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 as well as assisted rescue. During the course we also get to know paddling equipment and the planning of your own paddling trip.
Customer feedback from the paddling courses:
"A good, close-knit group, the teachers were extremely professional and I felt that I received high-quality instruction as an individual too, even though we were in a group"
"The course was very instructive and pleasant. You got to challenge yourself just the right amount and also got a clear picture of how to continue paddling as a hobby."
"The capsize exercises were much nicer and more fun than I expected beforehand. There was a lot of laughing."
The archipelago of East Helsinki is a magnificent paddling destination
In the vicinity of the Vuosaari Paddling Centre there are dozens of recreational islands, beautiful sea nature and only a little other boat traffic. This is a great place to learn to paddle - and to continue the hobby after the course as well!
The basic course is held on Saturday and Sunday - on both days from 10.00 to 16.00
Natura Viva's paddling courses - Small group size and professional guides
All of Natura Viva's instructors are experienced paddling professionals. We keep the group size small on our basic courses and we have the best pupil-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 holder!
We also support continuing the hobby - after completing the course you get a free two-hour kayak rental at the Vuosaari Paddling Centre or a discount of the same value on a Natura Viva 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 and exiting a capsized kayak as well as getting back into the kayak.
Acting as the rescuer in a capsize situation.
Moving the kayak sideways.
By the end of the course you will know the different types of kayaks, paddles and equipment as well as the basics of paddling safety.
Further information
Vuosaari Paddling Centre, Harbonkatu 13, 00980 Helsinki.
Number of participants on the course: 7 people.
The weekend basic course is held Sat-Sun - on both days from 10.00 to 16.00.
The course 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 webshop - read more about using exercise benefits!
The price includes:
Instruction and guidance during the course
Kayak
Paddle, spraydeck and buoyancy aid
A free 2h kayak rental / a benefit on a Natura Viva season pass
Until the end of May a drysuit is lent for the rescue exercise. From the beginning of June the lower part of a wetsuit is lent for the rescue exercise