HELSINKI, FINLAND – In a remarkable display of endurance and passion for nature, Susanna "Suski" Oksanen, a touring paddling ambassador for the Finnish Canoe and Rowing Federation, has achieved a monumental milestone: she has visited all 41 of Finland’s national parks. What makes her accomplishment particularly noteworthy is her preferred mode of exploration – the packraft, a lightweight, inflatable kayak that allows for seamless transitions between hiking and paddling, opening up unparalleled access to Finland’s pristine wilderness.
Oksanen’s journey, culminating this summer, is not merely a tally of visited parks but a testament to a lifelong dedication to outdoor adventure. Through her role as an ambassador, Suski shares her unique experiences, inspiring others to discover the diverse landscapes and waterways of Finland. Her recent expeditions, vividly documented, showcase the versatility of packrafting in three distinct national parks: the rugged cliffs of Repovesi, the serene sandy shores of Tiilikkajärvi, and the dramatic gorge of Julma-Ölkky in Hossa.
A Lifelong Quest Culminates in a National Achievement
Susanna Oksanen’s connection with Finland’s national parks began in childhood. From an early age, she traversed these protected landscapes through various means – hiking winding trails, gliding across snowy fells on skis, cycling forest paths, and paddling serene lakes. This deep-rooted appreciation for nature blossomed into a long-term goal: to experience every single one of Finland’s national parks. This summer, that ambitious quest reached its triumphant conclusion, placing Oksanen among a select few who have personally explored the breadth of Finland’s protected natural heritage.
Her most recent expeditions, pivotal in completing this grand tour, underscored the transformative potential of the packraft. This innovative craft, easily stowed in a backpack, has become Oksanen’s preferred tool for navigating the intricate tapestry of Finland’s land and water. "The lightweight, packable packraft has become one of my favorite ways to move in nature," Oksanen states, highlighting the freedom and flexibility it offers. It’s an invitation to a different kind of adventure, one that breaks down the barriers between land and water, allowing explorers to delve deeper into the wild heart of Finland.
The Packraft Phenomenon: Redefining Wilderness Exploration
At the core of Oksanen’s recent adventures is the packraft itself – a testament to minimalist, multi-modal exploration. Unlike traditional kayaks or canoes, a packraft is an inflatable, durable, and exceptionally lightweight vessel, typically weighing between 2 to 4 kilograms. Its most defining feature is its portability: deflated, it packs down into a compact size, easily fitting into a hiking backpack. This allows adventurers to carry their vessel over land, portaging between waterways or combining extensive hikes with paddling segments. Complementing this is a touring paddle, designed to break down into 2 to 4 parts, making it equally packable.
This portability is what truly liberates the explorer. Imagine hiking deep into a forest, reaching a secluded lake or river, and then, in a matter of minutes, inflating your craft and continuing your journey on water. This fusion of hiking and paddling opens up areas previously inaccessible or requiring cumbersome logistics. It allows for a unique perspective, offering an intimate connection with nature that a single mode of transport cannot provide. From tranquil lakes to winding rivers and even coastal areas, the packraft’s adaptability makes it a compelling choice for those seeking diverse outdoor experiences.
A Chronology of Packrafting Excellence: Three Iconic National Parks
Oksanen’s chosen highlights demonstrate the packraft’s utility across a spectrum of Finnish landscapes.
Repovesi National Park: Where Cliffs Meet Water
Repovesi, located in southeastern Finland, is renowned for its dramatic, rugged terrain, characterized by towering cliffs, deep lakes, and ancient forests. Oksanen’s packrafting trip here perfectly exemplified the craft’s dual-mode advantage. "In Repovesi National Park, we wanted to combine two ways of moving within the park on the same trip: hiking and paddling," Oksanen recounts. "The packraft is perfect for this, as the lightweight boat can be carried in a backpack on trails when deflated, and when a waterway is encountered, the journey can continue by paddling."
The ability to seamlessly transition from land to water allowed Oksanen to experience Repovesi from a truly unique vantage point. The park’s majestic rock faces, which loom large from hiking trails, take on an entirely different scale when viewed from the water’s surface. Of particular note were the ancient rock paintings, often hidden or difficult to access from land, which became intimately observable from the packraft. The new suspension bridge in Repovesi, a landmark for hikers, also served as a scenic and practical waypoint for packrafters, symbolizing the park’s blend of accessibility and wild beauty. This park’s diverse landscape, from deep ravines to clear lakes, is a prime example of where the packraft truly shines, enabling explorers to delve into its craggy secrets.
Tiilikkajärvi National Park: Serene Sands and Clear Waters
Moving north to the border of North Savo and Kainuu regions, Tiilikkajärvi National Park offers a stark contrast to Repovesi’s ruggedness. Here, the landscape is defined by extensive sandy beaches, prominent esker formations, and exceptionally clear waters. Oksanen found this park to be an ideal setting for leisurely packrafting. "At Tiilikkajärvi, paddlers are greeted by sandy beaches, eskers, and clear water," she describes. "It’s easy to explore the lake at your own pace with a packraft and stop at a suitable sandy beach."
