Canoe, kayak and SUP

Paddling is for everyone and there are plenty of choices when it comes to crafts that will allow you to experience Åre on water, whether you wish for mirror-like surfaces or rushing white water. Of course, there are more to choose from than we present here, but we’ll give you a short brief of three of the most popular ones that allow you to go exploring on your own or with a guide.

Stand up paddling

SUP, or Stand Up Paddle Board, is exactly what it sounds like. It’s an inflatable board on which you stand up to paddle. They come in different forms and sizes, from short and wide to long and narrow. Generally, wider and shorter means they’re easier to balance on, but they’re not as fast as the narrower models. Difference in pressure also makes a difference when it comes to buoyancy.

It’s a balance act but you’ll soon get the hang of it and after some practice, you’ll even be able to handle waves. A big plus for the SUP is that it’s easy to navigate in shallow waters, if you remember the fin underneath. You’ll see things you won’t be able to otherwise, like sea creatures and fish.

Paddle your way through Åre, or enjoy the calm.

Canoe or kayak?

These two can look alike and in some ways, they are. They are both light, streamlined crafts that are easy to paddle. But the initiated won’t like to hear you call a kayak a canoe or the reverse. And you might want to know what you get yourself into.

Adventurers in a canoe. Photo: Explore Åre

Canoe

Canoes are made from wood, spun glass or plastic. They are open from stern to stem and has enough space to accommodate luggage in both ends. The canoe can have up to three seats or seating rods and, as a rule, you’re seated higher above the deck than in a kayak. For canoeing, you use a paddle which has only one blade and a t-shaped handle bar at the other end for easy handling. You can paddle seated on the seating rods/seats or standing on your knees. Canoes are generally family friendly since children can be seated together with adults.

When summer is at its best, all you have to do is get out and enjoy it. Photo: Åreguiderna

Kayaks

The kayak is a covered vessel where you sit in a cockpit, which is an opening in the middle of the kayak. It has a sort of back support and sometimes a rudder that you control using your feet. Kayaks come in many different forms and shapes which gives them unique qualities. Short and round kayaks are usually made for white water rafting and long and narrow kayaks are perfect for paddling in oceans and lakes. There are single and two-person versions and in open water, a kayak will be a better option than the canoe. The paddle has two blades on each side of the paddle.

Rentals and guided tours

There are plenty of waters in and around Åre village where you can enjoy stunning views and explore new places on water. Paddling is a great activity for the family, a group of friends or a gang of colleagues on conference. Whether you do it with a guide or on your own is up to you!

Rent a craft

Book and collect your craft of choice from a rental office at one of our activity companies or on your own from an automatic rental point (Kayakomat). Renting from an automatic pick-up point means that you book your chosen boat and collect it yourself at, for example, Åre beach. Rent a kayak, canoe or SUP:

Explore Åre – rent a canoe, SUP or Mega SUP which is a big SUP that can carry a whole family.

Holiday Club, Kayakomat – book a kayak or SUP online and pick it up at Åre strand (Åre beach promenade)

Vöks Outdoor – book a kanoe, kayak or SUP and pick ut up at Åre strand (Åre beach promenade)

Åreguiderna – rent a kayak from Åreguiderna.

Book a guided tour

All equipment is included, and you’ll have a guided tour adapted to your level and preferences. Explore what’s on offer with the activity companies listed below to find what suits best for you. If white water rafting is more your cup of tea, go to River Rafting in Åre.

Explore Åre – offers canoe tours for families, amoing other things.

Åreguiderna offers guided kayak tours, and more.

Puls Åre – offers tours for larger groups, and more.

JoPe Fors & Fjäll – offers both guided tours and white water rafting courses.

Vöks Outdoor – choose your tour or gear in the rental booking system.

White water rafting with Jope Fors & Fjäll. Photo: JoPe Fors och Fjäll

Adventurers in a canoe. Photo: Explore Åre