Kanootit

Kanootit is the Finnish term for canoes, a class of lightweight, narrow watercraft propelled with a single-bladed paddle. In Finnish usage kanootit covers traditional forms such as birchbark and dugout canoes as well as modern touring, expedition, and whitewater canoes made from a range of materials.

Canoes have a long history in many cultures. Traditional forms include birchbark and dugout canoes used for transport and trade across rivers and lakes. In contemporary settings, canoes are produced in open, decked, and cockpit designs and come in solo and tandem configurations. They are used for recreation, wilderness travel, and sport, with variations tailored to calm water, rough rivers, or expedition trips.

Construction and design vary widely. Hull shapes range from flat and wide for stability to shallow-arched or streamlined for speed and tracking. Common materials include wood, canvas, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, and high-density polyethylene. Modern canoes may be molded or built in stitch-and-glue or ribbed constructions. Paddling is typically done with a single-bladed paddle, with seating and floatation arranged to balance stability, buoyancy, and load capacity. Portaging, carrying a canoe overland between waterways, is a common activity in wilderness trips.

Usage and culture: Canoeing is popular on lakes, rivers, and coastal waters around the world, including Finland, where numerous lakes and archipelagos support a wide range of activities from casual day trips to multi-day expeditions. National and local associations provide training, safety guidelines, and organize events and competitions.

Safety and maintenance: Operators should wear personal flotation devices and follow local regulations. Regular maintenance includes inspecting the hull for damage, drying and storing properly, and cleaning to prevent mildew and wear.