Cover Photo: Jure Pučnik
Research: Anže Krebs Šetina
Text: Mésange/Auxane Bolanz
Edit: Mike Dent, Sophie Spickenbom
Norway has a perfect environment for canoeing activities, with many lakes, fjords and calm rivers. Canoeing can be done along the coast of Norway from the top point of Nordkapp to the lighthouse in Lindesnes, the most Southern point of the country. It is also a popular activity in the islands of Svalbard, all the way up north.
Norway has a perfect environment for canoeing activities, with many lakes, fjords and calm rivers. Canoeing can be done along the coast of Norway from the top point of Nordkapp to the lighthouse in Lindesnes, the most Southern point of the country. It is also a popular activity in the islands of Svalbard, all the way up north.
In good weather, water sports, such as canoeing and sailing, are great fun and thus a common activity for some Norwegian Guides and Scouts. Norwegians canoe not only to have a fun time, but also to shorten the routes when travelling. Most Norwegians Guides and Scouts have a funny story linked to canoeing to tell, go and ask them!
Of the many Paths the participants are currently on, those including canoeing were among the most popular. For many, this is an unusual activity, and it allows them to experience beautiful landscape views on the rivers and fjords of Norway.
An afternoon to remember
We visited a Tropp going on a canoe ride near Stavanger today. They left with their canoes just after lunch, carrying them to the nearby river. After the walk they had to put on their life vests. They did not particularly like that part of the activity, but everyone understood their purpose: safety first! Then it was finally time to go on the water and enjoy the ride.
After their day on the water was over, the Guides and Scouts had a lot to tell. They had a wonderful experience and were happy to tell us: They did not only have a calm ride but made a lot of fun challenges against one another. As an example, they did many races in teams. The first one going straight as fast as possible, reaching the line quickly, and then variations of this: just with their arms, or just paddling on one side (yes, the finish line was still straight ahead).
During the afternoon, they also made a stop to swim and jump into the water from a cliff. Back in the canoes, they connected all six together to create a big ship in a triangle. All together, they experienced “living the lake life”. At the end of the afternoon, to make the best of it, they decided to race to the shore. One of the teams lost their focus and ended up turning their canoe upside down, with them still in it. As they lost the race, they swam the last few metres to the shore.
At the end of the day, canoeing was a wonderful activity, and the participants are already looking forward to their next days on the water.
