PADDLER 28
PADDLER 28
late dinner . The next day , we followed the Senja west coast for about 24km to the next camp , starting to get an idea of how dramatic the coastline is and the beautiful ‘ sunsets ’. Unfortunately , mosquitoes also liked the calm , sunny evenings , so we learnt to keep covered up . Apart from when swimming ! The second beach also had a stream for washing off the salt .
NORWAY PADDLING DAYS THREE AND FOUR ( 11-12TH JULY )
Day three : We travelled 18km further up the west coast to camp on a small Island with a rocky landing and quite hilly terrain , making camping tricky . Our tents were scattered wherever there was a small patch of flat ground . But the evening walk to the highest point revealed lovely views over Senja one way and the island of Hinnøya the other .
Day four : “ We might not be able to land for a little while .” After a stop soon after leaving , the next stop was five hours away and 33km in total ! Probably a good thing “ A little while ” wasn ’ t defined at the start . The reward was an unexpected late seafood pasta lunch in a lovely restaurant . Conditions were the most challenging of the trip . The SW wind was helping but also causing bigger waves . The final stop made it all worth it : a white coral beach and , best of all , a wellcared-for compost toilet !
NORWAY DAY FIVE ( SAT 13TH JULY ).
A ‘ rest ’ day . The morning was rainy , so I slept late and drank several cups of coffee in Tim ’ s large tent . Then the clouds cleared , and we paddled a short way to the main island of Senja and restocked food supplies . We walked halfway up a mountain , and then we returned to our small island camp . The idea of a midnight sun paddle was floated , and the evening was so calm it would have been rude not to ( plus my FOMO got the better ). I am so glad I went . It was a beautiful light and memorable paddle to the fjord ’ s edge to see the sun at midnight .
NORWAY DAYS SIX AND SEVEN ( 14-15TH JULY )
Day six : The previous night , we discussed options given the weather forecast of large-ish swell and wind , meaning that we couldn ’ t land or launch safely at some of the planned beach stops due to surf . Our guides came up with a plan but seemed apprehensive about proposing it . The reason became clear : to reach
a safe and sheltered beach , we ’ d need to paddle over 40km . But everyone was up for it , with the promise of an easier next day in the Norwegian summer isles . The 42km didn ’ t feel that long ; the views kept getting better and better as we paddled past the five fingers of north Senja to spend a final night on that island . The landing beach was indeed lovely .
Day seven : On to Sommerøya ( summer isle ) and another white sandy beach with a food shop on one of the larger Isles . Oh , and ice cream and apple cake .
About Sea Kayaking Wales Based in Anglesey , SKW provides expedition and holiday opportunities to Scotland , Norway , and Pembrokeshire . They hope to add Croatia , Greece , and Ireland to the destinations list . SKW also runs progressive coaching courses on Anglesey , from beginner to advanced , and are providers of all the British Canoeing Leadership , Coach , Safety and Personal Performance awards . Clubs / groups are also encouraged to hire SKW for meets and expeditions . SKW is also a dealer of Sea Kayaking UK , Tiderace and Zegul sea kayaks . You can demo most models on the course opportunities . www . seakayakingwales . com