kayaking 22.- 24.5.

I looked forward to try it, because it was new experience for me. I have been already using kayak on dams back home in Czech Republic but not on the sea. Our group were divided into 2 smaller group. We spent one training day on the river in Kristiansand and after continued for 2 days to the sea trip with overnight on the island.

Monday 22.5.

The first day we had meeting near the river in Kristiansand. At the beginning we get short introduction about kayaking – what is necessary to has, which equipment we need and how to use it. We also tried how to paddle before we went to the water. I was really surprise that our group paddled very well! Everybody had kayak under control and it seemed that we are ready for trip! At the close of the day Len had very nice surprise for us – everybody had to capsize for practise! Unfortunately was getting cold, but it wasn’t so bad and everybody did it without problem.

Tuesday 23.5.

We started at Paradisbukta (Paradise bay) and headed to the south-west. To practice leading on the sea we had switched leaders every half hour. Leader’s goal wasn’t just to find out where to go but also keep eye on group, put them together and look for possible danger from the environment. We were equipped with kayaks, paddles, life jacket and spray deck. Everybody was also supposed to have extra set of clothes in case of capsize. We also had to have enough food for all day paddling.

Important safety rule while paddling on open sea is to keep the group together in case of somebody capsize or different emergency situation. Another important thing is navigation on the sea – it’s very important to use a compass and map. It’s also important to keep as straight lines as possible to avoid paddling for longer time then necessary (that mean consider weather, wind, sea streams etc.)

We were quite fast and finished paddling around 14:00 so we had long free time. Me, Flo and Eli started to build a shelter for sleeping, but we forgot rope! Len saved us and lend us rope a ten pegs. After we went to explore beauty of island and in the evening spent really nice time together like a group! I feel very comfortable we had a lot fun and played funny games (palermo, bunny, fingers, hide and seek)! But my night was horrible I can say that it was my worst night during stay in Norway. The main reason was that I took my summer sleeping bag (comfort 7 degree), because I supposed that it will be warmer, but it wasn’t, I was cold whole night and insect were everywhere! I think I slept max 2 hours.

Wednesday 24.5.

Way back – amazing weather. amazing day, amazing mood! Everything was perfect. We again change leader position and in the end tried to saving action. It was good idea to try it. We made a raft from our kayaks and tried whole action – help person, empty kayak.

I really liked this trip, it was completely new experience for me and the nature out there in south Norwegian archipelagos are just awesome.

We were so lucky with the wind and other conditions!