PADDLER 97
Packing for a three-day expedition in northern Norway means being prepared for all seasons
HOW TO GET TO THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS ?
There are several ways . We chose a flight to Bodø ( with a transfer in Oslo ), and then took a ferry to Moskenes ( ferries for pedestrians are free , but you need to register before boarding using the QR codes available at the pier ).
For the first three nights , we stayed with Hallgeir , who , along with his wife , runs a guesthouse in Å , a charming village at the very end of the Lofoten Islands .
Å is known for its picturesque landscapes , traditional architecture , and rich fishing history . In the village , you can admire the colourful rorbuer ( originally used by fishermen as resting places during fishing trips , now offered to tourists ) and enjoy local attractions such as fishing , hiking , and birdwatching .
Hallgeir is a very important figure in my SUP development . We met during the open water course he organised . It was our first visit to this part of Europe , and it was then that we fell in love with the Norwegian landscapes , the harsh climate , the unique views , and something else that we can ’ t quite define .
The time before the expedition was extraordinary and full of new SUP experiences : we returned to places we had discovered the year before , and together with Hallgeir ( who offers tours and training ), we took tourists from the United States and France out on the water . We sampled local delicacies , explored the area , and spent time chatting with the other residents of our guesthouse .
# LOFOTENSUPADVENTURE DAY ONE
With the blue sky above us and the sun warming our faces and bodies , we set off for Reinefjord , our home for the next three nights . We took advantage of Roman ’ s hospitality . At his base in Hamnøya , we prepared our gear and safely launched our luggageladen boards .
REINEFJORD
Reinefjord , located in the heart of the Lofoten archipelago , is one of the most beautiful places in Norway . Paddling through this magical area made us feel like we were part of this incredible surroundings . The silence , broken only by the sound of paddles in the water and the sounds of nature ( including our own chatter ) made it possible for us to truly relax and enjoy the moment . It was an experience that brought unforgettable emotions and allowed us to discover the magic of the Lofoten Islands in a completely new way .
Reinefjord offers ideal conditions for kayaking and SUP – the waters are much calmer than in the open sea , the wind is less harsh , and the waves are smaller . That doesn ’ t mean it ’ s always calm , easy , and pleasant , and we were about to find that out in the following days .
PLANNING
Before every trip with the boards , Piotrek analyzes potential spots , watches videos on YouTube , and looks for the most interesting and beautiful locations . This time , Marek also gave us some tips , and I marked the recommended places on our map . My role is to monitor the forecast and check the water conditions . Finally , I was able to see in practice how the water level changes with the tides . Until now , I was mainly interested in the wind .
The beginning of our adventure was a continuous awe at the colour and clarity of the water , as well as the creatures living in it . It was a time to take photos and admire the views . The combination of mountains ‘ rising ’ straight from the fjord made us feel like tiny particles at the mercy of the forces of nature .
PORTAGING
After several hours of admiring the spectacular views , Hallgeir paddled towards Reine , and we headed to our first campsite . But it wasn ’ t that easy . After getting off the water , we faced nearly a kilometre of portaging to reach the beach we had spotted earlier .
Carrying the gear over the mountain was a challenge – slippery rocks , a steep ascent , a narrow path , and an even steeper descent down stone steps – our determination and desire to explore the beauty of the Lofoten Islands gave us strength ( okay , I admit it – Piotrek carried most of the gear and was the one who made the trip twice , carrying our boards ).
After a swim in the sea and supper , we went to rest . The excitement , the paddled kilometres , and the ‘ hike ’ to the beach allowed us to fall asleep without trouble .
Lofoten Bed & Bike , Å , Nordland , Norway @ lofotenbednbike
PADDLER 97