Sea Kayaking Finland’s Southwest Archipelago
4-minute read
The Scandinavian countries of Europe offer some of the world’s finest sea kayaking opportunities. Right up there near the top is the Southwest Archipelago of Finland.
Finland’s archipelago is a world-class sea kayaking destination
To help us learn about this unique environment, we reached out to Aqua Bound Ambassador Caj Koskinen. Caj is a seasoned wilderness guide and packraft instructor who works hard to promote paddling in his native Finland and the surrounding paddling world along with his wife Katja, also an Aqua Bound Ambassador.
Caj and Katja live within these islands and so can offer an insider’s view. Here’s our interview with Caj:
Aqua Bound: Why is Finland's Southwest Archipelago such a wonderful sea kayaking destination?
CAJ: This archipelago is very special. it is probably the biggest one in the world if you count the number of islands. We have more than 40,000 islands to explore.
The Baltic Sea is not an ocean, and we don't have the same storms as the oceans do. There are no tides, and the water contains only 0.7% salt. You can find a lot of beautiful islands and sheltered areas to paddle.
AB: Are there multi-day trip options with overnight camping?
CAJ: Yes, definitely. This is the nicest thing. There are a lot of islands without any houses or cabins, so one can use the “everyman's right.” In Finland, you can camp anywhere in nature if it is not too close to someone's house or cabin.
There are loads of camping possibilities among the islands
There are some areas with regulations, for example, one national park and several nature-preserve areas. You can do day trips or spend several weeks in the archipelago. Your imagination is the only limit. And maybe your boss will want you back to work after you have been away too long!
AB: Do you need your own gear or are there outfitters and guides in the area?
CAJ: You can rent sea kayaks or hire a guide. It is sometimes difficult to find providers, but there are some. The easiest is to use your own gear if you have it, including your own tent and outdoor gear.
If you live in Finland, you can join a paddling club and use their gear for free or at a very low price. That helps a lot if you have difficulties storing a 5-meter sea kayak at home.
Katja Koskinen kayaks the archipelago
AB: Are there areas in the archipelago suitable for novice sea kayakers?
CAJ: The sea is always dangerous, even the Baltic Sea which is not a real ocean. If you are a novice, you should take some courses, maybe hire a guide for the first time or join an experienced team.
But there are safe places with good weather. Islands offer shelter from the wind and if you plan your trip in the inner archipelago, it is much safer than the outer archipelago.
You need to have training for capsizing, have gear for towing and have a spare paddle. Also, you need to be a good navigator because it is very easy to get lost in these islands.
The islands are known for their natural beauty
AB: What is your favorite part of this area?
CAJ: I live on the north side of the main island of Parainen, and I start my trips there. I like the areas near Seili and also the areas around Nötö. But there are so many places to explore. I would like to go check out new places all the time.
AB: What else would you like our readers to know?
CAJ: Sea kayaking is a great hobby, but you need some experience to keep it safe. Train for rescues many times every year and be open to talking about safety things. I see that in the whitewater community—we like to speak about different safety aspects. But in the sea kayaking community people are not so open.
Also, remember that this is an Arctic area and the water is "warm" only from late June to August.
Plan your routes wisely and always have Plan B and maybe C and D. Have enough food and water with you in case you need to wait on an island for a storm to pass through. Know how to repair gear like drysuits, kayaks and paddles.
I also recommend buying quality paddles. When you have a lightweight, high-end paddle, you can go faster, save your energy and enjoy more. Also, a good paddle doesn't break so easily.
Finally, visit nearby villages and explore the beautiful islands on land as well.
Aqua Bound Ambassador and Finland native, Kaj Koskinen
Learn More
Part of Finland’s Southwest Archipelago is a national park. Visit this page to learn more and to help with your travel plans, should you add this beautiful destination to your sea kayaking bucket list.
All photos courtesy of Caj Koskinen.
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us at 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
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