Canoerental and canoetours in Sweden
Security
Always play it safe!
Safety on canoe and kayak tours depends largely on the weather. It is important not to underestimate the power of nature and to assess your own abilities realistically. Alcohol, drugs and mind-altering medication have no place on the water.
Wearing a life jacket is absolutely essential.
You must be at least 18 years old to sign a rental agreement.
Note on mobility
Please note that our canoe and kayak tours are generally not ideal for people with reduced mobility. If you have any special requirements, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Planning – Smartphone – Weather report
For your safety, it is essential to carry a waterproof cell phone, ideally with an emergency call app installed. Before each daily paddle start, a thorough route briefing should take place within the team. The weather forecast, the air and water temperatures and the expected wave formation must be taken into account in order to always select the safest route. If possible, plan the paddling routes along the shoreline so that the shore can be reached by swimming in the event of an emergency. All team members should be informed about the course of the planned day’s stage. We recommend the Klart weather app.
Life jackets
Adult participants must be able to swim at least 200 meters. We always equip every paddler with a life jacket (but there are exceptions). The life jackets are CE certified. Our life jackets have no neck support and are not suitable for rescue in the event of fainting. All children under the age of 8 and all children who cannot swim will not receive a life jacket aid from us. They must bring their own lifejacket with neck support (please arrange this in good time).
Persons weighing over 100 kg must also bring their own life jacket.
Important note: Life jackets must never be used as a seat cushion, pillow or otherwise, as they may lose their full functionality.
Essential information for paddling in cool waters
In Sweden, paddling in cool waters is a significant natural hazard that is associated with an increased number of fatal canoeing accidents. According to the Swedish National Board of Health’s guidelines, water with a temperature of 21 degrees Celsius is already classified as cold. In such conditions, the risk of hypothermia is particularly high, as water removes body heat around 25 times faster than the ambient air. This leads to a rapid cooling of the body and a rapid deterioration of bodily functions. Flowing water intensifies this effect by dissipating heat up to 250 times faster.
To minimize the risk of hypothermia (especially in May and October), it is advisable to wear special heat-insulating clothing that retains its insulation value even when wet. In addition, paddlers should always travel in groups so that they can provide support quickly in an emergency. It is also advisable to find out about the current water temperatures and weather conditions before the tour and, if necessary, adjust the route or refrain from a tour if the risks appear too high.
Wind and waves – paddling technique
From wind force 3 and especially in gusty winds, the waves can be quite treacherous and reach impressive sizes. If your canoe starts to rock, please do not try to fight it or shift your center of gravity abruptly. If it wobbles, try to keep your center of gravity as low as possible, possibly by paddling on your knees and then heading for a sheltered spot or a small bay.
In stronger swells, it is advisable to paddle either with the waves or directly against them – preferably at an acute angle. However, avoid paddling parallel to the wave troughs at all costs. Otherwise the canoe will rock violently. If you feel unsafe or anxious in rough weather, don’t hesitate to take a break or cancel the tour. It is always better to play it safe and head for a sheltered bay or the leeward side of an island. Remember that large waves crashing against rocky shores can quickly damage your boat and pose a high risk of injury.
In extreme weather conditions, i.e. persistent wind forces of over 4, you should avoid sailing on the water altogether. Take a break and wait until the weather has stabilized. Safety first – you should never compete with wind and waves.
What should you do if your boat capsizes?
Don’t worry, the Linder 525 canoe offers very high stability in the water and has been designed to be unsinkable. The same applies to the Seabird Discovery and Expedition kayaks: comparatively stable and wobble-free, and as long as all hatches are properly closed, it won’t sink.
Should you capsize: Please leave the canoe or kayak immediately! In such an event, it is most important that you and your companion remain calm and as relaxed as possible. Swim to the nearest shore and, if possible, pull the boat with you. But don’t try to turn the boat over in the water and scoop it out, it could take hours. It’s good to know that you can hold on to the canoe or kayak in case of injury or weakness. Even if the seat hatch of the kayak or the whole canoe is flooded, it will not sink.
As soon as you are safely ashore, you can take care of recovering your equipment. Safety always comes first, so keep calm and act prudently. Your safety and that of your fellow paddlers is the most important thing. With a little care and the right preparations, you can master such situations and continue your adventure on the water safely.
How to prevent accidents
When loading your boat, make sure that there is always a little more weight at the back than at the front. Heavy objects belong at the bottom, lighter ones at the top, so the boat does not become “top-heavy”. Be careful not to overload the boat – the luggage should never be loaded higher than the side of the boat. And please refrain from fastening your luggage with cords or straps. Not only can this be a tripping hazard, it can also be dangerous if you capsize and someone gets caught in it.
Your equipment must always be in top condition. First and foremost, of course, the boat, paddle and life jacket. But also axe, saw or stove – check everything before you use it. Accidents can happen quickly, especially when cooking. Make sure that your cooking appliance is stable and do not sit directly next to it or kneel in front of it while it is in use. Position it so that nobody can be scalded if it accidentally tips over.
The right clothing can protect you from a lot of discomfort. Be prepared for all weather conditions: Rain protection and warm clothes are a must, as are sun protection, a hat and sunglasses. Good footwear is essential to avoid injuries from sharp stones, thorns or broken glass. Wear slippers in the water to protect your feet.
In the event of an emergency, call 112
Medical hotline for tourists: 08320100
Prevention for minor injuries
If you should suffer a minor injury, we strongly recommend that you always have a small first aid kit with you. This way you are well prepared for any eventuality and can react quickly.
Tips for shore excursions and portages
When going ashore and on portages, please remember to follow the local traffic regulations. And remember: In the wilderness of Värmland, moose and bears always have the right of way – well, almost always.
But seriously: in Värmland you might come across moose, deer, badgers and foxes. Or beavers and otters. But don’t worry, even wolves, Luxe and bears are not a present danger. They are very shy and avoid contact with humans. You should only be careful with moose, especially if you are between a mother and her young. In such cases, a cow moose may well panic.
holiday house
