There is a very special feeling when you step into a kayak right in the middle of the city, take your first paddle stroke, and instantly feel your pulse drop. Whether you are looking to rent a kayak at Pampas Marina for a calm evening tour or start from our base at Kungsholmen, the water is absolutely the best way to experience the city. If you are looking for fun things to do in Stockholm and want to try a genuine micro-expedition, you have found the right place.
Being a beginner is exciting, but it’s natural to feel a bit unsure the first time. To ensure your tour is as relaxing as you hope, we spoke with Emil, one of our experienced instructors. Here, he shares five practical tips from the dock that will instantly make you a smarter paddler.
1. Relax your grip on the paddle
A classic beginner mistake is gripping the paddle shaft too tightly, which quickly leads to cramped forearms and unnecessary fatigue. Try to maintain a relaxed grip – you should almost be able to wiggle your fingers while paddling. This saves a lot of energy and makes the ride much more comfortable.
2. Dress smart (wool is gold!)
Dressing in layers is a great rule of thumb on the water. One of our best tips is to always wear wool closest to your body. Unlike cotton, wool actually keeps you warm even if it gets wet, which is very reassuring since the water in Stockholm can remain chilly well into the summer. Want to dive deeper into this topic? Check out our YouTube video on cold water paddling (in Swedish) for more concrete advice.
3. Let the wind decide your route
Kayaking in Stockholm as a beginner is largely about reading the wind. A really nice tour from our dock at Eden is paddling around the island of Långholmen. But here is a smart tip: which direction you choose to circle the island matters a lot! By checking the wind direction beforehand, you can plan your route to get a tailwind on the most open, choppy section, and then glide back comfortably in the shelter of the wind.
4. Beware of the high stone quays
A common piece of advice is to “stay close to the shore,” but in central Stockholm, the shores often consist of high, vertical stone quays. When the wake from passing boats hits these hard stone walls, the waves bounce straight back, creating a choppy and chaotic sea (reflection waves) right near the edge. Sometimes it is actually safer and calmer to keep a bit of distance from the quay edge to avoid the worst of the “washing machine.”
5. Lift your gaze from the paddle
A common instinct for beginners is staring straight down at the front of the kayak or at the paddle to make sure you are doing it “right”. But your body follows your eyes! By lifting your gaze and looking towards the horizon or where you want to go, you automatically get better posture, a straighter course, and – most importantly – much better balance. Plus, you’ll miss Stockholm’s beautiful views if you only look down!
At LEK MER, we care deeply about our waters. If you spot a piece of plastic or trash floating by on your tour, please fish it up and place it in your kayak. It’s a simple way to give back to nature.
Do you want a safe and educational start to your kayaking journey together with Emil or one of our other guides?
👉 Book “Introduction to Kayaking Stockholm” and start your adventure here!
(Tags: Things to do in stockholm, kayak kungsholmen, rent kayak pampas, paddle kayak stockholm beginner, introduction to kayaking stockholm)
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