Basic course in long-distance kayaking with a kayak tour on Malingarna
Together with Next Step Nature, Kajaktiv offers a guided tour in Malingarna south of Björbo. The lake is part of a nature reserve beautifully framed by pine forest. Here you have good chances to meet beavers, great northern divers, and maybe catch a glimpse of otters and other animals.
Malingarna Program
We meet at Kajaktiv at 1:00 PM for a presentation by the instructor and a review of the kayaks we will use on the tour. Each person adjusts their kayak so that they are comfortable before we load the kayaks onto the trailer. Then we equip everyone with a paddle, spray skirt, and a well-fitting life jacket. Once everyone has the required equipment, we drive to the launch site in Malingarna. After a brief overview, we launch the kayaks and begin the tour in the beautiful nature reserve. We make a slightly longer stop for swimming, light food, coffee, and stretching. Throughout the paddling, we take short breaks to provide tips on improving your paddling technique. But there will be plenty of time to just glide along and enjoy the beautiful environment that Malingarna offers. We plan to finish the tour at 8:00 PM in Malingarna. The instructor will bring all the equipment back to Kajaktiv, so you can head home directly after the tour.
What we cover:
Which kayak suits you best, what to consider. Adjusting the kayak so that you sit comfortably but can maneuver the kayak effectively. Getting in and out of the kayak on the water. Paddling technique: Efficient forward paddling. Turning the kayak with speed and while stationary, whether you have a kayak with a skeg or rudder. Braking and paddling backwards. Turning with different steering strokes, evasive maneuvers. Lateral movement
Corporate events and private groups
For smaller groups, you can book your own event where optional extras such as spa and catering are also available.
Our courses are suitable for everyone.
For whom?
For those who want to go on a nice trip and learn the basics of long-distance kayaking. You should be able to swim. We usually have an age limit of 15 years in the company of a guardian up to 18 years. If there are younger people than 15 years who wish to participate in the course, you can contact us.
The idea of Next Step Nature was born over many years with Jens Sarlin, who has owned and operated the company since 2019. Jens has a background as a teacher in a training program for nature and outdoor guides in Värmland. The company focuses on tours where the experience, not the performance, is the main focus. ”Press the coffee instead of the body” has become a motto.
By using the outdoors and all the ways in which you can travel through the forest and over rivers and lakes, Jens helps you discover and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. His background as a teacher shines through in his willingness and joy to share his knowledge and experiences, whether it’s about paddling techniques or how to best make a fire.
Dala-Floda offers the perfect location for a base camp. The river with all its tributaries, the lakes, and the surrounding forest offer great variety in activities and impressions.
When Jens gets to choose for himself, he takes the kayak or canoe for an early morning summer tour. In winter, he takes out his Tegsnäs skis and covers many miles in the forests and on the marshes. This is something that is reflected in the offerings of Next Step Nature. Collaborations with other entrepreneurs in the village are an important part of the business, and the collaboration with Kajaktiv is natural in many ways, not least because Jens and James have been friends for many years. In a small community, close collaborations are especially important.
Find us at Kajaktiv
Kajaktiv is located in the heart of Dalarna, about three hours by car from Stockholm and five hours from Gothenburg. For those coming from further away, we can offer overnight accommodation in our course lodging. You can also pitch a tent next to our facility if you wish.
Train and bus connections
You can take the train to Borlänge or Djurås from most major cities in Sweden. From there, you can take a bus to Dala-Floda. You can also contact us for any opportunities to be picked up in Djurås.
