Canoeing

KAYAK PADDLING FOR BEGINNERS

First we teach you the fundamentals of canoeing securely on dry land, then in a kayak on the water. When you´ve got the hang of it we make a short excursion around one of Lake Puulavesi´s sheltered bays. During this introductory course lasting about three hours you´ll learn the basics of canoeing and get a taste of an enjoyable new hobby. The price 31 €per person includes canoe and equipment rent and guidance. Min. 4, max. 10 persons.

FAMILY, GO INDIAN!

Follow in Hiawatha´s footsteps and learn how to paddle a real Indian canoe. This traditional way of covering lakes and rivers is ideal for both adults and children. Our adventure takes us to the calm waters of a nearby bay, on the shore of which we even have time for an Indian picnic. The price is 34 € per family (same canoe). Min. 2 canoes.

SCULPTURE BY WATER

We jump into our canoes, either Indian canoes or kayaks, and set course for sculptor Juhani Saksa´s place in Vaimosniemi. Having first taken a look at the works on display outside the atelier, we move indoors to visit the various exhibitions assembled by this internationally well known artist. The trip takes about 4 hours. Price 42 € per person, including canoe and equipment rent, coffee and guidance. Min. 4, max. 15 persons.

TAKE A CANOE TO GO BIRD-WATCHING

At the beginning of summer, in May-June, Suurolanlahti is an excellent place to watch birds taking a rest on their way north, or, again, birds preparing for their nesting. Towards the end of summer, in July-August, you can see mother-birds looking after their offspring. During our trip lasting a whole day, we shall paddle some 4 kms to the Suurola nature trail, along which we shall walk for a few kilometres to the bird-watching tower. We'll be having our lunch in a hut right next to the tower. We return the same way that we came. The whole trip lasts about 6 hours. The cost of 46 € per person includes hire of equipment, lunch, drinks and the guide. A minimum of 4 persons.

THE BEAUTIFUL ISLANDS OF LAKE PUULAVESI

The islands of central Lake Puulavesi constitute some of Finland´s finest nature throughout the summer. The best way to explore these beautiful surroundings and everything that lives in them is undoubtedly by canoe, in a slow and relaxed manner. We take to the water at Mannila harbour. During the day we make an excursion tailored to the skill and stamina of the group that takes in a break for coffee made over an open fire and picnic lunch on one of the hundreds of island. The trip takes about 8 hours. Price 80 € per person, including canoe and equipment rent, coffee, lunch and guidance. Min. 4, max 10 persons.

A NIGHT ON THE LAKE

Two days paddling on Lake Puulavesi is definitely more enjoyable than one, but in addition here´s a chance to experience the lake and its multitude of islands by night. In the morning we carefully go through the safety routines associated with canoeing, get to know the kayaks and pack all the equipment needed for the trip. First we head for the islands of southern Puulavesi. Our stop for the night is a rocky islet bathed in the warmth of the setting sun. Our return journey is naturally made by a different route. The trip takes about 24 hours. Price 131 € per person, including canoe and equipment rent, meals and guidance. Min. 4, max. 10 persons.

PECULIAR RAUKKI ROCK FORMATIONS AND THE GENTLE HEAT OF THE SMOKE SAUNA!

We start our trip from Cape Simpiä, in the very centre of Lake Puula, paddling to the most beautiful works of art fashioned by the water, not to mention the most famous raukki, a sacrificial stone. We spend our mid-day siesta heating the smoke sauna on the island, making lunch and enjoying it all. After the sauna and the swim, we paddle back to where we started from. The distance paddled is 7-15 kms, depending on the wishes of the group and their previous experience, the time taken being some 7 hours. The cost of 96 € per person includes transport, hire of equipment, lunch, a smoke sauna and the guide. A minimum of 4 persons.