PADDLER 22
Words : Scott Diel Photos : Scott Diel
PADDLER 22
PADDLES , PICTOGRAPHS &
PRIDE :
A canoeist in Finnish Karelia
Canoeists are mostly harmless . It ’ s kayakers you have to look out for .
Jussi arrived at our camp in a solo carbon kayak , the perfect watercraft for those who like to move fast and alone . We knew his name because it was emblazoned on his hull in the fashion typically reserved for fighter aircraft and monster trucks . He dragged his boat to shore and addressed us , “ Do you snore ?”
After receiving an answer in the negative , he stormed from tent platform to tent platform – the ground too rocky to pitch a tent otherwise – inspecting each site , returning to declare , “ I know you . You were at Vaajasalo . You don ’ t snore .”
Once in a lifetime , you may encounter a talkative Finn . This one talked so much that he was likely in danger of losing his citizenship .
“ I did 20 kilometres today . How many did you do ?” “ I ’ m not sure . Eight ?” “ I did 20 just in the morning .”
“ Impressive .” What did he want from us ? Speed and distance weren ’ t our goals . We were after tranquillity . Our canoe was laden with folding chairs , steaks , and enough wine for a garden party . With Jussi , it felt like we had met the Donald Trump of watersports : The crowds at the put-in were huuuge .
“ I did 80 kilometres in a day once .”
Words : Scott Diel Photos : Scott Diel