Many of Finland’s finest whitewater paddling destinations are located in our beautiful protected areas, and they are the perfect day trip spots for everyone interested in whitewater paddling.
Kayaks, open canoes and packrafts are used in whitewater paddling. There are many different types of whitewater paddling: its branches, which are also competitive, are canoe slalom, whitewater racing and freestyle. However, most whitewater paddlers do combinations of these, such as river running and freestyle. This kind of general whitewater paddling, which is simply having fun on the rapids, is referred to as ‘playboating’.
Whitewater paddling as a hobby
Starting out in whitewater paddling requires some previous paddling experience and good body and vessel control. You can start with a paddling course organised by a paddling club or paddlesport service provider.
With basic whitewater paddling skills, you can expand your selection of destinations enormously. For example, the Ivalojoki River, which flows in the Hammastunturi Wilderness Area and is steeped in the history of gold prospecting, is an outstanding paddling destination for those with basic paddling skills.
For more experienced whitewater paddlers, there are destinations for both river running and freestyle. In the Ruunaa Hiking Area, Neitikoski Rapids is one of the most popular places for freestyle paddling.
Running water is a force of nature that you must know how to read
Experienced paddlers are able to read different parts of the rapids and choose a course that is both the right line to follow and the safest. Whitewater paddlers need to know how to read the flow of water in order to navigate rapids safely. Even though rapids might appear wild and chaotic to a layperson, there are usually calmer sections that seasoned paddlers will spot with a glance.
Safety when paddling
Safety is paramount when on the rapids. Each and every paddler must keep in mind the boundless power of running water. The gear must be intact and chosen for the conditions, and the paddler’s skill level must be sufficient to deal with the rapids. The most important equipment for whitewater paddling are a kayak, an open canoe, or a packraft, along with a helmet and a personal flotation device (PFD). Vessels are also fitted with a spray skirt to keep water out. With the right gear and sufficient skills, the paddling season can begin immediately after the ice melts and go as long as the rivers are open.
