COURSE PROGRAM
We offer beginner kayaking courses for adults between early May and early August. Most of our courses are held over three consecutive weekday evenings, but the program also includes weekend courses.
Our kayaking courses consist of 10 hours of in-person instruction, as well as a self-paced online training package with a variety of technique videos.
THE BASICS OF OUR INSTRUCTION
Canoeing is a sport, which is why we want to focus on teaching proper technique
Safety in canoeing depends primarily on one’s own skills and judgment
ONLINE TEACHING
Course participants should review the online lecture before the course begins. The lecture consists of three parts covering kayaking theory, club information, and safety information. In addition, the lecture includes brief examples of the kayak handling exercises that will be practiced during the course.
You should also check out the “Paddling Techniques” page on our website.
For those interested in further reading, we recommend the book “Melonnan perusteet”.
To get started with the course, you’ll fill out a separate registration form that includes questions about, among other things, your swimming ability, fitness level, health, and what interests you most about the course. You can fill out the form in advance or on-site.
COURSE CONTENT
Weekday course
Monday
Registration at 5:30 p.m.
Introduction of the instructors
Theory session outdoors at 6:00 p.m.
- Kayaks & basic equipment (checkpoint 1)
- Paddling techniques and paddle handling through dry drills, seated position (checkpoint 2)
- Getting in and out of the kayak (Station 3)
Practical exercises
- Getting in and out of the kayak using the dock (Station 3, practical)
- Paddling near Rajasaari and Seurasaari, approximately 4 km
- Kayak handling exercises in groups:
o paddling forward and backward
o stopping the kayak
o turning in place
o beaching the kayak
- kayak maintenance after paddling
- The course day ends around 9:00 PM
Tuesday
Theory class outdoors at 6:00 p.m.
- Rescue demonstration on the lawn
Practical exercises:
- technique for smooth forward paddling
- relaxation and proper sitting posture
- steering the kayak while paddling straight ahead
o use of the fin (if the kayak has one)
- Kayak handling exercises in groups:
o tilting the kayak, supporting it with the paddle (under-paddle support)
o sideways paddling
o steering the kayak using the tilting technique
o using the rear rudder
- approx. 7–9 km paddle to Pikku-Huopalahti and a possible additional loop near Seurasaari
- kayak maintenance after the paddle
- the course day ends at approx. 9:00 PM
Wednesday
Practical exercises at 5:30 p.m.
- Paddling to Mustasaari and back (weather permitting), approx. 7–10 km
- techniques for smooth, forward paddling
- relaxation and proper seating posture
- landing on a natural shore and setting off again using the paddle for assistance, Mustasaari
- beaching the kayak on the shore
- navigating boat lanes
in Mustasaari
- in May: enjoying your own packed lunch
- In June/July: enjoying snacks sold at the café or your own snacks
- Introduction to paddling routes and excursion destinations in nearby waters
- Questions from course participants and answers from instructors
Return from Mustasaari at approx. 8:00 p.m.
Kayak maintenance after paddling
Opportunity to change clothes before the final exercise
Support and self-rescue drill
Conclusion of the course
Distribution of course certificates
The course ends at approx. 9:00 p.m.
WEEKEND COURSE
Saturday
Registration at 9:30 a.m.
Introduction of the instructors
- Outdoor theory session at 10:00 a.m.
- Kayaks & equipment (Checkpoint 1)
- Paddling techniques and kayak handling (dry run), sitting position (Checkpoint 2)
- Getting in and out of the kayak (Station 3)
Lunch break approx. 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Please bring a packed lunch or light meal. Lunch will be eaten outdoors.
Practical exercises
- Getting in and out of the kayak using the dock (Checkpoint 3 in practice)
- Paddling near Rajasaari and Seurasaari, approximately 5–6 km
- Steering the kayak in a straight line
- Kayak handling exercises in groups:
o Paddling forward and backward
o stopping the kayak
o paddling sideways
o turning in place
o tilting and supporting the kayak with a paddle (under-paddle support)
o paddling backward
o steering the kayak using the tilting technique
o beaching the kayak
- maintaining the kayak after paddling
- The course day ends at approximately 3:00 PM
Sunday
Theory session outdoors at 10:00 a.m.
- Onshore rescue demonstration
Practical exercises:
- paddling to Mustasaari and back (weather permitting), approx. 7–10 km
- techniques for smooth forward paddling
- relaxation and proper sitting posture
- landing on a natural shore and setting off again using the paddle for assistance, Mustasaari
- beaching the kayak on the shore
- navigating boat lanes
In Mustasaari:
- in May: enjoying your own packed lunch
- In June/July: enjoying snacks sold at the café or your own snacks
- Introduction to paddling routes and excursion destinations in nearby waters
- Questions from course participants and answers from instructors
Return from Mustasaari at approx. 2:00 p.m.
- Kayak maintenance after paddling
- Opportunity to change clothes before the final exercise
- Support and self-rescue exercise
End of the course:
- Distribution of course certificates
- The course ends at approx. 3:00 p.m.
COURSE REGISTRATION
Go to the "Course Registration" section.
Fill out the registration form and bring it with you; you can also fill it out on site.
Read the club introduction.
CHANGES TO THE PROGRAM
The organizer reserves the right to make changes to the announced course program, for example, due to weather conditions.