Finnish kayaking company plan kayak tours on Jersey
Waterfall at le mourier valley. There has been plenty of rain this winter
February and March may not seem like the best months to undertake an intensive sea kayak course in Jersey with BCU 4 star sea kayak training/ assessment. However, if you are coming from Finland with low temperatures and short days Jersey probably seems semi tropical.
Intensive sea kayak courses
Jersey Kayak Adventure director Derek Hairon is working with Peter & Sanna Forsstrom from Finish sea kayaking company Kola Kayak to develop their sea kayak skills, so they can run more advanced sea kayak tours and coaching courses in Finland.
While on Jersey Peter has completed a range of British Canoe Union sea kayak awards including the BCU 4 star sea kayak leader course, while Sanna is working towards her kayak coach award. Both have been exploring the superb coastline of Jersey by sea kayak.
The advantage of training in Jersey is that there is a huge range of sea kayaking opportunities for all abilities and it is easy to select the best venues without having to travel long distances. “internationally British kayak awards are held in very high esteem, and having trained on Jersey Peter and Sanna have spotted the fantastic advantages of the island” said Derek Hairon.
Easier travelling
BCU 4 star sea kayak leader training
Travelling to Jersey from Finland (and many places in the UK and Europe) is faster than you’d expect. Peter, Sanna and their two young children (aged 3yrs and 15 months) took less than 7 hours to fly to Jersey. “That’s a lot less than when we went to Cornwall last year” said Peter.
The weather has not proved a barrier for the family, who are used to very cold conditions. When not kayaking the family has been out and about exploring the coast and beaches.
As a result of their stay Jersey Kayak Adventures is teaming up with Kola Kayak to arrange sea kayak holiday courses for paddlers and adventure seekers from Finland during the shoulder seasons. “With the cold winters and short days Finnish people love to take an autumn or early spring break” said Peter.
Plenty to do on Jersey but where’s the sauna?
Sanna sea kayaking in February
The couple is spending almost 8 weeks on Jersey with its two young children and has been impressed with the range of facilities and resources on such a small island.
The island’s fresh produce and seafood have inspired Sanna to learn how to prepare seafood dishes – as a result of attending a master class organised by Daniel, the chef at Bracewell’s Restaurant in St Aubin.
Peter’s one criticism of Jersey is that there is a serious lack of saunas. “It’s like your love of BBQ’s. In Finland everyone has a sauna and you can even buy portable ones” said Peter.
