A CHAT WITH KAI-NICHOLAS
What gave you the idea of going paddling in these icy temperatures?
Oh, anyone can do it in summer/warm temperatures. We just wanted to try something different. It certainly has a lot to do with our desire for adventure. Norway is not a standard destination but overwhelming. We paddled in solitude, in dead silence, something we have never experienced before. We were on the Sogne Fjord, the longest and deepest fjord in Europe, where we did not even meet a fishing boat. Left and right there were massive cliffs – simply amazing.
What equipment did you take?
Very warm clothing, thick wetsuits and our drysuits. And of course our inflatable sup boards. They’re practical for many reasons and are more robust than hardboards; you can just drag them over rocks to get to the water. I had the Fanatic Ray Air Premium, a great touring sup, about 11 feet long and quite wide. Since you have the necessary stability and can look at the beautiful landscape and don´t have to be too focused on paddling.
Where were you able to paddle out there?
Many lakes were frozen or only partially open. At the glacier we had to pull our boards behind us over the surface of ice. This was also a tremendous experience. The blue colour of the glacier was outstanding; you could see it from far away. And in Stavanger seaside I surfed with my Stubby Wave in minus 11 °C in shoulder high waves. That’s what I love so much about paddling: diversity.
Would you recommend Norway?
Absolutely. I would go back there any time – but next time maybe with slightly better preparation…this trip was quite spontaneous. We googled the desitantion, organized the trailer, packed our gear and after three days we started. The weather forecast suggested that it would be a little warmer – but it was not. Those more sensitive to the cold should perhaps not sleep in a tent, because keeping the temperature up is quite difficult. But there is also nothing better than waking up on a fjord in solitude, that´s for sure. SUP
