Paddling The Baltic Way
Expedition
A journey of connection inspired by the 1989 Baltic Way.
In 1989, over two million people joined hands across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in a peaceful act of unity against soviet regime.
In 2026, we return to that spirit - not by road, but by water.
4th of July 2026, we will travel 1300km from Vilnius to Tallinn by sea kayaks, reconnecting landscapes, communities, and stories through movement, cooperation, and respect for the Baltic environment.
About the Expedition
Padding the Baltic Way is a long-distance kayaking expedition inspired by one of the most powerful acts of peaceful resistance in European history.
In August 1989, over two million people joined hands across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, forming a human chain known as the Baltic Way. It became a symbol of unity, courage, and a shared desire for freedom in the face of Soviet oppression. This expedition is a tribute to that moment - and to the values it continues to represent today.
The journey will follow waterways from Vilnius to the Baltic Sea and continue north along the coast through Latvia(calling in to Riga) to Tallinn. It is not a race, nor a record attempt. The expedition moves one day at a time, placing safety, health, and collective decision-making above speed or achievement.
Why This Journey
The idea for this expedition grew over many years, shaped by a deep fascination with the Baltic Way and a personal desire to explore meaningful journeys closer to home.
In August 2024, a 450-kilometre river expedition across Lithuania - completed in seven days with close friends - became a turning point. That journey revealed not only the richness of the landscape, but also the strength of shared effort, conversation, and trust built day by day on the water.
Paddling the Baltic Way grows from that experience. It is designed as a community based journey, where the focus is not on one individual, but on the people encountered along the way - paddling together, sharing stories, and reflecting on where we come from and where we are going.
A Collective Journey
Paddling the Baltic Way is built on the belief that movement creates connection. Paddling side by side - even for a few hours - opens space for conversation in a way few other experiences can. Around a campfire, stories emerge naturally: of joy, struggle, memory, and hope.
This expedition is an open invitation - to paddle, to listen, to learn, and to remember.
Core Pillars of the Project
Community
This expedition invites participation. Local paddlers, families, clubs, and individuals are encouraged to join for short or longer segments, meet along the route, or simply share a conversation on the shore. The goal is connection - through movement, presence, and shared experience.
Education
The journey aims to raise awareness around water safety, kayaking, and the role adventure can play in personal development. It also creates space to reflect on history, freedom, and responsibility - especially across generations.
Conservation
The Baltic Sea is among the most polluted seas in the world, facing serious challenges such as eutrophication caused by excess nutrients and algal blooms. By travelling slowly along the coast, the expedition creates opportunities to observe environmental conditions, collaborate with scientists or organisations, and support actions such as beach clean-ups and environmental awareness initiatives.
Honor
At its heart, this is a tribute. The expedition honours those who stood together during the Baltic Way and acknowledges the hardships endured to secure the freedoms enjoyed today. Listening to lived experiences - especially from those who witnessed Soviet rule - is a key part of the journey.
Challenge
The route presents real physical and mental demands: long distances, exposed coastline, side-on winds, changing conditions, and remote sections. These challenges are embraced not for achievement, but for growth, resilience, and shared responsibility.
Expedition
Team
Team Leader
Core Team
We are currently looking for 3-5 people to join our core team, if you have experience in:
- filming, documentation and videography.
- observation and collection of scientific data.
- paddling and expedition logistics.
Eimantas is the heart, soul & father of this project. He is born and bred Lithuanian, with strong belief in freedom and a passion for all things outdoors.
His job as a mountain & water-sports instructor has taken him to New Zealand, the USA, South America, Ireland and the Arctic region. He is a qualified river & sea kayak instructor, with wilderness first aid and water rescue certifications.
Always putting safety first, Eimantas thrives at turning challenges into meaningful & developmental experiences, for him and others alike.
Additional Participants
Everyone are welcome to join for individual segments, provided they have the necessary experience, preparation, and equipment to safely complete their chosen section.
Route
Stage 1: Lithuania
Vilnius (Neris), July 4th.
Following the Nemunas River to the Curonian Lagoon.
Into the Baltic Sea & along the coast.
Stage 2: Latvia
Along the full coast of Latvia, calling into Riga.
Stage 3: Estonia
From the Latvian border along the coast until Tallinn.
Closing event in Tallinn on August 23rd.
