LOFOTEN
Sea Kayak Expedition
8 days - £1995pp
Explore this world class paddling destination and the incredible scenery of this stunning archipelago in Northern Norway.
2025 Dates: 22nd-29th September
2026 Dates: Coming Soon
A supported, not spoonfed, expedition for the paddler who is looking to explore the more remoted 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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A chance to see the Aurora!
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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
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All meals on expedition included
About the Trip
This is an expedition for Intermediate-Advanced sea kayakers who are practiced expedition paddlers, and keen to explore the more exposed and remote parts of this stunning and unique archipelago.
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Our plan is to circumnavigate the rugged and remote Island of Moskenesøya. 120km of varied mountainous landscapes with an abundance of aquatic and land based wildlife. This allows us to explore and enjoy the more remote parts of Lofoten, and enjoy the challenge of an expedition on more exposed coastlines.
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September 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 September.
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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 whilst on expedition 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.
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​Day 1: Travel / Arrival day, meeting in Leknes, with airport collection. Stay at public campsite that evening after a group meal out.
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Day 2 - 7: 6 day expedition with the aim of circumnavigating the island of Moskennes. Return to campsite at Leknes for night 7.
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Day 8: Travel / Departure day from Leknes, 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 Moskennes. 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 September to April. September 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 waters of the Norwegian Sea provide nutrient-rich waters around Lofoten; a perfect habitat for sea life. We're likely to get a glimpse of a shy seal or otter, and on a calm day watch the local Orca and 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 Intermediate+ Expedition for the sea kayaker who is/has:
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Comfortable paddling in Force 4 winds and 1 metre swell, with plenty of coastal journey experince
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Well practiced ability to get back in your kayak with assistance in the event of a deep water rescue
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Experienced at wild camping and living out of a sea kayak on a multi-day expedition
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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 in June. 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, rather than teaching you to suck eggs.
What's Included
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2 Day Pre Expedition Course on Anglesey, June 2025
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A programme of online meet ups in the build up to the trip
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2 Nights commercial campsite stay - 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 available 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 expedition
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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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Complimentary Paddle International Base layer
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Access to discounts on some gear and clothing
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Option to use one of our fleet of Terra Nova tents
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Additional Costs
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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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Non Expedition Meals
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Optional trips and sightseeing tours
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Tips