Nature friendly water activities
Canoeing opens a whole new and versatile perspective from the river to nature´s flora and fauna. Guided paddling tours, - courses and white water rafting as well as wet suite floating in the rapid are arranged along the river.
Beginners are advised to rent canoe or kayak and a guide from some of the companies or organizations listed below or take part in diverse adventure activities. In general, canoeing is a safe activity as long as dangerous factors are eliminated. The canoeing route is also suitable for beginners, as largest rapids are easily portaged. Responsible Rental companies advice canoeists and transport them to the starting point and pick up from ending point. Canoeing after midsummer can on some years be difficult due to occasional low water condition.
Canoe and cayak rental in Kiiminkijoki river
Oulu/Haukipudas
Oulu/Kiiminki
Go Arctic (only with the guide)
Oulu/Ylikiiminki
Vuoton Joutsen luontomatkailupalvelut
Description of Kiiminkijoki River canoeing route
http://www.kiiminkijoki.fi/File/Description_of_Kiiminkijoki_River_canoeing_route.pdf?965310
International classification of whitewater
This international classification of whitewater applies to a low water level:
Class I - easy
The channel is wide, but the river may have bends in it. There are easy obstacles and small waves. Completing an Eskimo roll upon capsizing is not dangerous. Swimming is not dangerous.
Class II - medium
The channel is wide and clearly evident while paddling. There are waves and many obstacles, but it is easy to maneuver around them. There are small holes and waterfalls which can be crossed by paddling. There are eddies. Completing an Eskimo roll is usually easy. Swimming usually does not result in injuries more serious than bruises.
Class III - difficult
The channel is hard to find while paddling, but scouting from the bank in advance is helpful. The channel is winding and requires skillful paddling. Waves are irregular and high, maneuvering around obstacles requires skill, but may be difficult with touring equipment. There are strong eddies. Holes and waterfalls can be crossed by paddling, but they may cause difficulty without good quality equipment. Swimming in the rapids does not usually cause serious danger of injury, and rescue is normally easy.
(Higher classes are even more demanding, but the Kiiminkijoki River does not have rapids above class III.)
