Two Finnish students take motorboats to school

Two students have travelled to Punkaharju School in Savonlinna by boat this autumn, taking advantage of the school’s location on the shore of Puruvesi, Yle reports.

Ninth-grader Eemeli Vasara, 14, and eighth-grader Valtteri Muhonen, 13, have each made the journey by their own boats several times since the start of the school year.

Vasara normally cycles to school, while Muhonen usually takes the bus. Both say travelling by boat is faster and more enjoyable.

“It is nice, and the wind refreshes you in the morning,” Vasara said.

Boating included in school rules

Principal Riina Pirhonen said travelling to school by boat is possible but unusual. The school’s rules specifically state that the Water Traffic Act must be followed during school journeys.

Parents decide what level of skill a child must have. Under the law, a person under 15 may operate a small boat without a guardian if they have sufficient ability and skill to do so safely. The age limit for registered motorboats at least 5.5 metres long with engines producing more than 20 horsepower is 15.

The school recommends wearing life jackets or other flotation devices, rather than merely carrying them in the boat.

Punkaharju’s comprehensive school was completed a little over two years ago. The former lower secondary school was not located by the shore. Pirhonen said this is the first autumn in which students have independently arrived by boat.

“We now have moped parking, but if necessary we can also arrange boat parking here,” she said.

Boating costs shared with parents

Vasara and Muhonen have been boating since they were young, and fishing is an important hobby for both. They are considering combining the school journey with fishing.

“After school, you can easily stay and fish on the way home,” Vasara said.

Both boys pay part of their fuel costs themselves. Vasara said his parents sometimes give him money for fuel, while at other times he pays with his own money. Muhonen also occasionally receives fuel money from his parents but usually buys the fuel himself. He estimates that he has spent about 500 euros on boating this year.

The boat journeys depend on the weather. The boys check the forecast and travel by boat when it is not raining. If conditions allow, they believe they can continue until the end of October.

Lessons also take place outdoors

The school’s location by Puruvesi also allows teaching to be taken outdoors. Pirhonen said students have collected water samples and carried out shoreline studies during biology and environmental studies lessons.

On warm days in May or August, students have also been able to swim during the school day under a teacher’s supervision.

Pirhonen encouraged students to try different ways of getting around.

“If you are still a little sleepy in the morning, fresh air sharpens the senses and lets the mind rest,” she said.