INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANOEING/KAYAKING

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANOEING/KAYAKING

INSTRUCTIONS FOR CANOE

Self-Guided Canoeing Trip on the Oulankajoki River

Thank you for your booking! Below you will find all the important information for your canoeing trip.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
  • Arrive independently by car to Mataraniemi
  • Navigation address: Liikasenvaarantie 138, Kuusamo
  • Self-guided departure from Mataraniemi
  • Life jackets must be worn at all times
  • Return shuttle starts at approximately 4:00 PM
  • The return shuttle brings you back to your car in Mataraniemi
  • Safety instructions are attached to this document

Arrival at the Starting Point

Arrive independently by car to Mataraniemi.

Navigation address:
Liikasenvaarantie 138, Kuusamo

The actual parking area is located at the end of a forest road approximately 1 km long branching off from Liikasenvaarantie. Leave your vehicle in the parking area for the duration of the trip.

Departure and Equipment

Your canoeing trip starts independently from Mataraniemi.

The equipment is marked with Oulangan Taika and/or Basecamp Oulanka.

Each canoe or kayak includes:

  • Paddles
  • Life jackets
  • Dry bags
  • Map

Please read the safety instructions before starting your trip.

Safety

  • Life jackets must be worn throughout the entire trip.
  • Safety instructions are attached to this document.
  • Please follow all safety instructions during your trip.

The Route

The lower section of the Oulankajoki River is well suited for families and beginner paddlers.

There are no actual rapids along the route, only a few small riffles.

You can take breaks at the wilderness shelters along the route. On the longer route, the Ansakämppä wilderness cabin is also available for rest stops.

What to Bring

We recommend bringing:

  • Plenty of drinking water
  • Snacks or packed lunch
  • Weather-appropriate clothing
  • Spare clothes
  • A mobile phone packed in a waterproof manner
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • A hat or cap for sunny weather

End of the Route and Return Shuttle

You have selected one of the following end points when making your reservation:

  • Nurmisaarenniemi (8 km)
  • Jäkälänmutka (25 km)

The return shuttle collects both participants and equipment from the end point.

The pickup round starts at approximately 4:00 PM. The driver collects guests from several locations according to the day's schedule, so some waiting time may occur.

There are wilderness shelters available at the end points while waiting for the shuttle.

The shuttle will return you to Mataraniemi and your vehicle.

Weather Conditions

The trip operates normally in rain and cool weather.

Participants are expected to dress appropriately for the weather conditions.

If weather conditions become exceptionally dangerous, Basecamp Oulanka will contact participants directly. In such cases, the trip may be rescheduled or cancelled.

Who Is This Trip Suitable For?

This trip is suitable for:

  • First-time paddlers
  • Beginner canoeists and kayakers
  • Families

Minors must be accompanied by and remain under the responsibility of a parent or guardian.

Participants should have a normal level of physical fitness.

Basic swimming skills are recommended.

Changes and Cancellations

More than 7 days before the trip

  • The reservation may be cancelled.
  • A €20 handling fee will be deducted from the refund.

7 days or less before the trip

  • Cancellation fee is 100% of the reservation value.

Last-minute reservations

  • If the reservation is made less than 7 days before the trip, it is considered a binding last-minute reservation.
  • Cancellation is free of charge within 24 hours of making the reservation.
  • After that, the cancellation fee is 100% of the reservation value.
CONTACT INFORMATION

Basecamp Oulanka
Phone: +358 400 509 741
Email: [email protected]