The Global Paddling Community

Playspot: The Netherlands, Nijmegen, River Waal, BPP (Batavieren Power Pit)

What's it like

Holland has close to zero natural whitewater, so the BBP (short for Batavieren Power Pit) is one of the best options to get some paddling action in Holland (the waves on the North Sea are often good for some fun as well). The BBP is formed by lots of cooling water from a coal energy plant which is released with high speed.

The level of the river Waal has a big influence on the shape of the wave. When the Waal is high, the water bumps into the river forming a nice big wave, a very bumpy hole and a beautiful wavetrain. When it's low, there's only a wave and a wavetrain which both are playable too.

The wave form will always fluctuate due to the waves formed by big boats passing by on the river. That’s why making a long surf or linking numerous ends isn’t possible. The drill is to get on the wave when it is steep (about 10 seconds), do a move and then flush. The wave heights vary between 0 and 1.50 meters.

If the river Waal drops below 760 cms the wave transforms into a dangerous hole. Don’t go in there; you'll get a serious beat up. At levels above 760 cms you will always get out safe, but it isn’t wise to swim here alone or with unexperienced rescuers!!! Rescue is difficult and the current is fast. You’ll be in the middle of the river in a couple of seconds and swimming (or even paddling...) right next to very big boats isn’t pleasant. That’s why a solid roll is advisable.

There are very big eddies on both sides.

The BBP works all year (except during plant maintenance, which is about 5 to 10 days per year and can be discovered from long distance by the absence of smoke from the powerplant pipe), but it totally depends on the water level of the river Waal, which can drop and raise very quickly, so it's difficult to predict. The following pictures show the spot at different water levels:

760-790 cms: The wave and wave train are big fun:

790-860 cms: Almost flat but there is some current to practice your eddyline skills:

860-890 cms: A very big wave (not surfable because it’s impossible to get in). Nevertheless, the hole behind it and the wave train are great:

Since the water has been used for cooling a power plant it's really warm, about 20°C.

How to get there

On the A50 freeway from Nijmegen/Apeldoorn take the exit to the A73 direction Venlo/Nijmegen and follow the signs to Nijmegen. After you have passed the trafficlights go straight ahead, cross the bridge and take the first road left (Energieweg). Go straight until you reach a roundabout, where you go left. After crossing the sluice, take the fist right directly after the bridge. This is a small road. Follow this road until you reach the put-in. This is a small road that leads to the water. Park your car on the side of the road. Make sure you leave enough room for passing cars because this road leads to the harbor control center. It’s illegal to paddle on the Waal but they let us, so be polite to everybody and don’t spoil the spot!!!

See (or click) the following roadmap for more details (Green flag is put-in, red flag is BBP):

More info

Canoeing Club De Batavier (in Dutch).
Current water level (see under 'Nijmegen').
Mail Rickyboy Spaan to double check with a human if the wave is there.

Locals

Not many locals. The number of non-locals is also close to zero at the time of writing, but that may change depending on the number of readers :-)

Info sources

Rickyboy Spaan & Flubber aka Menno van Renswoude.

Nearest weather station (°C):