Expedition Skills II - Norway's Lofoten Islands

Expedition Skills II covers the body of knowledge required to safely tour in the dynamic environment of surf beaches and headlands exposed to the open sea. This course is the next step for graduates of Expedition Skills I ready to raise their comfort level to include more adventurous routes. This course is also ideal for a person with a foundation in paddling skills and seamanship, wanting to paddle with a group of skilled paddlers on the open coast.

Operated in the Lofoten Islands this is a fantastic paddling experience on a par with the best in the world in terms of beauty and challenge. A rugged coastline characterized by rocky headlands, surf beaches and exposed shoreline combined with the dynamic effects of tidal currents, open ocean swell and North Atlantic weather make for an ideal training environment where the full range of sea states and effects can be experienced. This course provides the opportunity to observe from the water and from shore how the sea state can change from moment to moment depending on weather, wind and tide height. We will take time to hike along the coast to observe point effects and shore break while discussing how to paddle safely in such conditions.

With the guidance of experienced instructors participants will refine paddling and recovery skills required to be comfortable in a wide range of sea states and through experience gain the judgment to assess risk and route plan open coast trips.

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