Welcome to the ISKGA Sea Kayak and Canoe Symposium, where the spirit of adventure meets skill mastery on both sea kayak and canoe.
Set against Norway`s dynamic coastline, this symposium brings together a unique blend of workshops led by top coaches from the International Sea Kayak Guide Alliance (ISKGA).
Whether you’re here to refine your rolling techniques, hone paddling skills in both kayak and canoe, conquer the art of surfing in a sea kayak, or develop essential leadership skills on the water, this event is designed to challenge and inspire.
Our sessions in both sea kayaking and canoeing provide a comprehensive experience for paddlers looking to expand their horizons and deepen their understanding of each discipline.
Join fellow paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts for an eventful weekend of learning, exploration, and community. With the guidance of world-class coaches, you’ll gain skills that empower you both on and off the water.
Together, let’s embrace the waves and waterways, connect with nature, and foster a deeper sense of confidence and capability. See you on the water!
The symposium is held at Gurvika Camping near Larvik, Norway. Please view this video for an overview of the venue:
By plane:
Fly to Oslo Gardermoen airport og to Torp airport. Train or bus to Larvik. Bus from Larvik to Nevlunghavn.
We recommend using the Rome2Rio webpage when planning your journey to Gurvika:
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Oslo/Gurvika#trips
Send us an email or call (+47 980 52 748) if you need advice on getting to Gurvika.
By ferry:
Ferries from Germany and Denmark arrives at Larvik. From Larvik there is a short drive or bus-ride to Gurvika.
By train and bus:
The train arrives at larvik. From larvik you can take a bus to Nevlunghavn and walk to Gurvika.
We recommend using the Rome2Rio webpage when planning your journey to Gurvika:
https://www.rome2rio.com/map/Oslo/Gurvika#trips
Accommodation
You can choose between sharing a cabin or sleeping in your own tent. We also have spots for campervans (no electricity charging available). Those tenting have access to toilets and showers.
If you are a group of people wanting to share a cabin, let us know by email how many you are. Prices may vary.
Book your accommodation below.
Symposium content
The symposium is split into sessions lasting from 3 hours to two days. By having shorter sessions available you will be able to attend a wider array of classes. Our sessions are suitable for those who have completed a 2 star or 3 star sea kayak course. You should be comfortable paddling in 0,5 to 1,25 meter waves and winds up to 8 m/s (16 knots) wind. Conditions may be more demanding than this on the symposium and our coaches will adapt their sessions to the capabilities of the participants.
Friday 4 April:
19:00 Welcome, orientation and safety briefing
19:30 Presentation on ISKGA by Jeff Allen and others
20:00 Mingling, meeting and greeting
5-6 april, two day courses (click link for more info):
Lunch symposium presentation:
12:15-12:30 Presentation #1: Expedition first aid kits, Paul Cahill
Evening symposium presentations:
19:00-19:15 Presentation #1: South Georgia island, Jeff Allen
19:15-19:30 Presentation #2: Guiding in Antarctica and Svalbard, Tim Vanhoutteghem
19:30-20:00 Presentation #3: Canoeing the Yukon Marathon, Matt Skuse
- Shared cabin
