Have you seen people paddling on Lake Näsijärvi or Pyhäjärvi? Would you like to join us? In the summer of 2026 the kayaking club Tampereen Vihuri will organize an entry-level paddling course in English. We welcome paddling newcomers in Tampere to join the #MyHarrastus we love!
Learn basic paddling skills from experienced guides while exploring the beautiful Lake Näsijärvi. No previous paddling experience necessary, but you need to be at least 16 years old and able to swim.
After completing the course you can become a full member of Vihuri, allowing you to join guided tours on lakes, rivers and the sea, or paddle on your own or with friends on Lake Näsijärvi.
You will also get a Meloja 1 certification (Euro Paddle Pass 1) that allows you to rent gear and go on your own adventures in most European countries.
Date and location
Saturday 6 June – Sunday 7 June 2026
12.00 – 18.00
Rauhaniemenreitti 11
33180 Tampere
Course fee
150 € for adults and 75 € for 16 to 18-year-olds. Course fee (non-refundable) to be paid at the time of registration on the Suomisport platform.
You will find the registration link here soon!
The fee includes:
- Twelve hours of training by experienced paddlers in a group of max fifteen students
- Use of Vihuri’s kayaks and gear during the course
- Meloja 1 (EPP 1) online training material
- Meloja 1 (EPP 1) digital certificate
Cancellation
In case of illness, please contact kurssit@vihuri.com. Course fee is refundable (10 € charge) only with a doctor’s certificate.
Requirements
Paddling is suitable for almost everyone, but some medical conditions might be an impediment. Contact retkijaos@vihuri.info before registering if you have any doubts or questions.
Paddling under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs is strictly prohibited.
Additional information
The course takes place at Vihuri’s club house in Rauhaniemi, Tampere and the nearby waters on Lake Näsijärvi. The course will take place even if it’s raining, chilly or windy.
There’s a 500 meter walk from the end stop of the city bus line #2. We recommend using public transportation because the renovation work of the Rauhaniemi public sauna will make parking space scarce.
During the course you will be provided with a kayak, a paddle, a flotation vest, and a spray skirt.
Bring with
- Outdoor clothes suitable for the weather. A wind and waterproof or resistant outdoor jacket and a warm shirt or sweater are often necessary, even in June.
- Merino wool or technical sport clothing is better suited for the conditions than cotton.
- Soft shoes that can get wet or woolen socks are good, but you can also paddle barefoot. Note that you can’t wear laced shoes in a kayak due to risk of entrapment.
- Hat and sunglasses if it’s sunny. Attach a string to your glasses so they won’t drop accidentally in the lake.
- Sunscreen, if necessary.
- Water bottle or warm drink in a thermos, depending on the weather. Pack lunch and/or snacks.
- Spare set of clothes and a towel. The clothes need to be packed in a watertight stuff sack, but two plastic bags will do fine.
Miscellaneous
At the end of the first day, we will practice rescuing. You will capsize your kayak and get back in assisted by a guide. After the rescue drill you can put on dry clothes in the club house.
You can leave your valuables in a locked cabinet. There is only a dry toilet in the club house. There is no running water. No insurance for the course is provided by Vihuri, be sure to check your own insurance coverage.
Topics covered in the Meloja 1 course
The aim is to gain the basic skills that prepare you for independent paddling in easy conditions.
Paddling skills
- Getting in and out of the kayak from a dock or a natural shore
- Attaching and opening the spray skirt while in the kayak
- Balanced and relaxed posture in the kayak
- Paddling forwards and backwards
- Stopping the kayak
- Moving sideways
- Bracing (getting support from the water to stay upright)
- Steering and maneuvering the kayak using paddle strokes, weight distribution, and using the paddle as a rudder
- Capsizing the kayak and getting rescued with the help of another kayaker
- Forming a raft by docking with other paddlers
- Using the skeg
- Adjusting the footrests
- Safety check of the kayak (especially buoyancy)
- Proper handling and service of the equipment
Paddling knowledge
- Basic knowledge about paddling and paddling equipment: kayaks, canoes, flotation vests, spray skirts, paddles, flotation devices, helmets
- Suitable clothing and spare clothing
- Knowing one’s strength and skills with regard to the prevailing conditions
- Informing others before going paddling
- Suitable rescue methods
- Food and liquids
- First aid in an emergency & hypothermia prevention
- Paddling in a group: communication and group cohesion
- Wind, waves, currents, weather
- Other traffic on the water, boating lanes
- Variety in conditions such as river currents and paddling at sea
- Everyman’s rights in Finland, related knowledge about environmental rights and regulations, rules on where you can and cannot paddle and go ashore
- Introduction to Vihuri club activities and participation
- Introduction to different types of paddling
About Vihuri
Vihuri is a club that offers you a taste of various different types of paddling: kayak touring, sprint and marathon kayaking, slalom, SUP boarding and canoe polo, to name a few. Vihuri is a volunteer run organization and all are welcome to participate.
For more information about Tampereen Vihuri, please contact: kurssit@vihuri.info
