Kayaking in Sweden

Sea Kayaking in Style - three days in the Swedish archipelago (part 2)

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Sea kayaks, or touring kayaks, are longer, more stable versions of the kayaks intended for whitewater paddling. They are effectively small boats with a spray skirt to keep you dry during your adventures. While less maneuverable than whitewater kayaks, they are more comfortable and have a greater capacity in the body of the kayak for storage of luggage and camping equipment.

The extra storage space means that you can take everything you need with you, making sea kayaks perfect for extended trips around the Swedish archipelagos. And thanks to the "Every Man's Right" system of public access, wild camping is generally permitted on most of the islands, so finding a place to pitch your tent is a breeze!

As a participant on this tour, you are told that, "All you need to do is paddle!", and this certainly turned out to be the case. While the next three days were certainly active, they were never exhausting - perfect for me, as someone who loves and appreciates being in the outdoors but was not made for extreme sports! During our days on the water, we were given snacks to keep our mood and energy levels up and when we broke for the evening the first thing that was unpacked from the kayaks was a little table with a red and white tablecloth, on which magically appeared a selection of wines, beers, Coke, parma ham and crisps. In fact, I had to keep glancing at the gorgeous panorama of rocks and sea lit by the setting sun and our kayaks pulled up out of the water for the night to remind myself I was on a camping trip and not enjoying an aperitif in some rather upmarket restaurant!

After sitting down for a snack, Erik showed us how to pitch our tents on the rock. The tent was surprisingly easy to put up and we chose our spots and pitched our tents, securing the guy ropes with rocks. Then we sat down on our sleeping mats, which cunningly converted into comfortable armchairs, with a glass of wine and waited while the guides to finish cooking our three-course dinner. I myself am not used to such luxury, but I quickly became accustomed to the pampering and let my mind wander to my less fortunate colleagues I had abandoned back in the UK.

After dinner, we sat back to relax, enjoy the evening and share our impressions of the day while our guides cleared up. "It's like having your own butler!" one of the Irish girls pointed out. Finally, the guides finished their chores and joined us to chat and watch the sun sink in a blaze of colour below the horizon. As the light faded, feeling rather full and very content, I crawled into my sleeping bag and slept like a baby.

This was the first of three wonderful days sea kayaking out in the wild reaches of the Sörmland archipelago. Over the course of the trip we explored the waters around a multitude islands, rocks and skerries, made detours into hidden bays, and even took an afternoon out to climb one of the outcrops for a magnificent view out over the archipelago world. While never forcing their knowledge on us, our guides were always willing to offer advice and assistance and I was delighted as I found my kayaking technique improving by the hour, until by the end of the trip I have to admit to feeling rather proud of my progress under Tommy's patient and skilful tutelage.

For me, watching out for wildlife is a central part of any outdoor experiences, and I was thrilled when I spotted white-tailed eagles and osprey soaring majestically above us, and equally thrilled as each evening I was served a mouth-watering procession of quality food, from chocolate cake to seafood soup to fillet steak. Erik believes strongly that good food is an essential part of the outdoor experience, and I have to say that I agree wholeheartedly. Somehow the kind of indulgences you would feel guilty about at home seem perfectly justified after a (moderately) hard day's kayaking out on the water!

It was with mixed feelings that we paddled into shore on the Sunday afternoon: sad to be leaving our new-found friends and this truly magnificent marine environment, but with our heads and hearts full of memories of our adventures and a warm glow of pride at our achievements. Although my body felt a little tired, my spirit had rarely felt so invigorated and I was already beginning to wonder how long it would be before I could once again take to the water...

Sea kayaking is environmentally friendly and an appealing and accessible way to travel, suitable for adventurers of all ages who enjoy open spaces, salt air and the feeling of being at one with nature. When you're paddling along at 3 miles an hour, you're moving at the speed humans were designed to go. No vessel allows you quite such an intimate relationship with the water around you as a kayak. In a sea kayak, you are not so much on the water as a part of it.

With the waves lapping gently at the side of the boat and the cries of seabirds echoing across the water, sometimes it seems that the Swedish coastline might have been created just for sea kayakers: so get paddling!

This article describes a Sea Kayaking in Sörmlands Archipelago tour and was previously published in Paddles canoe and kayak magazine in September 2007. Please note that this experience is no longer part of our portfolio - for alternative sea kayaking tours in the eastern archipelago please see:

Sea Kayaking in the Stockholm Archipelago | Sea Kayaking in St. Anna Archipelago