Kuutinlahti canoes

The Kuutinlahti Canoeing Base is a self-service service point located inside the Repovesi National Park, which allows you to seamlessly integrate your canoe into your trip.

The canoeing base is a self-service point for self-driven visitors to Repovesi. There is no permanent on-call service at the base, but the use of the canoes is based on a strong trust between the trader and the user. The equipment can be accessed by means of a number code.

The equipment at the self-service base is always used at your own risk. The user of the equipment must have previous paddling experience and knowledge of the equipment. In addition, swimming skills are essential.

Polyethylene canoes are designed for two paddlers.

How do I get started?

Rent the equipment you want on a day that suits you. The equipment can be picked up on a self-service basis from the Kuutinlahti Paddling Support Centre, located in Kuutinlahti at the foot of the Mustavuori between Kuutinkämppä and Mustavuori hut. The nearest entrance is Saarijärvi, which is about 3 km away and takes about an hour. You can leave your car at Saarijärvi.

The equipment is locked with code locks. A number code will be sent to the telephone number given at the time of booking shortly before the start of the booking. The code will be used to access the reserved vehicle and its equipment.

Rental times

The premise for payment is 6 hrs. Daily reservation periods are 9am to 3 pm and 3pm to 9 pm. The rental times are precise. The equipment cannot be collected before the time starts and it has to be returned before the reservation ends. For missing the deadline for returning equipment we charge the fee double.

You can rent the canoe for one or more days. The reservation period starts and ends at 3pm.

What do I need to bring?

The rental price includes paddles, floating vests, route maps, hand bailer and watertight barrel, this is the equipment you need for one day trek. What you need to bring yourself are weather appropriate clothing, water bottle and packed lunch.

When returning the equipment must be tidied up. The bottoms of the canoes and kayaks must be cleaned from dirt and sand. The easiest way to do this is to rinse them carefully on the shore. The canoes and kayaks must be put back to where they were retrieved from. The vests and other gear must be tidied up and put back to the storage. The vests need to be hanged up to dry, and the barrels need to be emptied and put to the storage neatly without the lids.

Instructions to renters

• Always wear canoeing vests and helmets on rapids. Check the condition of the equipment before taking off. Never use broken canoes or equipment. When retrieving the equipment make sure you have everything you need.

• Paddle sober and preferably in a group. If paddling alone make sure you stay within swimming distance from the shore. Do not overestimate your skills and don?t forget the dangers and effects of cold water.

• In group events always remember the responsibilities of the organizer. Use only authorized and qualified paddling coaches and guides. In chargeable events there should be a guide with lifesaving skills. There can only be 16 paddlers and 10 canoes for one guide.

• Vests should be chosen by size. Fit is more important than weight guidelines. All our vests meant for adults carry the instructed minimum of 50 Newton.

• The paddles? right length is found the easiest by testing. Exchange paddles on the way.

• The way to transport the canoes should be planned together when retrieving them. A canoe breaks most commonly when taking it down from car?s roof-rack. Be careful and reasonable. We are happy to give advice.

• Notice that equipment is transported on one?s own from the storage to the shore and back using the canoe cart. The cart should not be left on the shore but is needs to be returned to the storage for the duration of the trek.

• Every canoe equipment includes paddles, vests, hand bailer, map, watertight equipment bag / container and helmets when paddling in flowing water. The canoes have stickers that say ?When paddling always use paddling vest, check the floating devices and have the bailer at hand. They add to your security?. In case the sticker has worn from your canoe, this written instruction makes up for it.

• Do not blindly trust the route guides, always check the route yourself. You are responsible for your own safety. Ask for advice, it?s in everyone?s best interest.