LOFOTEN (Svolvær)
Moderate Sea Kayak Expedition
8 +2 days - £2220pp
Explore this world class paddling destination and the incredible scenery of this stunning archipelago in Northern Norway.
August 22-29 2026 - Guides - Lucy Bryant and Dave Janes
September 5-12 2026 Guides - Emma Reasbeck and Dave Janes
Pre-Expedition Course (Anglesey) June 6/7 and June 20/21
A supported, not spoonfed, expedition for the paddler who is looking to explore the more remote and exposed coastlines of this stunning archipelago.
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Price includes a UK based pre expedition weekend, and extensive preparation schedule.
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Led by highly qualified and experienced guides with local knowledge
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Lowest ratios in the industry
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In order for you not to have to rush out any purchase lots and lots of equipment we have for you to use should you wish a fleet of 4 season tents from Terra Nova, Inflatable sleeping mats and a appropriate sleeping bags.​
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Option to paddle your own boat with kayak transport available to/from the UK, or hire options included in the cost. We have a fleet of P&H, Valley and Prijon Kayaks. In addition we can transport 10kg of baggage to lighten your travelling.
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We will have a whole host of kit and equipment for you to use if you don't have or dont want to bring your own - Glass and Carbon Werner Paddles, Ocean Rescue PLBs and Flares, Touring Buoyancy aids, Spraydecks, Drytrousers, Cags and Drysuits, Towlines and Helmets.
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A chance to see the Aurora!​
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All meals included​ and Accommodation Pre and Post Expedition
About the Trip
This is an expedition for moderate sea kayakers who have done some sea kayak expedition paddling before in the UK, and keen to explore this stunning and unique archipelago.
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Our plan is to complete a multi-day expedition exploring the area from Svolvær - with lots of options for both sheltered and more exposed paddling, meaning it is ideal for varied weather. Possible routes and destinations include the awe inspiring steep sided Trollfjord, along with exploring the coutless islands of the Svellingsflaket marine nature reserve. This area of Lofoten offers incredible mountainous landscapes with an abundance of aquatic and land based wildlife. This location allows us to explore and enjoy the very best parts of Lofoten, and enjoy a multi-day expedition which allows us to truly explore this superb landscape.
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August allows us to hit the end of the classically hot artic summer and potentially enjoy some tshirt paddling and refreshing morning dips. Septembers allows us to be free from the busy summer season, whilst also giving a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis. The weather is often no more chanegable than the UK in these months. Average temperatures for August are 16°C but we have experience mid 20s consistently.
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Our role is to support you, but not spoon feed you, by providing experience based oversight, expert guidance and local knowledge. All guiding is done in a way which supports you to enjoy the trip as much as possible, whilst involving you in our decision making, planning and safety management.
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All meals from the time you arrive to the time you depart are provided, with dietary requirements catered for. Cooking and clean up will be done as a group, overseen by Paddle International guides, with a thoughtful menu prepared for each meal, using the very best cooking equipment. Fresh wholesome food, plenty of snacks and a menu planned as a group before departure.
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​​Day 1: Travel / Arrival day, meeting in Svolvær, with airport collection. Stay at "the expedition house" and enjoy a night to relax with the team in comfort and share a home cooked meal after travel.
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Day 2 - 7: 6 day expedition with the aim of exploring the best parts of the archipelago from Svolvær. Return to "the expedition house" for night 7. Either a home cooked meal or a meal out and a couple of well earned beers.
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Day 8: Travel / Departure day from Svolvær, with airport drop off.​​
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Outline Itinerary
About Lofoten
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The Lofoten Islands, in Northern Norway, have been voted by National Geographic as one of the most appealing destinations in the world, and we aim to explore the fantastic area in and around Svolvær. Located just above the Arctic Circle, at the 68th northern parallel, Lofoten basks in the ethereal Midnight Sun during summer and witnesses the magical Northern Lights from late summer/early autumn. August still has settled weather whilst commonly being much less busy. This combined with a chance of seeing the fantastic display of the Aurora Borealis, is why we have chosen to head there in this month.
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This stunning wilderness area offers an unparalled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabirds, long, surf-swept beaches and small, interesting fishing villages, steeped in a rich cultural history.
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The nutrient-rich waters of the Norwegian Sea surrounding provide nutrient-rich waters around Lofoten; provide a perfect habitat for sea life. We're likely to get a glimpse of a shy seal or otter, and on a calm day even watch the local Orca and other cetaceans as they pass by.
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It truly is one of the most majestic places in the world to explore by sea kayak.
Who the trip is for
​This is an moderate Expedition for the sea kayaker who is/has:
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Done some coastal journeys before, with a bit of paddling that has been up to Force 4 winds and 1 metre swell at the most.
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The ability to get back in your kayak with assistance in the event of a deep water rescue
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Some experience wild camping and living out of a sea kayak on a multi-day expedition before
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A good level of fitness for days on the water, with the ability to paddle up to a possible 5 hours a day.
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A comprehensive pre-expedition programme (see below), with the opportunity for discounted places on our coaching courses, and bespoke coaching opportunities will allow you to feel confident and ready for the trip.
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If you are at all unsure about whether this trip is right for you, then please do not hesitate to get in touch.
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Low ratios (1 guide to 4 participants). We are purposefully keeping numbers very small and the team well selected for the enjoyment and success of the expedition.
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Pre-Expedition Programme
As part of the whole package we shall spend 2 days together as a team on a pre-expedition weekend on the Isle of Anglesey. This will look like a mini expedition, with the aim to spend time fine tuning all the essential technical, tactical and expedition skills. This will aid us in crafting a well formed expedition team.
The purpose of this weekend will allow us to build upon exsisting knowledge, spend some time on the fine art of boat packing, develop our navigation and planning, and develop solid campcraft systems as a team. We shall also begin developing a strong collaborative ethos, whilst getting to know each other prior to embarking on our trip to the Lofoten, so we are a fully functioning team. Of course, it aims to be a very sociable weekend of good paddling, good fun and good food first and foremost.
There will also be a series of 4 online sessions in the run up to the trip, which will include: Introductions and Route Planning, Equipment, Campcraft and Cooking and Final Preparations. These sessions will all be about developing a team decision making process with regards to these topic areas,
What's Included
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2 Day Pre Expedition Course on Anglesey
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A programme of online meet ups in the build up to the trip
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2 Nights in "the expedition house" - 1 night before and 1 night after the expedition
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Complimentary transport of your own boat, paddle and 10kg of kit from the UK so you can use your own kit! Boat hire is included for those without their own boat.
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Most expedition equipment, group kit and cooking equipment
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Coaching, guiding and involvement in our risk management process
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All food and drink whilst on Lofoten
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WhatsApp group membership, with contact readily available pre and post trip to ask questions and chat with other team members
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Emergency equipment, Satellite mapping and communications
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Contingency accommodation and support incase of adverse weather
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Complimentary Paddle International Base layer
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Access to discounts on some gear and clothing
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Option to borrow any kit you may need (tents, mats, cags, paddles, spraydecks, BA's, dry trousers, drysuits, etc etc etc.... just ask)
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Additional Costs - Not Included
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International Airfare and baggage fees.
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Travel Insurance.
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Any extra costs due to unforeseen circumstances.
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Bar bills
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Some personal clothing and equipment
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Extra meals outside the plan - cafes and ice creams etc
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Optional trips and sightseeing tours
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Tips