The gentle, summery atmosphere of Tiilikkajärvi, with its shallow shores and inviting waters, creates a sense of tranquility. The packraft allows for an unhurried exploration of the lake’s perimeter, offering direct access to secluded coves and pristine beaches that might be missed by land-based visitors. This park exemplifies the packraft’s ability to facilitate a relaxed, immersive experience, allowing paddlers to truly connect with the subtle beauty of Finland’s aquatic landscapes. The crystal-clear water, reflecting the sky, provides a mesmerizing backdrop for a peaceful day on the water, highlighting the packraft’s role in unlocking moments of serene contemplation.
Hossa National Park: Delving into the Depths of Julma-Ölkky Gorge
Further north in Kainuu, Hossa National Park presents another distinct challenge and reward for packrafters. Oksanen’s day trip to Julma-Ölkky, a dramatic gorge lake within Hossa, offered a profound sense of scale and immersion. "In Hossa, we headed for a day trip to Julma-Ölkky, where rugged cliff walls rise meters high," Oksanen explains. "From the packraft, the scale of the gorge lake is perceived in a completely different way: at water level, the small boat feels truly tiny amidst the high cliffs."
The experience of paddling through the narrow, high-walled gorge on a packraft is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The sheer verticality of the cliffs, which from above might seem impressive, becomes overwhelmingly grand when viewed from the water’s surface. The packraft, being low to the water, amplifies this sense of scale, making the paddler feel intimately connected to the ancient geological forces that carved the gorge. Hossa, with its ancient rock paintings (Värikallio) and pristine waterways, is a cultural and natural treasure, and the packraft allows for an unparalleled perspective on its most dramatic features, including the famous Julma-Ölkky gorge.
Supporting Data and the Broader Implications of Packrafting
The appeal of packrafting extends beyond its portability. It’s a robust, versatile craft suitable for a wide array of aquatic environments. Different models are designed for various adventures, from navigating challenging rapids to leisurely paddling on calm lakes or exploring coastal areas. This adaptability makes packrafting an increasingly popular choice for adventurers seeking a single craft that can handle diverse conditions.
Furthermore, packrafting aligns perfectly with modern trends in outdoor recreation, emphasizing self-sufficiency, flexibility, and a low environmental footprint. Its lightweight nature reduces the physical strain of portaging, making multi-day, multi-terrain expeditions more accessible to a broader audience. The ability to access remote areas without extensive infrastructure also promotes a more sustainable form of tourism, encouraging respect for nature’s pristine condition. As Oksanen points out, other national parks like Oulanka, Patvinsuo, Leivonmäki, Petkeljärvi, Isojärvi, Kolovesi, Linnansaari, and Päijänne are also exceptionally well-suited for packrafting, offering endless possibilities for exploration.
Official Endorsement and the Future of Finnish Outdoor Adventure
Susanna Oksanen’s journey is more than a personal achievement; it’s a vibrant illustration of the Finnish Canoe and Rowing Federation’s mission. As a touring paddling ambassador, Oksanen embodies the spirit of exploration and sharing that the federation champions. The ambassador program aims to inspire Finns and international visitors alike to embrace paddling as a fulfilling way to connect with the country’s abundant waterways. By showcasing diverse methods like packrafting, the federation broadens the appeal of water-based activities and highlights the accessibility of Finland’s natural wonders, protected by the "everyman’s rights" (Jokamiehenoikeus) which allow free access to most natural areas.
Oksanen’s impressive background, extending beyond packrafting, further solidifies her authority as an outdoor expert. A Helsinki-based freelance photographer, she not only captures stunning images of the wilderness but also brings a wealth of experience from competitive rowing, having achieved the prestigious "soutuneuvos" (rowing counsellor) title. Her passion for nature is year-round, and her camera is a constant companion, ensuring that the beauty of her journeys is shared with a wider audience through her Instagram (@suski.photography) and website (https://suski.pictures.fi/).
Her comprehensive tour of all national parks, particularly through the lens of packrafting, underscores a growing trend in outdoor recreation: the desire for deeply immersive, flexible, and self-supported adventures. As urban populations seek solace and challenge in nature, tools like the packraft offer an ideal solution, bridging the gap between land and water, and unlocking new dimensions of wilderness exploration.
Embark on Your Own Packrafting Adventure
Susanna "Suski" Oksanen’s epic journey serves as a powerful inspiration for anyone looking to deepen their connection with Finland’s breathtaking natural landscapes. Her story is a testament to the fact that with the right equipment and a spirit of adventure, the possibilities for exploration are limitless. The packraft, with its unique blend of portability and performance, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience Finland’s national parks from a fresh, intimate perspective.
If Suski’s adventures have sparked your interest in packrafting, a world of exploration awaits. Whether you dream of navigating wild rapids, gliding across tranquil sea waters, or leisurely paddling on serene lakes, there’s a packraft model designed for every type of trip and waterway. To discover the ideal packraft for your next Finnish wilderness adventure, explore the extensive selection available at Melomo: https://www.melomo.fi.
Text and Photos: Susanna "Suski" Oksanen.
