Trip planning - The preparations are half the trip!

The expectations… thoughts and dreams of the upcoming experience will be an important part of the preparations before a kayak trip. The trip does not have to be long! It can be a trip with accommodation over several nights and with long day stages in the kayak, yes, but it can be a day trip, or a trip of just a few hours!

Preparations are important if you are an experienced kayaker, or you are preparing for your first trip. Traveling on water is not without risk. But with good preparation and good judgment, you will be able to enjoy many trips in this wonderful little craft with a long history and traditions.

Do I have to be well trained?

No, definitely not! Of course, it depends on how long the trip is, weather conditions and how experienced you are.

But are you a beginner? Well, it's a first time for everything. Kayaking is like learning to ride a bike. There is some technique to learn and then each new trip is like training to the next. The great thing about kayaking is that it is something most people can learn.

Your tour plan

Where does the trip go?

Yes, where do you want to go? It is strongly recommended that you bring a friend or partner with you. There must be at least two with their own kayaks to conduct comerade rescue!

Here in Vesterålen you have plenty of opportunities to find fantastic paddle routes. From lakes and small fjords to the outer skerries towards the open sea.

You can paddle in high seas, or find beautiful experiences in the Vesterål archipelago. Tips for paddle routes in Vesterålen can be found here.

If you are a beginner, you should choose to paddle in an area in a calm fjord or in fresh water on the first trips until you master the kayak and feel safe. Then it will be much more fun on the trip!

Decide in advance where you want to paddle, start time and when you will be back. Keep in touch with someone on land and arrange a time for when you will call in to say that everything is fine. Remember, others love you!

Are you going to paddle from A to B, or a trip starting and stopping at the same place? If you are going to follow a predetermined route, it makes a lot of sense.

Paddle speed

You can plan to paddle at a speed of 5-8 km / h at a steady good speed. With calm speed you are down to 2-5 km / h. Full speed with kayak is at 10-13 km / h. Remember! Do not wear yourself out…

Accommodation

Trip with accommodation outside is fantastic because you can feel a little freedom from everyday life. You have time to really enjoy life, the closeness to nature and the company of the paddle partner.