Exploring our region by kayak is probably one of the best ways to do it! Amazing fjords, majestic mountains, open ocean and islands and skerries is just a few key points to what to expect. We at Uteguiden do our best to offer you the best service and give you the foundation to plan your own trip.
In Norway kayaking is very popular, and we actually have official recommendation for how to stay safe and have an enjoyable kayak tour in Norway. These recommendations have been created by the Norwegian Maritime Authority and the Norwegian Paddling Association.
The 10 “rules” are:
- Choose a boat that suits your skills and the trip
- Check that the equipment you are using is working as it should.
- Dress for the water temperature. Bring spare clothes.
- Always wear an approved lifejacket, made for kayaking.
- Don’t overestimate your own skills. Practice rescue techniques.
- If you capsize, do not leave the boat or oar.
- Respect the weather and wind, and check the weather forecast before going out kayaking.
- Keep a good distance from other boats. Make sure to be seen
- Learn first aid
- Be environmentally aware. Show respect for nature. Remember to leave no trace.
Season to kayak
Mai to September is the recommended months for kayaking. July & August offer most stable weather, and the temperature in the water is warmest (ranging form 13 to 16 degrees Celsius usually). Mai, June & September are beautiful and our favorite, but keep in mind that weather can change more rapidly and temperatures can be low (below 10 degrees), especially during night time. Water temperatures are also low 7 to 13 degrees. A bit more planning and experience is recommended.
If you would like to kayak during the winter time, we recommend our guided tour “winter kayaking & sauna” in Ålesund.
Where to rent
You can rent kayaks from Ålesund & Valldal. Possible to rent at one location and deliver at another location for an extra charge. We also offer pick-up of equipment and people if you are planning a multiday adventure.
Kayaks we offer
Double kayaks
Ålesund – Current Designs Crosswind
Valldal – Boreal Design Esperanto
Both kayaks are stable and spacious. As you are two paddling them, you will usually find them faster than a single kayak. Perfect for exploring the fjords on both short trips and multiday adventures where you need to bring your camping gear.
Single
We have a range of different kayaks, where most of them are P&H PE (plastic) kayaks. Models available – Virgio LV to HV and Scorpio LV to HV. We don`t have single kayaks with rudder, but all have skeg.
LV = Low volume
MV = Medium volume
HV = High volume
Virgio is recommended for beginners who will find it stable and easy to maneuver. Scorpio is the kayak for the expert kayaker who have good technique and stability.
Let us know if you would like a specific kayak model well ahead of your arrival time.
Equipment
Kayak rentals include paddle, spray deck, life jackets and safety instructions. It is possible to rent wet-suite, dry suite, paddle jacket, paddle shoes, gloves, drybags etc. Drysuite we recommend to book in advance, while the other equipment you can rent onsite if you are not sure what you need.
We also have camping equipment available for renting.
Book your rental here: https://rental.uteguiden.com/
We recommend that you bring a extra bag with warm clothing, warm drink, phone, camera and some snack. Remember that everything needs to be packed in a drybag 🙂
Requirements for renting a kayak
Your safety is important for us, therefor we have some requirements to you who rent:
Single kayak
A “Våttkort” (Norwegian Paddle Association’s Norwegian version of the European Paddle Pass (EPP)) is required for renting a single kayak. You will get that at our Introduction course.
If you are going to paddle alone, we will require the second level, basic course – 16h. course. The course can be an international equivalent course.
We offer kayak course and you can read more about them here: https://uteguiden.com/en/kayak-course/
Double kayak
You do not need a course to rent a double kayak, but must have previous experience.
For everyone who is renting a kayak it`s important to be comfortable in water, know how to swim, have kayaked before and should know how to perform a buddy rescue.
Extra requirements for multi-day rental:
Single kayak – We recommend beginners course if you kayaking in a group of experienced kayakers, or technical course or equivalent if you by yourself.
If you are leading a group, you should have “Aktivitetslederkurs” or equivalent.
Double kayak – You need to know buddy rescue and have knowledge equivalent to our Beginners Course.
If you see that you would like a guide to assist you on your journey, we are here to help you with our guided tours also – both schedule tours and tailored.
