For the third year the Golden Paddle river rafting event will take place in Muonio, in Finnish Lapland. The section of river is the natural border between Finnish and Swedish Lapland.

The number of teams entering has increased year on year with 13 teams signed up for this year’s event on 13 June 2009.

The 13 teams – 8 mens teams and 5 ladies are from Muonio, Oulu, Kuusamo, Rovaniemi, Tornio and Southern Finland. Some of the teams are also competeing for the Cup event which involves racing at three other events in Rovanieni, Tornio and Kuusamo during the summer.

The timetable for the Golden Paddle race is as follows:

09:00 Teams get together in Harriniva and sign up for the competition.

11:00 Transfer to Muonio village where the competition starts, checking equipment etc.

12:00 Competition starts

Muonio village – slalom

Sweden border bridge – 2nd slalom

Harriniva beach – strenght test

Pahtonen – rescue test

Äijäkoski – speed rafting.

The competition ends around 16:00

The teams go for a well deserved sauna and beer at Harriniva followed by dinner in the hotels beautiful Aurora Borealis kota. During the afternoon there will be a prize giving with a golden paddle going to the winner. They will party the night away in Harrinivas pub to a live band, Iiris.

Try white water rafting in Muonio

Visitors to North Western Finnish Lapland during summer can enjoy a rafting trip down the white waters of the beautiful Muonio River. Whether just passing by or staying at the lovely Harriniva Wilderness Hotel that sits on the banks of the Muionio River in Finnish Lapland you can experience White water rafting yourself. See below for details:

6km

Those just wanting a taster can sign up for the 6km adventure that takes approximately an hour with departures three times a day throughout the summer. After the trip coffee and home-made cakes will be served in our beautifully located lean-to situated on the river bank. And, of course, everybody will be awarded a certificate for their bravery.

Period:    1.6. - 27.9.2009
Departures:  Daily at 12.00, 15.00, 18.00 (for groups also on request)
Duration:  approx. 1,5 hours

30km

For the more adventurous and for those with more time a 30km journey that includes exciting white water rafting experiences is a must.
The journey starts with the biggest rapids for first few kilometres. The remainder of the journey as a mix of slow water that allows you to gently meander downstream paddling and short bursts of small rapids. Stop along the way for a riverside picnic lunch, made by the skipper.

Continue on the journey downstream watching the salmon and grayling swimming below the boat.

Departures: 1.6.-27.9.2009 on request

Duration: 4-5 hours

Group size: min. 4 persons