Pyhtää branch canoeing route of Kymijoki River

Canoeist’s equipment

  

A kayak with bulkheads or other pontoons or a canoe with sufficient pontoons Paddle Canoeing vest, which must always be kept on Signalling whistle attached to the canoeing vest Spraydeck for a kayak Weather-appropriate canoeing equipment A change of clothes in a watertight bag Mobile phone in a watertight container in the pocket of the canoeing vest Emptying pump Compass and map First aid supplies Camping equipment (tent, sleeping back, fire starting supplies, etc.)

 

 Other equipment to consider

  

Helmet for rapids Dry or wet suit as required White light for canoeing in the dark Spare paddle

On the route, there are 2 rapid passages that require canoeing experience. The canoer must familiarise themself with the rapids in advance, as conditions may become increasingly challanging as the water levels change. The choice of the route and the decision to paddle through it is always made on own risk of the canoer. It should be noted, the the paddle routes drawn in the route guide are always RECOMMENDATIONS, and should never be considered as absolute truths. A sole canoer must assess each situation on occation and make the decision whether to paddle or not based on their own observations.

 

General instructions

Do not go on a canoeing trip alone or without telling anyone Make sure you know how to read the map and map symbols Practice survival techniques, at least couples survival skills Always keep your mobile phone in a watertight bag in your canoeing vest pocket Save the emergency number as a speed dial entry Make sure that you have an up-to-date weather forecast Make sure that you have appropriate and sufficient equipment Do not canoe under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants

 Weather and canoeing

 Prepare yourself for possible weather changes. Storm, fog, bad visibility, darkness or sudden heat can suddenly surprise you and make canoeing harder. If the weather gets worse, consider whether you could change your route to make it safer, whether it is worth continuing or whether you should turn back. Choose your route based on your skills and equipment. Pack all things than can get wet in watertight containers, covering particularly your sleeping bag. Use high-quality equipment and make sure that it is intact when you are starting your trip. Also ensure that you know how to use all the equipment. Take enough food and drink with you, at least for one extra day. Note that food spoils more quickly in hot weather.

 

In an emergency the general emergency number is 112. If you get lost, always find out your whereabouts before continuing your journey. If you are not entirely sure about your location, return to the previous location where you were sure about where you were. If you capsize, you should try to return to the canoe or go to the nearest shore. Change into dry clothes to avoid getting cold. If the situation is severe, call the general emergency number.

From the Kouvola travel centre, the starting point of the route (Inkeroinen town centre) can be reached by bus line 3

From Kotka and Kouvola, Inkeroinen can also be reached by local train. Timetables are available here

 

A detailed canoeing guide can be found at this link Kymijoki River is also a well-known fishing destination. The main species caught in the river area are the rainbow trout and the pikeperch. Other commonly caught species include the pike, the perch and the asp. With some luck, you may even catch a trout or a salmon. Fishing in the river area between Inkeroinen and Lake Tammijärvi requires a licence for the Keski-Kymi special fishing area. A licence can be obtained here. A paid fisheries management fee is sufficient for fishing in the area between Lake Tammijärvi and the Keihässalmi fishing port.