night and the road out gets steeper every morning. But on day 10 I again find a lot of strength and inspiration to continue. Because I arrive in my hometown of Deinze. The many supporters do me good. And after 12 days and about 700 kilometers on the water, I reach the finish: the Westerpunt in De Panne.
Mission accomplished! 17,000 euros collected for the Children's Cancer Fund. A crazy adventure completed. And not just for a second, thanks to our mobile house on four wheels.
Congratulations Thomas on this fantastic performance. We are proud that we have been able to contribute a little bit to this.
