Grosscanadier Gatz on the Ems — Ten People, One Big Day on the Water

RHEINE CANOE FIELD GUIDE

Grosscanadier Gatz on the Ems — Ten People, One Big Day on the Water

Self‑managed day rentals (up to 8 hours) of the Grosscanadier Gatz in Rheine from €75 plus service fee; boats come with paddles, life jackets and waterproof storage — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan.

Grosscanadier Gatz on the Ems — Ten People, One Big Day on the Water.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
Rheine
Operator
Wassersportverein Rheine
Category
Canoe
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

On the Ems at Rheine, the Grosscanadier in the Gatz version offers a stable, roomy platform for a day on the river — up to ten people can share a single canoe, with paddles, life jackets and a waterproof barrel supplied. The outfit is aimed at self‑guided day trips: family groups, mixed‑ability paddlers and anyone who wants a low‑stress way to move through riverside meadows while observing simple, ecology‑minded rules for the Emsaue.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE FLEET

Grosscanadier Gatz — room for up to ten

The Gatz version is a large canoe with seven benches that can carry up to ten people when the middle benches are doubled. For groups of adults the seating usually works as one person per bench; colors vary and cannot be preselected.

THE BOAT

Stable, family‑friendly platform

These large canoes sit very steadily in the water, making them suitable for day tours with children and for carrying provisions; each boat is issued with paddles, life jackets and a waterproof barrel for gear.

THE RHYTHM

Self‑run half‑ or full‑day trips on the Ems

Pickups take place in a morning window and returns are arranged later the same day, so outings of up to eight hours are possible; the club can also supply a trailer for transport at additional cost, but it does not run a pickup/drop‑off service.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You collect a large, well‑anchored canoe, load provisions into the dry barrel, and push off into the slow moving Ems for a day of paddling, picnicking and quiet observation of the floodplain. The outing is deliberately low‑key: the club issues equipment and windows for handover, you steer the itinerary yourself, and you follow simple conservation rules for entry, landing and wildlife protection along the Emsaue.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this trip suits — and who should think twice.

1
Active familiesWell suited: the Grosscanadier is stable and designed for day tours with children, with room for provisions and safety kit on board.
2
Groups of friends or large partiesGood match if you need space — the boat accommodates up to ten people using seven benches, though adult groups may find seating is usually one person per bench.
3
Beginner paddlersAppropriate: the canoe’s stability makes it forgiving for novices, but outings are self‑guided and the club provides equipment rather than instruction.
4
Intergenerational groups / all agesSuitable for all ages, but note seating geometry: middle benches can take two people to reach the 10‑person total and two strong adults on one bench may not sit comfortably.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

What to Bring

Prepare for water and occasional immersion: bring change of clothes, a towel, a waterproof dry bag, day supplies and a rubbish bag per boat.

On‑board kit & optional extras

Each boat is supplied with paddles, life jackets and a waterproof barrel. A trailer can be rented for transporting boats to a different put‑in or pick‑up point for an additional fee.

Timing & booking

Boat handover occurs during a morning window and return is arranged later the same day so trips of up to eight hours are possible; plan your itinerary to fit the club’s time windows.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What’s included with the canoe rental?

Each Grosscanadier is issued with paddles, life jackets and a waterproof barrel for gear.

How long can we keep the boat?

Trips of up to eight hours are possible; pickups are scheduled in a morning window and returns are arranged later the same day.

How many people fit in one canoe?

The Gatz version has seven benches and can carry up to ten people when the middle benches are double‑occupied; with adults the seating often works as one person per bench.

Can the operator transport the boats to a different put‑in?

No — the club does not offer a pickup/drop‑off service; however, you may rent a trailer from the club for an additional fee to move boats yourself.

Can we choose the canoe color?

Various colors exist, but prior color selection is not possible.

Is this suitable for children?

Yes — the boats are very stable and suitable for day tours with children, with space for provisions and safety equipment.