Paddler 1 is an introductory paddling course, during which you will gain the basic skills and confidence to paddle independently
Would you be tempted to explore a nearby lake from a kayak, perhaps take a group of friends on an adventurous paddle on small and peaceful rivers where a new view awaits around every bend, or even take a trip to a nearby cave and maybe even spend the night under the stars?
However, you may not have any experience of kayaking yet and the idea of being so close to the surface is a bit exciting? Or maybe you've already got the hang of the subject but want some tips on better technique and safety issues?
Paddler 1 could be just for you. The Paddle 1 course will give you the knowledge and skills to start planning and carrying out your first own paddling trips with peace of mind, and Paddle 1 is definitely the easiest, most fun and safest - or in short, the most recommended way to start paddling. Retkipiste's Paddle 1 course complies with the official content recommendations of the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation, and after successfully completing the course you will receive the Paddle 1 EPP certificate.
Contents of the basic package included in the Paddle 1 course:
Theoretical materials as electronic content well in advance of the practical exercises
5 + 5 hours of paddling training on the green, beautiful and peaceful lower reaches of the Kymijoki River near Srömfors Ironworks
Professional training
Paddling techniques including launching, forward paddling, stopping and reversing, canoe steering
Paddling safety, including water traffic, conditions and how to act in the event of a capsize
Review of kayaks, canoes and paddling equipment
Considering the different types of kayaking, their characteristics and recreational opportunities
Environmental awareness and an excursion etiquette
All necessary rental equipment for the duration of the course
EPP Paddler 1 skills card for those who have completed the course
What if you had the chance to get a little more from your kayaking course?
What if it was a more holistic, communal trip package, an experience you share with your course mates - paddling on the evening flats until the sun goes down, sitting around the fire on a summer evening exchanging ideas and tips, and spending the night together at the tip of a scenic peninsula, at our private Hattarniemi wilderness destination under the stars, in the peace and quiet of nature? Sounds it good? With the Hattarniemi wilderness area trip package that comes with the course, you get this and maybe a handful of new, like-minded travel buddies for those future kayaking trips :)
In addition to the basic package, the Hattarniemi package also includes:
5 + 5 hours instead of paddling equipment at your disposal from Saturday morning to Sunday evening (32 h)
A night under the stars at the tip of the peninsula in either a high quality rental tent or a hiking hammock
Hattarniemi's private wilderness area only at your use for the whole weekend
The Hattarniemi wilderness site is at the end of a roadless trail, and can be reached either by following the beautiful waterways of the Kymijoki River or by hiking along a small forest trail
There is no strict programme for the evening at Hattarniemi, and everyone can use the evening for canoeing, sitting by the fire, birdwatching, swimming, walking in the forest, fishing or a combination of all of these. Be yourself and enjoy it your way - it's up to you
The course instructor will also be staying at the Hattari, and even if there is no official course programme for the evening, there will certainly be plenty of tips, lessons, knowledge and practical skills to share in addition to the basic course content
High quality sleeping bags, sleeping pads, camping stoves and sooty and mason jars are available for hire
Wood stove and fireplace with firewood for use
For a small additional cost, the opportunity to upgrade your experience by spending the night among the trees, as if floating in the air in a Tentsile Stingray tree house, delivered and installed ready for you directly at the best scenic spot in Hattarniemi.
The Paddler 1 course is for anyone.
The Paddler 1 course is a basic paddling course and you don't need any previous paddling experience, nor do you need your own equipment. You do not need to be an athlete, of a certain age or shape. The only requirement is a reasonable level of swimming ability.
During your first training session, you will be introduced to a kayak or canoe and other paddling equipment. You'll get out on the water to try paddling forwards and backwards and how to turn. You'll practise on the shore with the help of experienced instructors.
You will also learn how to handle a capsize situation. You will also get to swim, although right next to the beach - so it's a good idea to bring a change of clothes :)
It is clear that tipping over a kayak in a dogfight can be a nervous experience for many, and the kayak may feel a bit tricky at first - however, the tipping over exercise is a very important part of the safety content of the course. Not only does the capsize drill teach you how to handle a capsize situation, it is also very good at removing the fear and tension of the capsize situation and almost always the tension turns to laughter when you realise it was really no big deal. Once relaxed, you quickly get used to the initial stiffness and your balance develops rapidly as you paddle. Practising for a capsize is an essential part of paddling safety and initial excitement usually turns to enthusiasm as you practise. This is followed by practising paddling techniques both on land and in the water. You will find that paddling is much more varied and includes many more different techniques than you may have thought.
You will be supported throughout the course by an experienced course instructor who has years of experience of teaching kayaking courses as well as paddling on our many fine lakes, rivers and the Baltic Sea. He is also one of the relatively few people who have done the so-called coastal paddling, i.e. paddled the whole Finnish coast from Virolahti to Tornio in one trip.
In addition to the experienced instructor, you will also have the support of the other course participants - the course often brings together very like-minded people, and even if someone already has a few kayaking experiences, they are all learning here and still at the very beginning of their paddling career. Peer support is an important and powerful resource when you are new to things.
Quality and safety are the main values of the Retkipunkt Paddle 1 courses - the course is always conducted with quality, with physical, mental and social safety as priorities. The next priorities are the experience of paddling, the values of nature and a responsible and sustainable excursion etiquette. The course is taught in Finnish.
The first Paddle 1 of spring 2024 will be on 18-19 th of May. The starting point is Strömfors Retkipiste, on the banks of the beautiful green lower branches of the Kymijoki River, in the heart of the idyllic village: address Ruukintie 10 G.
The price of the Paddler 1 course is 135€ / person for a basic package of theory + practical exercises 5 + 5h.
Hattarniemi wilderness destination as a full weekend Paddle 1 camp package experience 179€ / person
Register for the course by filling in and sending the form below - on return mail you will receive an invoice to your email and by paying you will secure your place with the option of your choice.
To ensure the quality of the course, the number of participants will be kept to a minimum and therefore places are limited.
