Northern Finland offers a special option to skiing in winter: River Floating, a kind of rafting where you let yourself be carried by the current wearing a thick special suit. Once the nervousness has calmed down, feelings of happiness arise.
In Finnish Lapland they love their Kitkajoki. the small river, only 35 kilometers long, is a popular trout spawning area and a popular trout fishing spot among anglers.It serves as a study object for biodiversity in the nearby Oulanka National Park. And despite the mostly flat terrain of the Kuusamo region through which it flows, it really speeds up at times and launches into some rapids. This makes it a playground for adventure seekers,especially in winter.
That’s why we are here. We want to climb into the frozen river in temperatures slightly above freezing. several organizers offer this particular form of winter sport: River Floating - a kind of rafting without a canoe,where you wear special thick clothing,a life jacket and a helmet and float downstream on your back. Hopefully, you will be able to relax and observe nature, water and clouds in the sky along the way, without getting wet or freezing.
For today, about a dozen adults have signed up. Everyone waits expectantly at the starting point,a functional building,filled to the brim with thick,special clothes,and is as excited as a child’s birthday party. because no one has ever tried this adventure before.
Getting dressed is complicated: we keep our civilian clothes on, but we have to take off our shoes. As a first layer, everyone should wear a thick, warm overall and woolen socks into which the trouser legs are tucked. Then the guide gives you a kind of hood like for a bank robbery. Over all is a luxurious waterproof dry suit, to which a pair of wellies are conveniently attached.
It’s a lot of fiddling until you get it right. The wetsuit closes at the neck and wrists with snug neoprene to prevent water entry. We are also provided with life jackets and finally neoprene gloves which, as the guide says, do not keep you warm. Luckily it’s not cold. To be more precise: too warm for winter.
Sometimes the river puts obstacles in your way
Unfortunately this is no longer a rarity, says Riku Paavola. He is a scientist and head of the Oulanka River Research Center. The climate has been monitored at the University of Oulu branch since 1966. Today it is clear to them, Paavola says, that long, cold winters no longer exist. “We measure very low temperatures, but there are warm periods in between, which didn’t happen before. the heat brings the wind, which shakes the snow from the trees in many places, like now in Kitkajoki – the ground is covered in snow.” , but the pine trees remain empty there. In Finnish lapland the climate remains cold and wintry until spring.
Well wrapped, the group is led towards the river and, near a bridge, we laboriously descend to the water. Kitkajoki connects two lakes, Ala-Kitka and Keltinki. It then flows further east and flows into the Oulankajoki, which flows further into Russia.
On the bank the guide gives further instructions: “Zip up your suit Now they all look swollen with Michelin men.“Get on your knees. Run your finger under the ruff. And prizes.” This is how the air comes out. If you then stand up, a negative pressure is
And indeed: If you were quite excited at the beginning, now you lie down in the water, calm down immediately, float almost weightlessly, listen to the light splashing of water and simply enjoy letting yourself drift. sometimes the river puts rocks in your path, but then you row with your arms and legs until you free yourself again. The fun lasts about 15 minutes. Just before the bridge everyone crawls out of the river. And because it was so good,we’ll do it all again.
In the end everyone is happy and agrees: if skiing is too boring or too risky for you, river floating is a relaxed alternative to winter sports.
Advice and information:
I arrive: For example with Lufthansa from Frankfurt am Main to Kuusamo, Eurowings flies there from Düsseldorf starting at the end of January; Finnair offers connections via Helsinki from six German airports.
Floating river: Bookable at Rukasafaris, three hours starting from 104 euros (rukasafaris.fi/en/arctic-river-floating/) or at Ruka Adventures, two and a half hours starting from 95 euros (rukaadventures.fi/river-floating/).
Further information: Ruka-Kuusamo Region, ruka.fi/en; Visit Finland, <a class="is-link c-block-items__link is-external c-link–rich-text-renderer" href="https://www.visitfinland.com/de/" target="_blank" title="(Link
Participation in the trip was supported by the Ruka-Kuusamo region and the organizer Rukasafaris. Our standards of openness and journalistic independence can be found at go2.as/unabhaengigkeit.
What are the essential safety tips for beginners trying River Floating in Northern Finland?
Interview: Exploring River Floating in Northern Finland
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Riku Paavola, to Time.news. As an expert on Northern Finland’s Oulanka River and a principal researcher at the Oulanka River Research center, it’s a pleasure to dive deep into the unique experience of river Floating. Can you start by explaining what River Floating is and why it’s becoming a popular winter activity?
Riku Paavola (RP): Thank you for having me! River Floating is a captivating adventure sport where participants, dressed in special thick suits, let the current of a river carry them downstream on their backs. Unlike traditional rafting,there’s no canoe involved—the idea is to relax,observe nature,and enjoy the experience without the usual risks of getting wet or freezing. It beautifully marries the thrill of adventure with the tranquility of nature.
TNE: It sounds exhilarating! I understand the Kitkajoki River plays a significant role in this experience, especially in winter. Can you tell us a bit about it’s characteristics and why it’s well-suited for River floating?
RP: Absolutely! The Kitkajoki is a small, 35-kilometer-long river that flows through the mostly flat terrain of the Kuusamo region. Though, it has sections where the current picks up pace and creates rapids, making it a perfect playground for adventure seekers. It’s not just a recreational space; it’s a vital spawning ground for trout and an important site for biodiversity studies in Oulanka National Park. The stunning scenery and unique biodiversity enhance the River Floating experience.
TNE: You mentioned the group excitement at the starting point. How does that enthusiasm transform into a rewarding experience as they float down the river?
RP: The anticipation is palpable, much like a child’s birthday party, as newcomers gear up for the adventure. Once they’re suited up and in the water, the initial nerves fade away. Participants often find themselves immersed in nature, watching the clouds and the flowing water. This shift from anxiety to joy is part of the charm of River Floating—it allows peopel to connect with the surroundings at a different pace.
TNE: It must be quite a process to prepare for this adventure. Can you describe some of the gear and readiness involved for newcomers?
RP: Yes, the preparation is indeed quite the ordeal! Participants dress in layers, starting with warm overalls and woolen socks, followed by a waterproof dry suit. Importantly, they wear snug neoprene gloves and life jackets for safety. It’s a bit of a struggle to get the suits on, which can lead to some humorous situations, but once suited up, they’re ready to embrace the experience.
TNE: As an expert in climate monitoring,you also have insights into how climate change affects this winter sport. Can you illuminate some of the changes you’ve observed over time?
RP: Certainly. Since we began monitoring temperatures in 1966, there’s been a notable shift in winter patterns. Even though we still experience cold spells, longer periods of warmth have become common, disrupting the traditional winter climate. Trees lose snow more frequently, impacting not only the ecosystem but also the conditions for winter activities like River Floating. It’s a reminder of the urgent need for awareness regarding climate change and its effects on our beloved natural environments.
TNE: That’s concerning yet incredibly important to highlight. for those who might be interested in trying River Floating, what would you say to encourage them to take the plunge?
RP: I would say that River Floating is not just an adventure; it’s a unique way to experience the tranquility and beauty of Finnish Lapland in winter. It offers a connection to nature that’s hard to find elsewhere. So, don’t hesitate—embrace the thrill, experience the beauty, and you may find happiness floating down the Kitkajoki!
TNE: Riku, thank you for sharing your insights on River Floating and the significance of the Kitkajoki River. This sport seems like a marvelous way to engage with nature and contribute to the understanding of our environment.
RP: Thank you for having me! Let’s hope more people discover the joys of River Floating and work together to protect the natural wonders of our world.