Paddling the Baltic Way

08/03/2026

LT: Žiemos plaukimas baidarėmis Baltijos jūroje

Vasario mėnesį tyrinėjome pakrantę prie Olando Kepurės, kur žiema Baltijos jūros krantą pavertė įspūdingu lediniu kraštovaizdžiu. Didelės ledo formacijos pakrantėje sukūrė beveik arktinę atmosferą.

Plaukdami tarp ledo darinių patyrėme visiškai kitokį baidarių nuotykį.

Šis plaukimas buvo apie pakrantės tyrinėjimą, žiemos sąlygų patyrimą ir Baltijos jūros pažinimą iš naujos perspektyvos.

Vieta: Olandų Kepurė, Lietuva
Filmavimo laikas: 2026 vasaris
Veikla: Jūrinė baidarė / Pakrantės tyrinėjimas

EN: Sea kayaking through ice on the Baltic Sea in Lithuania
In February we explored the winter coastline near Olandų Kepurė, where the Baltic Sea had created ice formations along the shore. Paddling between rocks and frozen ice felt almost like kayaking in the Arctic.

This trip was all about exploring the coast, playing in the winter conditions, and experiencing the Baltic Sea in a completely different way.

Location: Olandų Kepurė, Lithuania
Filmed: February 2026
Sea Kayaking Adventure

08/03/2026

Sea kayaking through ice on the Baltic Sea in Lithuania.

In February we explored the winter coastline near Olandų Kepurė, where the Baltic Sea had created ice formations along the shore. Paddling between rocks and frozen ice felt almost like kayaking in the Arctic.

This trip was all about exploring the coast, playing in the winter conditions, and experiencing the Baltic Sea in a completely different way.

📍 Location: Olandų Kepurė, Lithuania
🗓 Filmed: February 2026
🛶 Sea Kayaking Adventure

Žiemos plaukimas baidarėmis Baltijos jūrojeVasario mėnesį tyrinėjome pakrantę prie Olando Kepurės, kur žiema Baltijos jūros krantą pavertė įspūdingu lediniu ...

10/01/2026

Route Planning Isn’t Just Lines on a Map

One of the less visible parts of planning a long-distance kayak expedition is figuring out where not to paddle.

While planning the Estonian section of my 2026 Baltic Sea journey, I came across an area within Matsalu National Park where movement is prohibited all year round. On the map, it looks like a neat, efficient line along the coast — but in reality, it’s one of the most important bird habitats in Northern Europe.

Even passing through by kayak, without landing, may be restricted.

This section of the coast is currently planned for August, which is still a sensitive time for many bird species that rely on these shallow waters and islands for resting and feeding. Rather than assuming access, I’ve contacted the park authorities to ask:

whether kayakers are allowed to transit past these islands,

if a minimum offshore distance is required,

or if the area needs to be completely avoided,

and whether any permit would be needed.

I’m fully prepared to reroute offshore if that’s what’s required.

For me, this expedition isn’t just about distance or endurance. It’s about moving through these places with respect, understanding the landscapes and seascapes I’m travelling through, and accepting that sometimes the most responsible choice is the longer or less convenient one.

I’ll share what I learn once I hear back - because this kind of information matters not just for this journey, but for anyone paddling along protected coastlines in the Baltic.

Sometimes the strongest line you can draw on a map is the one you choose not to follow.

09/12/2025

New video, ENG subtitles available

Plaukimas baidare nuo Jurbarko užtvankos iki Nemuno.

20/11/2025

29/10/2025

Exploring the beaver country 🛶🦫

Last time I finished my paddle in Vertimai, so this time I launched from Žindaičiai to continue exploring the river — and what a journey it turned out to be.

The plan was simple: paddle to where I left off, then turn back. But the river had its own ideas. Between five or six beaver dams, fallen trees, and shallow sections, it became a proper little adventure. More than once I had to hop out, drag the kayak, and squeeze through narrow channels.

When the water opened up again — deep and smooth — it felt amazing to pick up speed, glide quietly, and just flow. The air was cool, the colors of autumn were glowing around every bend, and the sense of solitude was perfect.

By the end, I’d covered 18 kilometers — tired, muddy, but happy. There’s something about these small, wild rivers that reminds you: it doesn’t have to be big mountains or ocean crossings to feel like an expedition. Sometimes adventure is right here — in the local stretch of water, shaped by beavers.