On the basic kayaking course you learn the basic skills of paddling in a safe environment!
Paddling is a versatile hobby that smoothly combines active exercise with relaxation in nature. You can join Natura Viva's paddling courses without any previous paddling experience!
On the course you learn the basic paddling techniques and assisted rescue. During the course we also go through paddling equipment and how to plan your own paddling trip.
The start time of the basic course depends on when you book:
1 May - 9 May 2027 - Tuesday to Thursday 17.00-20.30
From 10 May 2027 onwards - Tuesday to Thursday 18.00-21.30.
The archipelago of eastern Helsinki is a wonderful paddling destination
The area around the Vuosaari Paddling Centre is one of the best paddling destinations in Helsinki. Less than an hour's paddle away there are several recreational islands, beautiful sea nature and saunas for hire. There is very little other boat traffic in the area, so you can paddle in peace and safety. The archipelago of eastern Helsinki is a great place to learn to paddle and to carry on with the hobby after the course!
Small group sizes, professional instruction and high-quality equipment keep the basic courses safe
Around 150-200 satisfied paddlers complete Natura Viva's basic course every year. The kayaks and equipment in use are serviced weekly and are replaced every few years.
Course participants can rent a drysuit at a special price. On the basic courses in May and September, the use of a drysuit during the rescue exercise is included in the course price.
The instructors on Natura Viva's basic courses are experienced paddling professionals. We keep the group size small on our basic courses and we have the best student-to-instructor ratio in the field.
Natura Viva's basic kayaking course follows the Paddler 1 contents of the Finnish Canoe and Rowing Federation. The aim of the course is to give the participant the readiness to continue practising independently and safely. The course lasts 10 hours, most of which is spent on the water.
From the basic course to a Natura Viva season pass!
Natura Viva's season pass is a responsible way to enjoy varied outdoor activities. As a season pass holder you can use Natura Viva's outdoor equipment at ten locations in the Helsinki metropolitan area and Southern Finland. With the kayak season pass you can already paddle at eight locations completely independently and whenever it suits you!
Participants on the basic course get a discount on Natura Viva's season pass
Course programme
Getting into and out of the kayak.
Paddling forwards and backwards with the correct technique, and stopping the kayak.
Turning the kayak with a stern rudder, a sweep stroke and by edging.
Capsizing, exiting a capsized kayak and getting back into the kayak.
Acting as the rescuer in a capsize situation.
Moving the kayak sideways.
By the end of the course you know the different types of kayaks, paddles and equipment, and the basics of paddling safety.
Further information
Vuosaari Paddling Centre, Harbonkatu 13, 00980 Helsinki.
Number of participants: 7 people.
The basic course is held on three consecutive evenings (Tue-Thu)
The instructors are Natura Viva's professional guides
No previous paddling experience is needed. Minimum age 16 (under-18s need their parents' permission).
You can pay for the course with Epassi and Edenred exercise benefits directly in the online shop - read more about using exercise benefits!
The price includes:
Instruction and guidance during the course
Kayak, paddle, spraydeck and buoyancy aid
A free 2 h kayak rental / a benefit on a Natura Viva season pass
On the May basic courses you can use a Natura Viva drysuit free of charge during the rescue exercise. From the beginning of June, the lower part of a wetsuit is lent for the rescue exercise. A drysuit can be rented.