Melonta Akatemia - Paddling Academy

27/08/2026

27/08/2026

This is a straightnose pipefish. It lives in the Archipelago Sea and is a close relative of the seahorse. Just like seahorses, it is the male that gets pregnant, while the female attaches her eggs to multiple males. The pipefish is extremely sensitive to climate change and ongoing eutrophication in the Baltic Sea. It lives in coastal vegetation and is completely dependent on a specific, stable habitat. Those who know Gabriel and ElinMaria from before know that we have a special soft spot for seahorses, so getting to spot a pipefish is always magical!

We prefer exploring the archipelago by kayak, as it brings us extremely close to nature without disrupting its life. By gliding forward silently and without a motor, a kayak leaves the archipelago environment virtually untouched. Kayaking releases no toxins into the environment, contributes neither to erosion nor noise pollution, and offers a fantastic opportunity to experience coastal life up close.

06/08/2026

All we need.

We are a part of nature, whether we are conscious of it or not. The trees and the sea are our lungs. In destroying nature, we destroy ourselves. Take care of yourselves and act now—make conscious

23/06/2026

Rest to connect, rest to be in your aliveness, rest for love. My absolute favorite is upside down on a cliff in the Here, I can bathe my being with all my senses. I can never get enough of this!

Inversions—poses with the heart positioned below the rest of the body—promote blood circulation and relieve the heart. They stimulate the lymphatic system to boost your immune system, and help sharpen focus while reducing stress by activating the parasympathetic nervous system. Practicing them in nature is especially powerful.

Studies show that as little as 15min in nature can significantly reduce your stress hormone (cortisol) levels, lower your pulse rate, and decrease your blood pressure.

Join us for the upcoming Yoga and kayak retreat 14.7! Few spots available! Or book your private yoga and kayak tour!

23/06/2026

We are very happy to have Pieti with us in the Paddling Academy team, already working with us since May! Pieti is a certified kayak guide who is passionate about the Archipelago’s nature environment. You can spot him on the Archipelago Sea leading guided day trips and longer excursions for the Paddling Academy. Pieti is also a nature guide, a practical nurse and a vegan chef specialising in wild herbs.

Olemme todella iloisia saadessamme Pietin mukaan Melonta Akatemian tiimiin, ja hän onkin työskennellyt kanssamme jo toukokuusta lähtien! Pieti on sertifioitu melontaohjaaja, joka suhtautuu intohimoisella otteella saariston luontoon. Voit bongata hänet Saaristomereltä vetämässä Melonta Akatemian ohjattuja päiväretkiä ja pidempiä vaelluksia. Pieti on myös luonto-opas, lähihoitaja sekä villiyrtteihin erikoistunut vegaanikokki.

Vi är jätteglada över att ha med oss Pieti i Paddling Academy-teamet, och han har redan jobbat hos oss ända sedan maj! Pieti är certifierad kajakguide med en stor passion för skärgårdens naturmiljö. Du kan stöta på honom ute på Skärgårdshavet där han leder Paddling Academys guidade dagsutflykter och längre turer. Pieti är dessutom vildmarksguide, närvårdare och vegankock med vilda örter som specialitet.

25/05/2026

The summer season is here!

Winter’s work—with Gabriel renovating a 100-year-old house, forestry work for firewood, and and ElinMaria’s dancing across islands—is now shifting into all the activities of summer. Our work is moving from land to sea; you’ll see Gabriel in his kayak more than anywhere else! As for ElinMaria, you’ll mostly find her teaching yoga out in the summer sun! Come join us on all our adventures!

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The picture is from this weekend's local "Kulturkrock" (Cultural clasch) festival in Korpo! We participated in the festival's wonderful program with a kayak tour and laughter yoga! We also thoroughly enjoyed the sun, the sea, and all the lovely people! Thank you!

18/05/2026

Viikonloppuna harjoittelimme ryhmänohjaamista, turvallisuus ja opetustaitoja melontaohjaajakurssilla. Olipa kivaa!
Onnea uusille upeille ja taitaville ohjaajille!!

18/05/2026

Onnea uusille upeille ja taitaville Melontaohjaajille!!!