An EPP Benchmark event took place in Kotka, Finland, on September 28-29 this year. The event was attended by 14 delegates from various EPP countries, with a total of 42 participants. The White Water club Kohina (name means the noise or roar of white water), staffed by enthusiastic volunteers, helped to organize the event.
There were two groups, the Level 3 Open Canoe Assessment group and the Level 3 White Water Assessment group. Both groups spent the entire Saturday on the river. On the next day there were workshops in which the facilitators collected the participants’ thoughts and ideas on improving the assessment process and overall framework.
Kai Lindqvist from the Finnish Canoeing and Rowing Federation, the main organizer, was thrilled to host the event in Finland: “We’ve hosted two EPP Core Group meetings in Finland over the years, but this was our first Benchmark event. It was both exciting and a little stressful. However, everything went smoothly, and we also obtained some excellent material for further development work.”
The Kymijoki River is the most important white water venue in Southern Finland. Within a two-kilometer stretch, it offers several grade 1-2+ rapids as well as freestyle play spots. It’s an ideal area for learning the basics of white-water kayaking and canoeing, and for recreational playin on the river. WW club Kohina is an active and welcoming community.
Text: Kai Lindqvist
Photo: Silas Kraul