NORWAY Rebbenesøya – Expedition Paddler

LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Norway // 21.7. - 1.8.2025

Time seems to be caught in a loop, drifting into arctic half-light, called Midnight Sun or Nightless Night, a glowing ball of fire on the horizon, where light blurs into water, where liquid radiates, where solids dissolve, where time freezes and day and night mingle.

20.7.2025

Arrival at Tromso on the Sunday. Book into a hotel or B&B of your choice.

21.7.2025

This day is our introduction and preparation day. You will meet the expedition members. Over a coffee, we will have the chance to get to know one another and address any questions or special requests regarding the expedition. This informal setting allows us to align expectations and ensure everyone feels prepared and confident about the journey ahead. From here we will drive to the shopping center where you will find a supermarket to do the shopping for our 11 day expedition, as well as an outdoor shop should you want to buy last minute gear. Afterwards we travel together to the island of Kvaloya where you will be issued with your equipment. We will provide you with a kayak, paddle, spare paddle, pump, spray deck and buoyancy aid. These are all included in the price of the expedition. Further equipment is available for hire if required. Then we shall load our kayaks and prepare ourselves for departure towards the expedition objective: Discovering the beauty of the Arctic Island Landscape.

22.7.2025 - 1.8.2025

This Norwegian Arctic expedition will begin, 200 kilometers north of the Polar Circle. We shall have a choice to venture northwards towards Nordkvaløya- Rebbenesøya Protected Landscape Area.
Located off the coast of Karlsøy, this area encompasses a diverse seascape of islands, intertidal zones, valleys, and peaks. It‘s a testament to Troms county‘s coastal culture, with a history of human habitation dating back to the Stone Age. The landscape varies from barren terrain to lush islets, with some peaks reaching over 700 meters. Geological features and cultural remnants, like egg and down harvesting sites, dot the area. The Bårset boat, a 9th-century find, underscores the region‘s rich maritime history.
Marine life thrives here, from corals and kelp forests to seals and whales. Bird cliffs host puffins, guillemots, and razorbills, while eagles and various seabirds inhabit the coastal rocks. This protected area, which overlaps with the Ytre Karlsøy Marine Protected Area, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. While it can be exposed to harsh weather, calm days reveal a magical atmosphere in this remote Arctic landscape.

If the weather dictates, we may have to resort to a ‘Plan B’ and paddle southwards, committing to a circumnavigation of Norway’s second largest island of Senja. For this ‘Plan B’ challenge we shall cross the Malangen gap and cross to Senja via the Hekkingen lighthouse, where we may stop for a leg stretch before pushing on to circumnavigate the island in a clock wise or anti clock wise direction.
Although the expedition objective is Nordkvaløya-Rebbenesøya Protected Landscape Area, both options, North or South will take you through some of the most beautiful mountainous coastal scenery that I have ever seen with an abundance of wild life. You will see signs of old coastal settlements and whaling stations form the past. Although we shall be paddling at the height of the summer, we are 200 plus kilometers north of the Polar Circle and the weather can change fast. The mountains on the main land can create rapidly changing conditions and this really is a place that can experience all four seasons in a day, so you must be prepared in your choice of clothing and equipment. There is a saying in Norway, that there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes.
We shall return to our destination on Friday, August 1st, to sort out our equipment and return to a hotel or B&B of your choice in Tromso to continue on with your own personal adventures or to catch your return flight home on the weekend.

DETAILS

SKILL LEVEL

Expedition team members need to be at a ‘Sea Kayak Proficient’ level of paddling ability equal to BCU 3*/ BC Sea Kayak Award, EPP 3, ISKGA Fundamental Skills 3, or ACA 3.
You need to be comfortable paddling in force 3-4 winds, 3-4 foot / 0,9-1,2 m waves and happy in an exposed open water environment under a skilled and qualified guide/leader. Team members have to be reasonably fit and capable of paddling between 11-16 NM / 20 -30 km per day over a five day period.

REMITS

We work within National Governing Body recommended guidelines in terms of student/client ratio, weather conditions and sea state.

For most of our expeditions we try to work on a 1 guide to 6 group member ratio, this ensures that you, the client - experience the most from the adventure and that we create a minimal impact on the environment.

EQUIPMENT

Supplied Paddling Equipment: Kayak, PFD/buoyancy aid, pogies/paddling gloves, spray skirt, two paddles, pump.

Additionally, we recommend that paddlers bring the following equipment. This is not an exhaustive list, as individual needs may vary, but it can serve as a guideline for you.

