Framtidens paddelvatten – Paddling waters for future generations

Protecting access to water – today and tomorrow

Water is our arena. Access to healthy, attractive and accessible lakes, rivers and coastlines is essential for paddling – but also for outdoor recreation, biodiversity and our connection with nature.

The Swedish Canoe Federation works to create good conditions for future paddling waters by combining outdoor recreation, environmental responsibility and long-term planning. Our work ranges from developing and quality-assuring canoe trails to representing the paddling perspective when rivers and other aquatic environments are restored or changed.

One important part is our national framework for quality-assured canoe trails and paddling areas. It provides common principles for surveying, developing, describing and presenting paddling waters. By creating more consistent and reliable information, we make it easier for people to find suitable places to paddle and explore nature safely and responsibly. The information also provides useful knowledge for clubs, municipalities, authorities and others working with outdoor recreation and nature conservation.

At the same time, many Swedish rivers and waterways are undergoing extensive ecological restoration. We believe that nature conservation and outdoor recreation can – and should – work together. Through dialogue, consultation and collaboration with authorities and other stakeholders, we contribute paddling knowledge to planning processes and advocate solutions that support ecological restoration while also considering access, safety and opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Knowledge and leadership are also important. Environmental awareness and Sweden's Right of Public Access (Allemansrätten) are integrated into our education system, helping paddlers and leaders understand how their own choices can contribute to more responsible outdoor recreation. We also offer education that uses paddling and nature experiences as a way to inspire deeper environmental engagement.

Our ambition is to ensure that future generations can continue to discover, enjoy and care for nature from the water – with healthy waterways and sustainable access going hand in hand.

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