Remember to always check out the prevailing weather conditions for a safe paddling excursion in Helsinki and read more about the ever-changing winds in Eastern Helsinki.
Your safety is the most important thing for us at Natura Viva! That's why we have gathered important weather information on this page. Please read through this text before planning you self-guided paddling trip in Helsinki.
The first important rule is to check out the latest weather forecast before heading to on the sea. Do not go, if the winds are too strong. A kayak becomes very unstable, when the winds are strong. Also the wind direction might change rapidly, turning a nice tailwind paddle into a serious sidewind battle.
There are some rough guidelines regarding the wind direction in Eastern Helsinki archipelago. The winds are generally stronger during the early paddling season in May and during the late season in September. The weather and the water is generally colder, and there aren't leaves in the trees, which offer some wind protection when paddling along the coastlines.
We recommend you always carry a mobile phone with you on your paddling trip, sealed in a watertight bag. Make sure the battery is not running out and that you can operate the mobile phone through the bag. We have such watertight phone bags for rent and for sale at the Paddling Center.
Also remember to bring some snacks and drinking water. It's not convinient to run out of energy in the middle of a paddling trip. We also suggest taking with you an additional set of clothes sealed in a watertight compartment.
Plan your paddling trip in Helsinki
The paddling route is advisably planned so, that the more strenuous headwind section of the route comes first and the more relaxing tailwind section will follow later. Of course winds change, and despite your best effort your plan might fail. Also be prepared to change your route plan altogether, if the weather takes a turn for worse. Turn back if the situation requires.
Paddling routes and wind direction
Northerly wind (0 degrees)
During northwinds the shoreline at the Paddling Center and the Iso Kallahti bay is calm, and paddling away from the shore is easy. You will have pleasant tailwinds when paddling away to the sea. Coming back from your paddling trip towards the Paddling Center, this same nice tailwind will be headwind, so be prepared for an energy-consuming return. Also be advised the northwind intensifies further offshore, when the Kallahdenniemi peninsula is passed. During northwinds the weather is usually cold, so wear warm clothes for your paddling excursion.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 – 8 m/s. Beginners should head towards Kalliosaari island, and stay sheltered close to the Kallahdenniemi peninsula shoreline. Also a paddling trip to Malkasaari island is possible. For more experienced paddlers all routes are still available, but the headwind on the way back will be significant.
Over 8 m/s. Hard winds, not suitable for beginners. Experienced paddlers should paddle along the peninsula and shelter themselves from the waves.
Northeasterly wind (45 degrees)
Same routes good and same wind speed directions apply as with northerly winds. Be advised the paddling route to Vartiosaari and back to the Paddling Center will be paddled against the wind on the way back. Northeasterly winds are known to be cold, so wear warm clothing!
Easterly wind (90 degrees)
The Iso Kallahti shoreline, including the Paddling Center shore, are still sheltered. With harder winds the available routes will be limited.
WInd speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 – 8 m/s. Beginners should again head to Kalliosaari island. Be advised the swell at the tip of the Kallahdenniemi peninsula will already be significant, as the sea opens up on the other side of Kalliosaari. The paddling route to Kotiluoto ja Villaluodot will still be available, but when possible, cover should be taken amongs the islands and inlets, for instance following the route Paddling Center – Malkasaari – Satamasaari – Kivisaari – Villaluodot ja Kotiluoto, and back the same route.
Over 8 m/s. Beginners should not paddle at all. Experienced kayakers may still go and take cover from the winds among the islands.
Southeasterly wind (135 degrees)
The Paddling Center shore is still calm, but wind catches up as soon as you head on the sea.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 - 8 m/s. Paddle agains the wind towards the islands Kalliosaari, Pikku Leikosaari, Pihlajaluoto or Hattusaari. Reconsider your stamina and observe the weather regularly. Turn back if the conditions are too rough.
Over 8 m/s. Beginners should not paddle at all. Experienced kayakers may still go and take cover from the winds among the islands.
Southernly winds (180 degrees)
The Iso Kallahti bay and the Paddling Center shore will be windy. You will encounter waves as soon as you head out. After Villinki island the swell will be big and suitable only for experienced kayakers.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 - 8 m/s. Head towards Vartiosaari island and the route around Tammisalo island. You will be able to take shelter from the wind by staying close to Ramsinniemi shoreline. Other available route leads to Villaluodot and Kotiluoto islands. Take shelter among the islands.
Over 8 m/s. Beginners should not paddle at all. Experienced kayakers may still go and take cover from the winds among the islands.
Southwesterly wind (225 degrees)
The Paddling Center shore is hammered by waves. This may however be a good start to the paddling trip, as you will encounter headwind first and have a nice tailwind on the way back. You can now also train your skills in battling the waves, as you will be constanly within a safe distance to the Paddling Center.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 - 8 m/s. Available routes towards Vartiosaari island and around Tammisalo island.
Over 8 m/s. Hard wind, no beginners should go out on the water. However good conditions for wave paddling training in the Paddling Center shore. Experienced kayakers may go out and take shelter following the coastlines.
Westerly wind (270 degrees)
The Paddling Center shore may encounter waves. Do not go too far out to the east, as the wind will blow stronger the further you go and paddling back against the wind will be strenuous.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 - 8 m/s. Cape Ramsinniemi to the west from the Paddling Center offers shelter. Stay close to the shoreline. The routes around Vartiosaari and Tammisalo are available, but Ramsinniemi strait can be rough and windy. Kotiluoto ja Villaluodot are still within reach, when following the Ramsinniemi shoreline. Easterly routes also possible, but there will be a headwind on the way back.
Over 8 m/s. Hard wind, no beginners should go out on the water. However good conditions for wave paddling training in the Paddling Center shore. Experienced kayakers may go out and take shelter following the coastlines.
Northwesterly wind (315 degrees)
Calm but trecherous weather at the Paddling Center, since they paddle back ashore will be against the wind. Better head west along Ramsinniemi coastline.
Wind speed
0 – 4 m/s. Good paddling weather. All paddling routes available.
5 - 8 m/s. West among Ramsinniemi shoreline is a good option. Also easterly routes available, but observe the wind speed constantly.
Over 8 m/s. Hard wind, no beginners should go out on the water. If the wind turns more westerly, good conditions for wave paddling training in the Paddling Center shore. Experienced kayakers may go out and take shelter following the coastlines.