I had been travelling for 5 days in the Westfjords of Iceland and had by now reached Ísafjörður - the Capital City of the Westfjords. I was wondering what to do and see here, and checked out the tours available at Borea Adventures.
They had several tours to choose from, amongst them a selection of kayaking tours.
I had wanted to try out kayaking for the longest time, as I have seen that kayaking has become an increasingly popular sport in Iceland. This was my first time kayaking, so I opted for calm water kayaking in the calm fjord by Ísafjörður town, which is often called the kayaking centre of Iceland.
I highlight calm as this tour is an introduction to kayaking in a calm fjord, just the tour for me :) Here is a link to the calm water tour.
Ready to sail
We met up with the guide at the offices of Borea Adventures in Aðalstræti (Main Street) in Ísafjörður.
There we got some kayaking gear and walked for a couple of minutes to the small harbour behind the oldest houses in Ísafjörður, carrying the oars and wearing a life vest, feeling very sporty ;)
Before we entered the sea, we got a lesson in kayaking, i.e., how to paddle and steer the kayak and what to do if it were to capsize! Apparently, that happens occasionally on smaller kayaks, but we opted for a tandem kayak, which is very stable.
And if you capsize, the experienced kayak guide is always there to pick you up.
Calm water kayaking
After the introductory kayaking lesson, we got some more gear, e.g., gloves, which we fastened to the oars, an apron to attach to us and the kayak so we wouldn't get wet, and I also got a waterproof bag for my camera.
The guide now pushed us into the sea, and off we went kayaking in the fjord!
On this tour, apart from my husband and me, was a French couple, who were also kayaking for the first time. I was glad I wasn't the only beginner, as at first you feel a little flustered, but you quickly get the hang of it and start enjoying the ride.
It is amazing paddling like this in beautiful surroundings. Of course, if you are new to kayaking like I was, you concentrate on the paddling, following the guide, and the idea that you are actually floating on the sea.
But the sea was calm, and the mountain range is absolutely beautiful.
We let ourselves float and enjoyed the surroundings. I barely noticed that I was sitting in a kayak; it was so stable, but I think my husband was doing most of the paddling for both of us.
My paddling might have been more for a show, although I felt very sporty paddling and sat there paddling like there was no tomorrow ;)
Calm water kayaking
The 2-hour kayaking tour is leisurely, and you will get the hang of it very soon, so do try it out.
Before the tour, you will be provided with all the kayaking gear, including a waterproof jacket, a life vest, and special oar gloves.
But remember to bring a cap, wear warm clothes, and don't wear jeans, just in case you get wet.
I got a little wet when I reached for the camera in the waterproof bag, and my hair was a little damp as well because I wasn't wearing a cap.
Calm water kayaking
Borea Adventures also offers a wide selection of kayaking tours for more experienced kayakers, which I would love to join later on.
Plus loads more interesting tours, like hiking tours and Hornstrandir tours, but visiting Hornstrandir nature reserve is high up on my wish list.
So I will most definitely be visiting the northern part of the Westfjords of Iceland again soon!
Calm water kayaking
This tour is available from July until October, and departure is from the offices of Borea Adventures in Aðalstræti 22b at 09:30 and 13:30.
I have written many travel blogs about the Westfjords, f.ex:
A delightful visit to Ísafjörður - the Capital City of the Westfjords of Iceland
A lovely Visit to Reykjanes in the Westfjords of Iceland
The Reykjanes travel blog is the first in a series about what there is to see and do in Djúpið by road 61, with links to the other travel blogs.
Have a great time in the Westfjords of Iceland :)