Paddling Equipment: Dry suit or cag & salopettes, two sets of base layers (preferably wool), fleece top (if you tend to get cold), helmet (optional), throw-tow or contact tow (if you have one), sunglasses, woolly/sun hat, buff, lip balm/sun protection, storm cag (if you have one).

Camp Clothes: Walking shoes/boots, trousers, puffer jacket, base layers (including one additional wool shirt), gloves, woolly hat, socks, underwear, rain jacket and trousers (depending on paddling clothes).

Camping Kit: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag, tarp (optional), camp stove & cooking/eating kit, fuel (can be purchased in Tromsø), water bags (2 x 6 liters), water bottle/thermos, torch/headlamp.

Personal First Aid Kit: An "ouch pouch," including any personal medications and allergy considerations.

Wash Kit & Towel: You may wish to include scissors or nail clippers, as well as face and hand creams.

Our outfitter has various equipment available for hire if required, such as tents, sleeping pads, camp stoves, and dry suits.

FOOD

Food is required for eleven days of sea kayaking, and meals can be a combination of rehydrated food packs and fresh ingredients. Be sure to bring enough snacks (such as energy bars, fruit, and nuts) for refuelling on the go.

You can bring your own food from home or purchase it in Tromsø on our rest and preparation day (May 6). We will take you into town to a shopping center with a supermarket and an outdoor shop, where you can buy fresh and rehydrated food.

ACCOMMODATION

Both the Dog Sledding and Sea Kayaking expeditions involve wild camping. For the dog sledding part, a tent, sleeping mat, and sleeping bag will be provided. For the sea kayaking part, please bring your own camping equipment or contact us if you need rental gear.

Accommodation before and after the expeditions is your responsibility. You will find hotels in Tromsø or can arrange a shared Airbnb if preferred.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Flights to Tromsø are usually routed through Oslo, and you should allow ample time for your layover to clear customs and immigration, as delays are common at Oslo Airport.

Upon arrival in Tromsø, you can reach your accommodation by courtesy bus, taxi, or public transport. There are many hotels in and around the city, as well as numerous bed and breakfasts and Airbnb options.

You will be picked up in Tromsø by minibus and driven to Kvaløya, where we will issue equipment before starting our expedition. After the expedition, you will also be brought back to Tromsø.

INSURANCES

We recommend that you insure your travel arrangements, as flight delays and cancellations can often occur. If possible, you should also obtain coverage for your experience, including unforeseen events beyond your or our control (such as Force Majeure Events), for which Expedition Paddler Ltd cannot be held responsible.

Additionally, accident insurance, travel health insurance, and rescue and recovery insurance are the responsibility of participants. We strongly advise securing coverage for personal accident and liability, as well as for loss or damage to personal belongings. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage to personal items while on one of our trips.

Expedition Paddler Ltd holds public liability insurance, activity insurance and professional indemnity insurance, details of which can be provided upon request.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches.

For the Dog Sledding Expedition, extra warm gloves, boots, jackets and trousers, sleeping bags, tents, and food are included.

For the Sea Kayaking Expedition, hiring a kayak, paddle, spare paddle, pump, spray deck, and buoyancy aid is included.

Transfers from Tromsø to the island of Kvaløya and back are included, as well as a transfer on May 6 to and from Tromsø for shopping.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

Expedition Paddler's service is limited to the organization and implementation of the advertised program, including our role as highly trained guides and coaches. No additional services—such as assistance with arrival and departure, accommodation, meals, or local transport—are provided unless explicitly stated in the "Included Services" section. Where required, we will supply and maintain the ordered equipment in proper condition. Any extra services or modifications requested by participants fall outside our standard scope and must be arranged separately. Furthermore, Expedition Paddler is not liable for any expenses or disruptions resulting from services not covered under the program.

Please note that the price does not include the journey to and from Tromsø, accommodation in Tromsø, any equipment other than that specified in the "Included Services" section, or food for the Sea Kayaking Expedition.

In the event that remote pickup is required on the Sea Kayaking Expedition, any associated costs will be incurred and divided among the group members.

EXTRAS

If you require additional equipment, such as tents, camp stoves, dry suits, or neoprene boots, these can be hired from our local outfitter.

Storage for personal equipment left behind is available.

During this course, you can obtain the British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award. Please let us know in advance if you are interested. Registration and administrative costs for the certification have to be payed to Paddle UK.

During the expedition we shall cover the ISKGA Expedition Skills module including the following subjects: Camp selection, tarpology and shelter building, rescues & evacuation, water sourcing, treatment and toiletry requirements, fire skills, for cooking, signalling and warmth, foraging and equipment.

PRICE £ 2310