In Finland most sea kayakers are members of a paddlers’ association, and the exchange of thoughts, knowledge and social contacts between the different associations is minimal. Some paddlers don’t have any connections at all to a paddlers’ community. Through HSKG NIL Finland strives to offer both instructors and common paddlers an opportunity to meet, have fun together, make new friends and contacts, to teach and to learn; no matter if you are from Finland or from another country.

The idea behind HSKG had been germinating for several years and came to life when, in 2007,  a few paddlers happened to meet and started talking about their fun an awarding experiences from paddlers’ meetings around the world. The first HSKG in 2008, including over 50 courses for over 150 participants, turned out to be both great fun and very successful and in 2009 we aldready had the maximum amount of participants that we allow, a little over 200, and over 700 individual places on classes and courses during the weekend.

Right from the start we have made it clear, that no single organisation, association or individual can be allowed to dominate the HSKG. The event is for, and by, everyone. Our aim and hope is to make it possible for all associations and all those generally interested to, together, create an unforgettable event.