What does the word “kairacross” mean?

Kairacross means a new sport where teams navigate through a course by foot and packraft.

In Finnish, word “kaira” means wilderness or backwoods. The word “cross” refers to concepts of across, navigation and traversing as well as cross country.

Inventing Kairacross: ”There should be a packraft race here!”

Are there any dangeours wildlife in the area?

Kairacross Vätsäri: There are some bears, wolfs and wolverines, but they avoid humans. You have to be very lucky to spot them.

Can I use a kayak?

In Kairacross Vätsäri, you can use a canoe, kayak or any other human powered watercraft, but be prepared to lots of carrying. The course is designed so that it will be fastest to travel with a very light watercraft like packraft.

How difficult are the control points?

Kairacross Vätsäri: Good navigation skills are necessary in Vätsäri. Most of the control points are in relatively easy places (e.g. on the shores of large lakes), some are slightly more demanding (e.g. on the shores of small ponds) yet a few can be very challenging to find.

Kairacross Saimaa, Kairacross Ylläs: Basic navigation skills are needed, even if it is allowed to use GPS and mobile phones.

Can I make a campfire?

Kairacross Vätsäri: If no forest fire warnings are in force, it Is allowed to make an open fire. Note that wood stoves are also forbidden when warnings are in effect. Gas stoves can however be used.

If the forest fire warning is not in force, dry branches, twigs and small rhizomes can be used for the fire. Note that if a designated campfire site is available within 500 meters, you must use that site for making the fire.

Can we use a food cache in the terrain?

Yes you can. Any non-mandatory equipment can be left in the cache, but it must be emptied before crossing the finish line. All mandatory equipment must be carried throughout the event.