Downhill Swim is swum in the Oulanka River, located in Oulanka National Park. The event began somewhat accidentally when new summer events were sought for the area. The Downhill Swim originated from the idea of testing whether it was even possible to swim in Oulanka river. It turned out to be a magnificent experience, which was then packaged into two distance options: 12 and 24 km.
The first Downhill Swim was held in 2021. The first year was overshadowed by the coronavirus pandemic, which, among other things, prevented the evening celebration of the event. Nevertheless, 160 swimmers participated and were impressed. Oulanka river had something special.
The following year, the number of participants rose to 300 swimmers, and in 2023, 360 swimming enthusiasts took part. This year, the number of spots increased to 432.
What is Downhill Swim?
The masterminds behind Downhill Swim are Kalle Kotiranta and Antti Hagqvist. Significant contributions were also made by Jussi Saarinen and Harri Niskanen, who previously worked in Ruka-Kuusamo tourism. The event has been organized from the beginning in cooperation with Metsähallitus and Oulanka National Park.
”The national park and Metsähallitus set certain conditions for the event, but the cooperation has been very smooth and effective. The nature of Oulanka river offers a different perspective from the water compared to hiking on the Karhunkierros. You can’t get closer to nature than by swimming downstream. The event is organized on nature’s terms and with respect for it,” says Kalle Kotiranta.
Water Levels and Current Vary
This summer, the water level of Oulanka river has been at a record high. Swimmers had the opportunity to enjoy a strong current.
”There are a lot of questions about how much the current affects the speed. This year, the current was so strong that the impact was about 30-40 seconds per 100 meters. So if you swim two-minute hundreds in a lake, the speed in the current is about 1:30. You also need to find the current and follow it,” Kotiranta says.
The water temperature varies along the route. This year, the water was 16-19 degrees Celsius. Spending a long time in the water can easily cause hypothermia, so gear plays a significant role. In addition to a wetsuit, neoprene socks/shoes are mandatory, and many also use neoprene caps and gloves.
Safety First
When organizing an event in a national park with challenging access routes, safety measures must be prioritized. The safety of Downhill Swim is uncompromised, and arrangements are made in collaboration with authorities. One cornerstone of safety is swimming with a partner.
”Swimming in flowing water requires careful competition support and safety arrangements. Oulanka river is still a safe place for swimming because most of the time, you swim in such shallow water that your feet can touch the bottom. However, the power of flowing water should not be underestimated, and safety arrangements and event rules are designed with safety in mind. Swimmers swim in pairs during the event,” explains Kalle Kotiranta.
Safety paddlers and boats accompany the swimmers, and each support point has first aid readiness. The event team is in radio contact, allowing real-time monitoring of the situation.
Logistical Challenges
The national park offers an exceptional experience. For the event organizer, it provides an enclosed environment but also presents logistical challenges. For example, when building support points for over 400 people, not everything can be brought on-site.
”Except for the first support point, supplies and people are transported to the support points by water. The carrying capacity of canoes is tested. Some warm drinks are requested, but since open fires are limited in the area, heating drinks for this number of swimmers is almost impossible. The event’s finish area is outside the national park, allowing us to operate more freely there,” says Kotiranta.
The event area is narrow, so the organizer takes care of transporting participants to the site. Using personal cars would create chaos, as navigating the narrow roads with buses is already challenging.
Presidential Couple Enjoyed the Swim
The year 2024 was exceptional for Downhill Swim in many ways. The high water level, strong current, and sunny weather were complemented by the presence of the President and the First Lady. President Stubb swam the 24 km route with his friend Sauli Haahtela, while the First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb swam the 12 km route with her friend Pia Kotiranta.
”This was not only the best swim of my life but also the best sports experience of my life. I’ve done many different things over the years, but this was exceptional. This is unique. Even the name of the event, Downhill Swim, attracts interest worldwide,” commented President Stubb after the swim.
Fifteen percent of the participants in 2024 came from abroad. There were swimmers from Australia, South Africa, and Brazil, among others. A large group of swimmers from England participated, including media representatives from the open water swimming community.
An Experience Event
In 2024, fast times were swum, but the strong current was especially enjoyed. The youngest swimmer was 12 years old, swimming the 12 km route with his father. Every year, there are many swimmers of varying levels, from competitive swimmers to hobbyists.
”Downhill Swim is primarily an event aimed at providing experiences for swimmers and nature enthusiasts. I strongly believe that the popularity of experiential travel events will grow in the future. Downhill Swim attracts interest with its nature, experiential aspects, and the length of the route, which presents a real challenge,” says Kalle Kotiranta.
Downhill Swim has become a permanent part of Ruka-Kuusamo’s summer program. Discussions with Metsähallitus for the 2025 event will begin immediately after the summer.
”We aim to announce the date and registration opening day as soon as possible. Hopefully, as many people as possible can experience this fantastic event in 2025,” Kotiranta concludes.
Pics: Simo Vilhunen and Reino Hartikainen
