This expedition starts at Ramberg and ends at Værøy in Lofoten. We paddle along the wild and beautiful Moskenes island, cross the Mosken tidal current and explore Værøy island. Join us for this 6 day sea kayak expedtion
Dates: 14-19 July 2022
Price: 7000 NOK, 700 EUR, 1011 GBP, 800 USD
Rental kayak: Not included
Number of participants: 6
Guides: Heidi Grimnes and Lee John Waters
Sign up by emailing nsk@norwegianseakayaking.com
Read our terms for participation here.
Værøy is often called a Lofoten in miniature. With mountains, sea caves, beaches and tidal currents this island offers everything a sea kayaker loves in one compact package. With two experienced guides we will be renting a house and take you on day trips in our kayaks or on foot to explore this island. The island has a large a puffin colony as well as many sea eagles and other birds.
Our expedtion begins at the village of Ramberg. From here we will either paddle the exposed and remote west coast of Moskenes or the more populated east coast. The prevailing conditions will dictate what we end up doing.
The Moskenes island is 90% mountainous terrain. It has huge remote beaches and some of the most stunning scenery in Norway. We will have two campsites on Moskenes before we cross the fabled Mosken tidal current. If conditions allow we will camp on the tiny island of Mosken before we explore the island of Værøy.
UTE magasinet featured an article about sea kayaking on Værøy: LINK
As always in Lofoten the weather will decide what we will be doing. We have several options available for this expeditns.
Below is our A plan.
Plan:
Day 1: Ramberg til Horseid. Meet up at Ramberg kl 10:00
Day 2: Horseid to Gjerdvika (near Lofotodden)
Day 3: Gjerdvika to Mosken
Day 4: Mosken to Værøy
Day 5: Around Værøy to the ferry
Day 6: The ferry from Værøy to Moskenes departs 08:45. We will take a taxi from Moskenes to Ramberg. The ferry and taxi is not included in the price.
Experience required:
Parts of Værøy and Moskenes island is remote and isolated, so our participants need to meet certain standards. The weather will decide if we go for plan A or plan B. Safety comes first and in Lofoten the weather is always the deciding factor.
We require that you have passed a 3 star sea kayak course. Alternatively you must have sufficient experience to paddle in 4 star conditions (2,5 meter waves, 10 m/s wind). Furthermore you must know how to land a sea kayak in surf so some surfing experience will be essential. There may be surf conditions on our landing beaches and surf zones are relatively high risk areas.
We also ask that you are a contributing member of the group. We need all the members of the group to contribute where they can, whether at sea or on land. We will be isolated at times and it’s therefore important that everyone assist each other whenever possible.
Lastly, the conditions can be rough on the west coast. If we deem the conditions too demanding we will go for our plan B. You must however be prepared and able to paddle and camp under rough conditions; high winds and big waves.
Medical / health issues:
If you have any health issues affecting yourself or the group, please let us know in advance. You are responsible for qualifying yourself fit and healthy enough to participate.
Equipment required:
Dry suit
Warm clothing, waterproof jacket
Hiking shoes or boots
Tow rope for sea kayaking
Sunscreen
A hat to protect yourself from the sun or a helmet for sea kayaking
Camping equipment and food for 6 days
We can refill water about every second day, so bring plastic bottles, camelbak or similar for atleast 6 liters of water
Recommended equipment:
Helmet for kayaking
Neoprene gloves or mittens
The average temperature in Lofoten is 12 degrees celsius in July. Bring appropriate clothes.
By joining this guided tour you accept the risks associated with paddling on a remote coastline in norther Norway.
See here for our terms and conditions for joining this expedition.
Environmental considerations:
We like the term “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs”. We will bring out all garbage with us. If campfires are necessary they will be made on a bed of rocks or sand to leave no trace. We will bring a small shovel to to dig small holes and cover any human waste.
Insurance:
Travel insurance is always recommended. You are responsible for having the appropriate accident and travel insurance for sea kayaking on a remote coastline for several days. Call your insurance agency if in doubt. We recommend booking a return flight from Lofoten which includes cancellation insurance.
Getting there:
If you travel by car, the ferry (http://www.torghatten-nord.no/english/) from Bodø to Moskenes is a good alternative. Driving to Ramberg is the best option. There are parking spaces there for you to leave your car during the expedition.
