On 22 May, the Maritime Museum in Stockholm opens its new exhibition PADDLA!. It is about the history of paddling, the freedom of being on the water, and the responsibility that comes when more people head out in kayaks, canoes and on SUP boards.
For us at LEK MER, this is especially nice. Emil appears in the exhibition in short technique and safety videos where visitors can see the basics: how to get in and out of a kayak, paddle calmly and handle common situations on the water.
Why a paddling exhibition feels right in Stockholm
It is easy to think of paddling as something you book on a warm summer day. But it is bigger than that.
It is about how we move through the city, how we get close to the water, and how we learn to use nature without taking it for granted. In Stockholm, this is especially clear. Water is part of everyday life here, but for many people there is still a first step before going out feels natural.
That is why it feels good to see the Maritime Museum create an exhibition that does not only show objects and history, but also brings in the feeling, the body and the responsibility of paddling.
What PADDLA! is about
According to the Maritime Museum, the exhibition follows paddling from long historical journeys to today’s outdoor life. Visitors can, among other things, pack a kayak, test their balance and step into a sound environment from tent life.
It is a good combination. Paddling is both simple and difficult at the same time. The simple part is getting out on the water. The difficult part is understanding weather, margins, technique and responsibility well enough for the trip to be safe and enjoyable.
Small technical details make a big difference
The exhibition includes short films where Emil shows basic paddling technique and safety. These are things that may look small from shore, but make a real difference once you are sitting in the kayak.
How do you get in without stress? How do you use a sweep stroke to turn? How do you help a paddling partner after a capsize? How do you make your movements calm instead of jerky?
This is exactly the kind of knowledge we try to give our guests every day. Not because everyone needs to become an advanced paddler, but because a safer paddler has a better experience.
From the museum hall to the water
A good exhibition can make you want to try something yourself. After a while among stories, equipment and films, it is easy to feel like getting out on the water.
Our advice is simple: start at a level that fits the weather, your experience and how you feel that day. Choose calm water the first time. Listen to the staff’s advice. Take a course or a guided tour if you are unsure. And if the wind is too strong, it is better to rebook than to force a trip that will not be good.
Paddling should feel alive, but not like a gamble.
Want to paddle after your visit?
If PADDLA! makes you curious to get out on the water yourself, we are happy to help. With us you can rent a kayak in Stockholm from Eden by Smedsudden or from Pampas, or choose a kayak course or guided tour if you want more support along the way.
The most important thing is not to start big. The most important thing is to start safely.
Visit PADDLA! at the Maritime Museum first if you can. Then we will see you on the water when the weather and conditions are right.
