Kayak Festival SKEG 2026 10.-12. July, Hiiumaa islets
SKEG 2026 – The Summer Highlight for Sea Kayaking Enthusiasts on Saarnaki Island
From July 10–12, 2026, sea kayaking enthusiasts will gather on Saarnaki Island in the Väinameri archipelago to take part in SKEG – the Sea Kayaking Estonia Gathering. For the seventeenth year in a row, this summer kayaking event welcomes everyone – from experienced paddlers to complete beginners, regardless of age, gender, or previous experience.
Naturally, participants arrive by kayak, and our base camp will be located on the western shore of Mäeotsa Farm, nestled between the sea and juniper groves.
Workshops That Take Your Skills to the Next Level
The two-day symposium offers three-hour workshops focusing on:
- Personal skills: equipment knowledge, efficient paddling, kayak handling in waves and wind
- Self-rescue and assisted rescue techniques
- Group travel, communication, and managing challenging situations
- Leadership and teamwork skills at sea
Participants can choose from nearly 20 different workshop topics led by experienced coaches. On both days, there will also be a half-day group paddle to Hanikatsi Islet.
More Than Just Training
Friday evening: arrival, event opening, introductions, and a campfire gathering
Saturday: sauna and informal evening discussions about the kayaking community and shared paddling experiences
Sunday: shared morning and departure around 3 PM
Places are limited – reserve your spot early!
DETAILED INFO / Details
SKEG2024 will take place in Manilaid, the prettiest islet in Pärnu Bay. We advise everyone to arrive on Friday evening by 8pm for the opening and get to know everyone's meeting. Courses start on Saturday morning at 9.30. All participants should take care of their own food and drink supplies and camping equipment unless you want to stay at the accommodation in Riida farm.
COACHES
Marc Martin
Rene Valner
Mariell Jüssi
Oskar Jüssi
Karen Jagodin
Siim Õunap
Mariana Mutso
Piia Salundi
Sixten Kerge
Valdis Vanags
Indrek Jõesaar
Eva-Lotta Backman
WHAT TO BRING
Paddling outfit:
- Dress according to the water and air temperature. Warm clothes and a waterproof jacket are usually enough in summer. In warm weather, shorts or sports pants are suitable.
- You should wear water-resistant shoes. If you can't find something suitable, you can borrow neoprene shoes for surfing from us.
- Depending on the weather, you could wear a warm hat or a wide-brimmed hat that protects against the sun, a buff, etc.
Camp clothing:
- According to the weather forecast, a change of clothes and shoes to walk in nature.
Personal camping gear:
- Sleeping bag, mat and tent.
- Food and drinking water.
- Sunscreen and other personal hygiene items and medicines if needed.
- Kayaking clothes and camping clothes.
- Personal sanitary items and medications.
SCHEDULE
Friday
Gathering and setting up the place
Opening, getting to know courses, coaches and participants, registration to courses 20:00
Saturday
I session 9: 00-11: 00
II session 11: 30-13: 30
Lunch: 13: 30-15: 00
III session 15: 00-17: 00
Acroyoga 19:00
Slackline 20:00
Open Space chat 21:00
Sunday
I session 9: 00-11: 00
II session 11: 30-13: 30
Lunch: 13: 30-14: 30
III session 14: 30-16: 30
Official finishing 17:00
LOGISTICS
Groups leaving from the port of Munalaiu between 18:00 and 20:00
On the island, we camp on the property of Riida farm.
In Munalaiu, you should park in the paid parking lot.
Fotod / Photos:
Renee Altrov https://reneealtrov.com