19/5

Totally new experience was about to begin. I have been already using sea-kayak on dams back home in Czech Republic but not on the sea. We all met nearby Paradisbukta, south-west from Kristiansand. We were 10 guys, looking forward to do some paddling.

Equipment and safety

We were equipped with kayaks and paddles. Important thing was also a life jacket. Everybody was also supposed to have extra set of clothes in case of capsize. Last but not least, we had enough food for all day paddling, compass and maps. 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.)

The trip

We started at Paradisbukta (Paradise bay) and headed to the south-west to archipelago over there. 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 got to our lunch spot around half past twelve. It was beautiful small beach on the island Helgøya. We spent there one hour – I was sleeping, such a beautiful place to have a rest. After we went again on board, Sædis suddenly capsized. She was about to roll back if somebody would help her. Nevertheless we were so surprised by this situation that it took a while then somebody reacted and that was too late. She felt out of her kayak – we did a raft (put kayaks next to each other) and helped her to sit into her kayak again. We went back to the beach, she had changed her clothes and we continued back home. On the way back, the sea was more open and there were bigger waves. Some people got nervous about that and group felt apart what made situation dangerous. Fortunately nothing happened and we got together again. In the end of the trip, there was Chris trying to do his signature trick – a handstand on the kayak. Unfortunately he didn’t manage to fall into the water. What a bad luck.

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