Add this site to your browser favourites.    Updated: 11.07.2009

 

Paddlingsfabriken is located near the town of Ekenäs in Finland, with the archipelago national park as its neighbour.

Click above to view a closer map.

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Posters:  Print yourself a poster  from one of the JPEG, 2272 x 1704 pixel pictures below.  They are approximately 1MB in size.

 

We hope you will enjoy them!

    

The above foto is taken outside of Vrakhomen in southern Finland.

    

The above photo is taken 5 kilometers from Ekenäs at our popular launching shore. Dated December 2005.

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Paddling safary

from medieval castle Raseborg to the town of Ekenäs is paddled saturdays in August. The fare of 57 euros includes kayak rent and transportation.

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Welcome to kayaking in the Finnish Archipelago of Ekenäs, Tammisaari in the finnish language!
Kayak renting - Guided tours - Kayaking classes

Nice that you found this page of Paddlingsfabriken (Paddlingfactory) in Finland. The town of Ekenäs has a majority of swedish speaking finns, and the primary names are in swedish in the area. Some islands do not even have an alternative name in finnish. Tammisaari is the finnish name of Ekenäs. Good to remember both language versions.

 

We want to offer you an exciting paddling tour. Kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, tent, guide and a private kayaking course to BCU (Brittish Canoe Union)standards can be offered. If you happen to own one of these islands maybe you're considering a surprise for your guests, such as a canoeing trip. As you prefer to read English I dare to guess that you don't have an island of your own - no problem. There are innumerable places you can stay along the archipelago and if you are lucky you might make friends with a local cabin owner. Perhaps you still prefer to raise your tent? General questions about kayaking and advice for your trip? Perhaps your escape week!  Phone us for advice or send a message with the feedback form and lets sort it out.

Paddling factory for kayakers

Coming back to canoeing I (JÖns Aschan) started to rent kayaks and to act as "paddling" instructor/guide last summer 2004. When I started paddling in the 1970s I soon became interested in racing. But times have changed, and now Paddlingsfabriken will be running this renting and guiding activity for the years to come. The name Paddlingsfabriken stems from the Swedish word "paddling" which covers the activities of canoeing and kayaking and which is the heart of this business.  "Fabriken" stands for Factory to indicate our services are produced. You are the focus in the production process. Without you the services of local people and our paddling equipment we would produce nothing. Through your efforts our gear, years of experience, archipelago and kayaks we manufacture unforgettable memories for you for the years to come. Its a good idea to do a kayaking week in Ekenäs. Get some advice and backup from Paddlingsfabriken and immerse yourself. 

 

In 1977 and 1978 I led my first five kayak safaris between Ekenäs and Ingå/Inkoo, back and forth. Our accommodation was indoors. For most of the participants this was their first tour in a kayak, and since then I have guided and instructed hundreds of visitors. I chose to focus on competition kayaking. Now you have to opportunity to experience similar journeys in our beautiful archipelago. You'd only like to rent a kayak or learn how to paddle? No problem. Give us some lead-way before you arrive. We deliver on order and use a motorboat to deliver kayaks to where they are needed. Leave us a message in case we don't catch your call on the first try.

Immerse in the Scenery and the archipelago life

Islets, views of heaven and sea. The inland ice from ten-thousand years back, Vikings, regimes of Sweden and Russia, trade, politics, war and sea-fare has all together left marks of varying size. During the Crimean war a battle took place here involving two British steam ships. Tales and stories are mirrored in names and constructions on islets and islands. Fishing and small scale farming (sheep and cows) has dominated life here. Today all are deserted from schoolstart until vacation seasons if it were not for the few fishermen mixing the noisy gatherings of seabirds before or after summer and winter migrations.

An unusual mix of quietness and bird calls. Something to safely experience with a guide from Paddlingsfabriken.

Kayaking was what biking is for today's youth

In the 1930's few had motor driven boats. The usual way to travel was by rowing. Perhaps combined with sails with the purpose of feeding the family. The inhabitants "skäribo" (pronounced shaeribo) shared rowingboats, a practice with which trips could be shortened when visiting the town of Ekenäs. At the southern part of GullÖ (a larger island on the front of Ekenäs) a "skäribo" could set ashore and walk 5 kilometers through the woods to the northern side and row the last 500 meters to the shores of Ekenäs. The alternative would have been to row another 10 kilometers around the GullÖ Island. Archipelago teenagers had other preferences. To meet fellow youngsters they built their own speedboats driven by muscle, canoes and kayaks. Light and easy to handle compared to the family rowing boat. Very practical for visiting the neighbouring islands and quicker than any other transportation. Many of the youngsters became "paddlers" and travelled to competitions with the kayaks on flatbed lorries; some even carried their kayak to the train station to use the only transportation affordable to them.

On a visit to the fisherman's home RÖdjan south of ÄlgÖ you will notice a kajak under the roof of the fishingshed. This kayak is of the faster kind and was used by one of the best known skäribo's and canoeists in Finland.

Landing on islands as visitors

A few small spots of the Ekenäs (Tammisaari in Finnish) archipelago are more densly populated with summer cottages. Despite the sparse exploitation of these islands from a European citizens viewpoint it is wise to plan landing spots ahead, ideally with the advice of a local person. The Right of Common Access law  (Everymans Right) grants you some rights but at the same time sparse exploitation makes people more protective of their privacy. Seeking advice is likely to be positively met and for courtesy's sake land out of sight at a distance. That's not to say you'd have to sneak about, but your discretion will be admired. The paddling map that we lend you lists enough visiting places to fill a day. Many more exist. The Tammisaari/Ekenäs national park is worthwhile getting acquainted with. The association Nylands Friluftsförening provides restingspots for camping and have fireplaces. You may rent a cottage or visit guestboat harbours. Remember to leave places in the natural state and clean for the joy of your fellow boaters. For assistance, we at Paddlingsfabriken are there on request.

Guided kayak tours in the archipelago

Guided tours are made to order and your wish. You may choose a readily designed package for your start. Our capacity is for 10 participants. If more is required, it can be arranged with the proper lead-time. 10 people is usually safe with one experienced guide. Weather and skills may allow for bigger or require smaller groups. Your paddletrip may vary from a couple of hours to some days or even longer. Booking early makes spending nights in luxury cottages possible. Later booking will leave you the option of tent accommodation. Cooked lunches or even dinner can be organized with adequate notice, the alternative is to provision the kayak and then prepare your meals with a camping stove, or just take a snack. It is all up to you.