PADDLER 94
Foreword : Sarah Thornely Words : Beata Plutka Photos : Piotr & Beata Plutka , Hallgeir Thorbjørnsen
PADDLER 94
A LOFOTEN SUP
ADVENTURE
THE ART OF PLANNING AND LETTING GO
Foreword : Sarah Thornely Words : Beata Plutka Photos : Piotr & Beata Plutka , Hallgeir Thorbjørnsen
SUPjunkie reporting : I love SUP because it has introduced me to some incredible and interesting paddlers . I want to thank Andy Joyce for his introduction to a former Polish SUP coach student of his . She had written a blog and was wondering if anyone would be interested in publishing it – cue the call to my favourite editor !
Like many before her , Beata Plutka from Poland fell in love with SUP immediately upon stepping on a paddleboard . Since then , it ’ s all been about recreation , pleasure , and adventure . Beata also found it a good therapeutic tool , and it has become her huge passion , so much so that through her coaching with the ISA , she has now become an Open Water Instructor . In her own words , here is the story of Beata ’ s adventure to Lofoten .
Preparing for the expedition beyond the Arctic Circle took us many months . In addition to gathering equipment , it involved acquiring knowledge and experiences on warmer seas , which served as a mere introduction to the great adventure ahead . Our journey through the Lofoten Islands , considered one of the most beautiful places in the world , was a physical challenge and a spiritual journey . In the face of the forces of nature and the beauty of the landscape , we were reaffirmed in the belief that safety and respect for the world around us are the most important values . The Lofoten Islands will forever remain in our hearts as a place that blends the wildness of nature with our humility .
Roman – the head of the SAGA Adventures Lofoten kayaking base , which was the starting point of our journey and to which we evacuated on the last day @ sagalofoten
Reaching the Lofoten Islands itself is a fantastic experience . Our journey lasted over a day , and transporting the boards and all the camping gear took the difficulty to the next level . It was almost 90 kg of luggage . ‘ Strength is in the mind ’ – this motto has been with me for a long time , and once again , it proves that our bodies are capable of much more than we think .
From Moskenes , we marched almost 5 km , carrying our luggage on our backs .
THE HEROES OF THE STORY :
Beata & Piotr – the participants of the expedition @ beata . pl . pl Hallgeir – SUP instructor , leading courses on behalf of the International Surfing Association . It all started with him , the kind soul of the SUP world in the Lofoten Islands @ supreine Marek – sea kayaking instructor , support from land , and an encyclopedia of knowledge about the Lofoten Islands @ kawa _ w _ krzakach