Hamarikupla's Sit-on-Top kayaks are very beginner-friendly: stable, easy to paddle and safe when tipping over. We will go through safety instructions and the basics of paddling when you pick up the kayaks. However, read these instructions carefully before you arrive in Hamarikupla. Please also send the link to your co-kayakers!
About the kayaks:
Hamarikupla's kayaks are open Sit-on-Top kayaks. These Tahe Outdoors kayaks were chosen for their beginner-friendliness: flat-bottomed kayaks are very stable and you can't accidentally get stuck in the kayak in the event of a rare capsize.
What is gained in stability, is lost in speed. Experienced paddlers might find these a bit slow, but Hamarikupla is for enjoyment, not competitive sports ;).
The single-person kayaks are Tahe Outdoors model Aqua Moon
Capacity approx. 150 kg, carries one person
Storage: dry tank in the bow with a 24cm opening and space on deck
Life jacket mandatory
The two-person kayak is the Kailua Tandem model by Tahe Outdoors
Capacity approx. 210 kg, carries 2-3 persons (adult+adult, child+adult or child+two adults)
Storage: storage space on deck, no dry tank. You can easily store your bag between your legs, but it might get a bit wet.
Life jacket mandatory
SUP boards are high quality hard boards by Sic Maui.
Capacity max. 90 kg, carries one person
SUP boards don't have any storage, you may borrow a dry back for your valuables. Life jackets optional but recommended.
What to bring with you:
Weather appropriate clothing. Shell pants when the water is cold. In the summertime quick-drying pants/swimsuits or change pants for the trip home. On a Sit-on-Top kayak and SUP board you will always get a bit wet.
A water bottle
A dry bag or sealed plastic bag for your valuables. You can also borrow a dry bag from us.
Shoes that don't mind getting wet. For example, Crocs, neoprene slippers, swimming sandals or, in cold weather, rubber boots. You can also paddle barefoot or with sneakers, but going ashore with dry feet is challenging.
Bring also these if you feel like it:
Hat
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Gloves to prevent chafing. No cotton. For example garden gloves work well.
Snacks, there are excellent picnic-places
Change/extra clothes packed in a dry bag. This is especially important if the water is below 15 degrees.
Other equipment:
The rental includes life jackets / buoyancy aid, paddles, equipment for emptying the kayak, a map and, if necessary, a dry bag.
The use of life vests is mandatory on the kayaks!
Paddling technique:
Paddling technique and safety instructions will be reviewed with you at the beginning of the rental.
Kayaks are paddled in steady strokes, using the strength of the whole body. Paddling with just your hands is possible, but it's tiring in the long run. Power is therefore sought from the rotation of the middle body. In calm weather, paddling with our kayaks is possible from about 10 years of age and up. Hamari is quite sheltered from winds and swell. However, if the wind and wave conditions are not favorable, we will inform you by email and you can reschedule on a later date.
Please note that the kayak rental does not include insurance and paddling happens at your own risk.
Crossing over to the Sawmill Islands:
All boat traffic to Porvoo goes between Hamari and the Sawmill Islands. In front of Hamari passing boats have a 10 km/h limit and therefore crossing over to the islands is the easiest. Paddle next to the fairway marker and wait for a suitable gap. The boats have the right of way and paddlers need to yield. Large wake waves should be encountered with the bow of the kayak in front. This minimizes the swaying of the kayak.
Ashoring:
Going ashore is easiest by paddling the kayak as far as possible onto a sandy beach/reeds. Avoid sharp rocks to save the bottom of the kayak. Put your feet on both sides of the kayak and wade to shore or push the kayak along to dry land. However, the feet usually get wet. Drag/lift the kayak to dry land without scratching the bottom.
Always try to keep your center of gravity as close to the center line of the kayak as possible and never stand in the kayak.
When renting, you will receive a map with the best beach spots in the surrounding area. Please avoid landing on the islands during the birds' nesting season.
In case you fall:
You can't get stuck in an open kayak and climbing back is simple. There has only few falls during the hundreds of hours of use of the top kayaks, but you have to be prepared for everything. The procedure in case of a kayak overturning will be reviewed when you arrive to pick up the kayak.
