This year (2010) Nigel Foster and Kristin Nelson are offering two teaching tours on the west coast of Sweden through Orust Kajak.

The first tour, August 16th to 20th will be geared toward less experienced paddlers. The pace will be easier with shorter distances and the routes taken will be the more sheltered ones. Nigel will give some formal teaching sessions but we will also use situations we encounter along the way to develop and apply skills such as reading the water, basic navigation and techniques to help us travel efficiently and safely.
                                                                                                                                      
You will be able to enjoy maneuvering close to the spectacular rock islands in the archipelago north of Orust, as well as take in the rich history of these islands. We paddle alongside quarries and through small fishing villages that were once thriving with the herring industry. It’s stimulating to thread the narrow channels lined with charming old fishing huts and wooden boats. This is a wonderful introduction to touring by kayak!

Tour number two takes place from August 23rd to 27th. This course intends to be more advanced, selecting more exposed coast line and paddling longer distanced per day. There will be some sessions of formal teaching and, as we travel, we will work on skills relevant to the conditions encountered along the way such as control in wind, or surfing. It is a great way to put techniques into practice with some good support and experience nearby. Part of any good trip is the location and the islands in Bohuslan are a lovely mix of rugged barren rocks, exposed and wild, just beyond communities rich in the history of Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

Bookings and logistics are organized through Orust Kajak. If you don't have your own equipment or don't want to travel with it, you can rent almost everything from kayaks and paddles to stoves and tents from Orust Kajak. Though you are responsible for your own meals, we can help you with ideas. Just ask. It is our pleasure to help make it fun!

When we return to Stocken we will clean up and share an elegant meal together at the local guest house. Nigel and Kristin will be doing courses at the "Stocken Traffen" or "kayak meet", which will be taking place on August 28th and 29th just after the second tour.    The price for the 5 day tour is 5900 SEK. We hope you will join us.

If you know someone else that might enjoy one of these trips... You are most welcome to pass this invitation along.

Thank you!
We look forward to hearing from you,
Nigel and Kristin

To see pictures of some previous trips, click 2007    2005