The Finnish Canoeing and Whitewater Rafting Entrepreneurs Association

The Finnish Canoeing and Whitewater Rafting Entrepreneurs Association (Su.Me.Ko ry), founded in 2000, is an association of whitewater rafting, river swimming, and paddling entrepreneurs, as well as individual members and competition teams. Its membership spans all of Finland, from Inari to Kotka. The association also serves as the national governing body for whitewater rafting as a sport. Members are committed to complying with laws and guidelines and to promoting and improving safety, training, and information related to water-based tourism. The association provides training for whitewater raft operators and river swimming supervisors in accordance with guidelines issued by authorities.

The purpose of the association is to develop, promote, and oversee the general and shared interests of professionals and enthusiasts involved in whitewater rafting, paddling, river swimming, and related nature, adventure, experiential, outdoor, rental, leisure, sports, and recreational activities. Its goal is to foster cooperation among members and to improve the general operating conditions of the field, as well as safety, quality, equipment awareness, and information related to these activities.

We cooperate across different disciplines and communities. The association has a representative on the Finnish Paddling Safety Advisory Board, which comprises representatives of supervisory authorities, rescue services, governing and training organizations of various paddling disciplines, outdoor recreation organizations, educational institutions, and entrepreneurs.