Værøy and Røst is located in Lofoten and has many caves, bird colonies, beaches and tall mountains to offer. Daytrips at Værøy, Mosken and Røst is on the menu.
Dates: 8-12 July 2024
Price: 8900 NOK, 868 EUR, 757 GBP, 868 USD
Rental kayak: Available for 1500 NOK
Number of participants: 8
Guides: Heidi Grimnes and Bjørn Svenungsen
Sign up by clicking here.
Read our terms for participation here.
Værøy is often called a Lofoten in miniature. With mountains, sea caves, beaches and tidal currents this island offers everything a sea kayaker loves in one compact package. With two experienced guides we will wild camp on Røst and Værøy.. The islands have large puffin colonies as well as many sea eagles and other birds.
UTE magasinet featured an article about sea kayaking on Værøy: LINK
As always in Lofoten the weather will decide what we will be doing. We have several options available for our 5 days at Værøy, Røst and Mosken.
Below is one possible scenario for this week.
Plan:
Day 1, arrival at Røst, briefing about the coming week and an evening paddle
Day 2, a paddle to puffin colonies
Day 3, a paddle to Skomvær lighthouse
Day 4, a padle to the island of Værøy or Mosken.
Day 5, Paddling on Røst, Mosken or Værøy. Departure.
Experience required:
Parts of this area is remote and isolated, so our participants need to meet certain standards. The weather will decide if we go for plan A or plan B. Safety comes first and in Lofoten the weather is always the deciding factor.
We require that you have passed a 3 star sea kayak course. Alternatively you must have sufficient experience to paddle in 3 star conditions (1,25 meter waves, 8 m/s wind). Furthermore you must know how to land a sea kayak in surf so some surfing experience will be essential. There may be surf conditions on our landing beaches and surf zones are relatively high risk areas.
We also ask that you are a contributing member of the group. We need all the members of the group to contribute where they can, whether at sea or on land. We will be isolated at times and it’s therefore important that everyone assist each other whenever possible.
Lastly, the conditions can be rough on the west coast. If we deem the conditions too demanding we will go for our plan B. You must however be prepared and able to paddle and camp under rough conditions; high winds and big waves.
Medical / health issues:
If you have any health issues affecting yourself or the group, please let us know in advance. You are responsible for qualifying yourself fit and healthy enough to participate.
Equipment required:
Dry suit
Warm clothing, waterproof jacket
Hiking shoes or boots
Tow rope for sea kayaking
Sunscreen
A hat to protect yourself from the sun or a helmet for sea kayaking
A kayak, paddle, west and spray deck is included unless you want to bring your own.
Recommended equipment:
Helmet for kayaking
Neoprene gloves or mittens
The average temperature in Lofoten is 12 degrees celsius in July. Bring appropriate clothes.
By joining this guided tour you accept the risks associated with paddling on a remote coastline in norther Norway.
See here for our terms and conditions for joining this expedition.
Environmental considerations:
We like the term “leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but photographs”. We will bring out all garbage with us. Campfires will be made on a bed of rocks to leave no trace. We will bring a small shovel to to dig small holes and cover any human waste.
Insurance:
Travel insurance is always recommended. You are responsible for having the appropriate accident and travel insurance for sea kayaking on a remote coastline for several days. Call your insurance agency if in doubt. We recommend booking a return flight from Lofoten which includes cancellation insurance.
Getting there:
If you travel by car, the ferry (http://www.torghatten-nord.no/english/) from Bodø to Værøy is a good alternative. Several departures a day. If you are flying to Bodø there is a helicopter transport from Bodø to Værøy, more info on departures here.
Accommodation:
We will be wild camping in our tents in some of the most stunning nature Norway has to offer.
