Kvalvika beach in Lofoten - Moskenes island circumnavigation
All our guides have either passed or are working towards passing the 5 week program held by the International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance. Additionally our guides have passed a 4 or 5 star leader course by a national governing body such as the Norwegian Canoe Union or British Canoeing.
Having the most extensive sea kayak guide training available is a minimum for NSK guides. In addition we all have experience from guiding others along exposed coastlines. To be able to safely do so, we have the technical skills as well as the human skills to lead and care for the participants.
Norwegian Sea Kayaking A/S is owned by Kristoffer Vandbakk, however, without its competent guides this company would not exist.
Read our terms for participating on our expeditions here.
Bjørn Svenungsen
Qualifications: - Norwegian Canoe Union 3 star Canoe Leader
- Norwegian Canoe Union 5 star sea leader
- Wilderness First Responder
- ISKGA Coastal Guide
Instagram: @bjornsvenung
Bjorn has been a sea kayak and open canoe coach and guide since 2017. He has been an outdoor enthusiast since he joined the scouts as a child, has studied wilderness coaching as part of his university degree, worked as an arctic guide at Spitzbergen and spent a few years in long reconnaissance in the military. For several years he led an outdoor adventure company which he established, guiding sea kayak and canoe tours in Norway. Bjorn lives outside Oslo and works as a career diplomat, researcher and writer.
Kristoffer Vandbakk
Qualifications: - ISKGA Advanced Guide
- Norwegian Canoe Union 5 star leader
- British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader
- Wilderness First Responder
Instagram: @kristoffervan
Youtube: Seakayaknorway
Kristoffer has been working in the coaching and guiding industry since 2015. He has guided and coached all along the Norwegian coast from Lindesnes in the south to Sørøya in the north. He lives outside Oslo and enjoys overnight camping trips, foraging and exploring new areas. Kristoffer worked as an economist before he realised guiding in a sea kayak was more rewarding for him.
Matt Skuse
Qualifications: - Norwegian Canoe Union 3 star Sea Leader
- Norwegian Canoe Union 5 star Canoe Leader
- British Canoeing Advanced Canoe Leader
- British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader
- British Canoeing level 2 coach
- Marine First Responder
- ISKGA Coastal Guide
Instagram: @matt.skuse
Matt has 25 years of experience in the Royal Marines. He is familiar with taking care of people in a wide range of environments from sea to summit and everything in between. Matt has guided sea kayak and canoe expeditions in Norway since 2016. He enjoys fishing, bushcraft and teaching others about this.
Heidi Grimnes
Qualifications: - Norwegian Canoe Union 5 star leader
- ISKGA Coastal Guide
- British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader
- Wilderness First Responder
Instagram: @heidigrimnes
Heidi has been coaching and guiding sea kayakers since 2017. She has guided expeditions on Sørøya, Lofoten and in Vestfold, southern Norway. From her day job she has a wide range of skills and knowledge about preparing game and fish for eating. Heidi lives near the coast in Vestfold and enjoys camping and rockhopping.
Ken Johnsen
Qualifications: - Norwegian Canoe Union 5 star leader
- ISKGA Coastal Guide
- British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader
Instagram: @ken.henry.johnsen
Ken has been coaching and guiding sea kayakers since 2017. He guides trips in Lofoten and southern Norway. He has coached rockhopping and surfing for his club and at symposiums. Ken lives near the coast in Vestfold and enjoys bushcraft, camping and surfing with his sea kayak.
Lee John Waters
Qualifications: - ISKGA Advanced Guide
- BC Advanced Sea Kayak Leader
- British Canoeing level 3 coach
- Marine First Responder
Instagram: @lee._c2c_waters
Lee is a former Royal Marine Commando with a background of white water and Kayak marathon racing. He is a BC Advanced Sea Kayak Leader, BC level 2 coach and ISKGA Advanced Guide. Lee offers nature assisted therapy for people suffering from psychological trauma by helping them with the healing power of the Sea and the great outdoors.
A passionate wildlife enthusiast Lee is a strong advocate of the leave no trace policy and provides informative and fun alternative culinary experiences from a Sea Kayak.
Danielle Loiselle
Qualifications: - Norwegian Canoe Union 4 star Sea Kayak Leader
- Norwegian Canoe Union Outdoor Lifesaving Leader
- ISKGA Coastal Guide (pending assessment)
- Marine First Responder
Instagram: @danielleloiselle
Danielle, born and raised in Detroit Michigan, USA is mother of three proud Norwegians, an engineering professional and outdoors enthusiast and paddler.
When she's not engaged with her family or work, Danielle spends time paddling, tour skating, ice bathing, painting, and camping.
Paddling is in the family. Back in the states, Danielle's sister has raced kayaks on inland lakes and rivers in the mid-west and her beloved aunt has inspired her to become an open water kayaker after many great family adventures over the years on the coast and rivers on beautiful Maine.
Danielle looks forward to sharing stories of her paddling adventures from Maine, USA to Lofoten, Norway. Danielle also has a passion for foraging for and teaching anyone who will listen about the positive effects of seaweed for your skin and belly.
"Life is better by the light of a campfire and best in a kayak".
Kriki de Smet
Qualifications: - NPF Aktivitetsleder
- British Canoeing Sea Kayak Leader
- Wilderness First Responder
Instagram: @krikidesmet
Kriki has been coaching and guiding sea kayakers since 2018. She has dedicated many hours on the water, as a sea kayaker, surfer, open-water swimmer and coastal lifeguard. The great outdoors have been her playground since she was born. When not in the water, you can find her in the mountains. Kriki is a biologist and teaches science, outdoor skills and Nordic friluftsliv. A package that aligns with the skills needed as a guide.
Guiding expeditions is the ultimate way to combine all her passions: planning the trip, exploring remote/new places, enjoying unspoiled nature, wild camping, bushcraft, and the ocean.
