Advanced course in sea angling (Paddlers 2)

The advanced sea kayaking course will deepen your kayaking skills. This course will give you confidence in your own paddling. During the course we will deepen your knowledge of paddling technique, tipping, steering and taking support from the water. We will practise kayak behaviour in the wind and the basics of wave paddling. We will go through rescue and towing techniques in safe conditions. We will also learn more about group paddling and navigation.

The Academy's advanced course in sea kayaking (Paddle 2) follows the content recommendations of the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation and the Finnish Sea Kayaking Association. The duration of the course is approximately 12 hours, most of which is spent on the water in the Saaristomeri National Park.

Course time: Wednesday and Thursday 10.-11.7, 10.00 - 17.00.
2 days, 12 hours in total.

Location: Korpoström Archipelago Centre, Korppoo (Korpoströmintie 832, 21720 KORPOSTRÖM).
See more detailed travel advice to Korppoos here. The course days are spent on the water in the Archipelago Sea National Park. During the day we will have a self-sufficient lunch break. It is possible to stay overnight in a hotel in Korpoström at a very low course price (see more below under "overnight stay").

Course content:

Practical paddling skills
-Effective forward pull (correctly adjusted kayak, upright sitting position, use of legs to rotate the body).
support, paddle trajectory in water)
- Tilting the kayak (different aspects of tilting, contact with the kayak)
- Supports (Lower support in motion and stationary, lower support inversion. Basics of mobile paddle support)
- Turning and steering the kayak (curved drive, paddle wheel)
- Moving sideways (different techniques)
- The basics of paddling in waves and wind (kayak characteristics, trim, weight transfer, fins, making the most of the conditions)

Safety skills
- Falling and self-rescue (falling, emptying the kayak and self-rescue.)
- Pair rescue (acting as both rescuer and swimmer)
- Assisted kayak spin, or "bow-tie"
- Basics of towing (working towing system, coupling and uncoupling the tow, supporting
in a paired board, contact bite)
- Paddler safety equipment
- Paddling as a group
- Route planning and weather conditions
- Navigation skills
- The risks of paddling

See here for more detailed course content [pdf ]

Prerequisites: The prerequisite for participation in the course is completion of the Paddle 1 Basic Course or otherwise acquired basic paddling skills at Paddle 1 / EPP1 level. (See: Participant instructions)

Price: 230€ (incl. VAT).

The price includes: Instruction, sea kayak, paddle, opening cover and paddling vest.

If necessary, you can rent a dry suit from us for the duration of the course for +50€.

Number of participants: 6 people

Trainer: Gabriel Sydänvirta. Paddling instructor for the Finnish Sea Paddling Association and the Finnish Paddling and Rowing Federation. Gabriel lives in Korppoo.

Overnight stay: The course is a two-day course. You can stay overnight on site Island centre in Korpoström at the very low course price of 23€/person. Accommodation is in shared rooms for 3-4 people. Everyone brings their own sheets/towels. You will have access to a small kitchen (fridge, cooker, microwave, kettle and coffee maker) where you can prepare your own meals. Please let us know on the registration form if you wish to stay at the course price. Accommodation is payable on the spot. Overnight guests will also have the possibility to use the sauna in the evening, group sauna for 20€/hour.

You can also book your own 1-bed hotel room directly at Saaristokeskus Korpoström (normal price) or look at other accommodation options in Korppo. here.

Take with you: Dry suit/conditions appropriate paddling clothing, a change of clothes in a waterproof pack, a water bottle, sunglasses, lunch and a snack to take with you. If you wish, you can also take part in the course in your own kayak.