As a team of 5, we are planning an expedition to the Northern part of Norway in August this year. We will be travelling along the coast in sea kayaks, setting off from the Arctic Circle at a town called Bodo. The journey is 500 miles in length and will finish at the North Cape. Along the way we will be cutting through the Lofoten isle’s, pushing on into the far North passing Tromso and the most Northerly town in the world, Hammerfest, until we reach our finish point, Nordkapp.
This is a formidable expedition with various natural hazards. Much of the coastline consists of jagged precipitous peaks and cliffs separated by steep fjords. Landing points are often difficult to locate and few in number, apart from the small towns of Tromso and Hammerfest the final half of the journey particularly is very remote from habitations. The changeable weather conditions have some similarities with the west coast of Scotland, but the higher latitude and much larger scale of the mountain means that winds in excess of 100 knots are not uncommon.
This same journey was undertaken by a team of explorers in 1975, when the journey from Bodo to Nordkapp had never been attempted. Also no journey of this nature had been thought possible in Kayaks. The team spent time developing the equipment needed in order to make this expedition possible, subsequently designing the Nordkapp sea kayak. This was the first kayak ever to have dry hatches in the front and back, where they were able to store food and equipment for the journey. Since the trip this design has gone on to revolutionise sea kayaking as a sport.
In 1975 this journey took four weeks, proving to be a real test of the team’s physical and mental capabilities. Nevertheless the expedition was a success and plays a large part in paddle sport history.
In 1975 this journey took four weeks, proving to be a real test of the team’s physical and mental capabilities. Nevertheless the expedition was a success and plays a large part in paddle sport history.
Both son’s of one of the original expeditions team member (Colin Litten) will be part of this year’s trip. Also we will all be using Nordkapp sea kayaks as used in the 1975 expedition, one of the original sea kayaks will be used as a measure of the changing times. All of the necessary supplies will be carried to be totally self sufficient on the four week expedition.
Picture - The North Cape
Along our journey we will be using video and still cameras to record the events and feelings of the team whilst on the expedition. The footage obtained will be used for interacting with schools upon return. We feel that by presenting to various schools, we can help benefit other people as well as ourselves. The footage will also be used for publicity through magazine articles and slideshow presentations at canoe exhibitions and outdoor centres.
