PADDLER 101
A SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT
At this point , I should introduce you to a fabulous company called Gutsy Girls , which strives to achieve more participation for females in adventure sports . The company offers a variety of adventurous sporting holidays , from hiking to kayaking and crosscountry skiing to SUP . All of these are aimed at creating a supportive environment for learning and growth for women that is fun and friendly to all levels of needs . Highly skilled coaches deliver the courses , and all have a host responsible for the group ’ s wellbeing . The courses are delivered across Europe and aim to teach sustainable travel and environmental awareness .
I have hosted Gutsy Girls for over five years and have seen a boom in female participation in paddling through SUP growth ; however , we also want to help encourage more female participation in kayaking . I have had numerous discussions with coaches and leaders about why more girls don ’ t switch from SUP to kayaking , and I think it ’ s all about comfort . So when I got offered the chance to be a host on one of Gutsy Girls ’ new kayaking and hiking courses , I felt I would be well placed to help problem-solve participation and enjoyment and put my theory to the test .
The course was a week-long set in the stunning Lysefjord Fjord , which is only an hour ’ s drive from Stavanger and is about the same flight time from major British airports . Nordic paddling kayak school is located on the banks of a sheltered cove on the fjord , ensuring protection from the more exposed sections , which can kick up advanced open water conditions with clapotis from the shear-sided cliff walls . Around the shoreline is a quiet , wild camping area hidden away as Nordic Paddling also offers multiday trips and experiences .
THE NORWEGIAN DIET
Accommodation for the week was in a luxury camping hut , which had excellent facilities and our jetty and beach to watch the sun rise and set . It ’ s stunning and allows peace from our fast-paced 9-5 lifestyles . All food was prepared from fresh ingredients within the cabin and included a selection of speciality Norwegian meats like Reindeer , seafood foraging and locally sourced veggies . The Norwegian diet is clean eating at its best , as you ’ re hard-pushed to find processed products in most supermarkets .
The kayak company have a variety of sea kayaks , doubles and singles . They have a range of sizes and styles , some having adjustable backrests whilst others have fixed systems . Paddles are lightweight and have a small-sided asymmetrical blade which can be feathered to the comfort of the individual , and they have two main lengths of shaft for paddlers to use . Their paddling clothing is all made by NRS and new , with a good range of sizes for everyone . Plus , they have a very effective drying room for the kit .
On the trip were seven wonderful gutsy girls who had a mixed level of kayaking experience from complete beginner to old school two stars . None of them had been in a sea kayak before and had not been given much formal paddling training apart from our 2-star paddler . Everyone was nervous about the cold water and getting stuck in the kayak . That was the fundamental topic that kept cropping up before the first day , but it was clear everyone was up for having a go .
PADDLER 101