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‘ home’ waters. Regular on-water feedback and group discussions, along with post-paddle reflections, enabled everyone to adapt and grow – both as individual paddlers and as a cohesive team.
THE BORA WIND
The Bora wind has a significant impact on Krk, shaping both the island’ s environment and the experience of those on the sea. We experienced it for six hours on day four of our course, postponing our sea kayak training until 16.00. Originating from the mainland mountains, which rise to around 1,500 metres( about 4,900 feet), the bora is a classic catabatic wind. It forms when cold, dense air builds up over the mountains and then rapidly descends toward the Adriatic, resulting in sudden, powerful gusts. Wind speeds often reach 30 – 50 knots( 55 – 90 km / h), with even stronger gusts possible, quickly turning calm seas into challenging and dynamic conditions. Deceptively, the wind may locally abate whilst the main bora is ongoing, only to return suddenly. We checked lots of weather station wind reports before venturing back onto the sea at Šilo for our post-bora paddle.
Fortunately, weather forecasts for Krk are generally reliable at predicting bora days, giving paddlers the chance to plan and take necessary precautions. Even with a warning, the intensity and unpredictability of the bora demand heightened vigilance, adaptability, and strong group leadership to ensure safety and maintain cohesion during any sea kayaking adventure on Krk.
GETTING TO KRK FROM THE UK
Travelling to Krk from the UK is straightforward, with several convenient options available for individuals and groups. The most direct route is by air: Rijeka Airport, located on Krk itself, receives seasonal flights from several UK airports, particularly during the spring and summer months. Upon arrival, it’ s just a short drive to key destinations on the island, including Šilo.
For those preferring a wider choice of flights or travelling outside the primary season, Zagreb and Pula airports are also viable gateways. Both offer regular connections from the UK and are within a few hours’ drive of Krk. Rental cars are readily available at all airports, making onward travel flexible and hassle-free. Geth and Duncan drove onto Krk after a wild, stormlashed nighttime drive from Zagreb – mountains, rain, and darkness thrown in for good measure. Their car was a rental Dacia so basic and battered it looked like it had just limped back from the Paris-Dakar rally. With the engine whining and every hill a heroic struggle, the car’ s main feature seemed to be‘ character.’ Geth’ s rental choice highly amused Duncan.
Alternatively, travellers can reach Krk by car via mainland Europe, crossing the impressive Krk Bridge that connects the island to the Croatian mainland. This option is popular with those planning an extended road trip or bringing their kayaking equipment.
Whether arriving by air or road, Krk’ s accessibility makes it an appealing destination for UK sea kayakers seeking adventure in the Adriatic.
LOOKING AHEAD
With the September Krk event on the horizon, excitement is building on both sides. The partnership between our communities is more than just a series of trips; it’ s a shared commitment to adventure, learning, and mutual support. Whether paddling the tidal races of Wales or the sunlit shores of Krk, the focus remains on growing our communities, strengthening connections, and making every journey memorable.
Looking forward, we’ re eager to connect with even more sea kayaking communities around the world. By building these global relationships, we can offer our members richer experiences, broaden the scope of our adventures, and create new opportunities for leader development exchanges. If you’ re part of a sea kayaking community interested in collaboration or exchange, we’ d love to hear from you and invite you to Krk or Anglesey.
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