Braving freezing temperatures, blizzards and ice, a team of kayakers from the Isle of Man explored a group of islands deep inside the Arctic Circle.

George Shaw, a professional sea kayaker with the company Sea Kayaking IOM, and a seasoned sea-borne explorer, led the team on a five-day exploration of the Lofoten Islands, an archipelago situated 250km beyond the Arctic Circle during Easter.

They spent their time travelling between the many small islands and stunning fjords, at times paddling through snow storms and thin layers of sea ice.

Their rewards for the expedition came with sights of stunning natural beauty which would only be visible form the sea, and close-up experiences of sea-eagles swooping down from the sheer cliff faces of the fjords.

The team featured Manx photographer Julian Simmonds, who organises and leads photography trips into the Arctic region, along with Tim Cass, Tove Dahn, Andrew Merrick and Sean O’Moore .

’We decided that Easter was the right time to visit Lofoten as we wanted a true cold weather paddling experience,’ said George.

’Lofoten is a mountainous, marine and arctic environment, so to say that conditions are changeable is something of an understatement.

’We thought that the snow and ice could only enhance the beauty of the landscape, and we were right!’

The team based themselves in Svolvaer, the capital of the Lofoten Islands.

’For our first day on the water we chose to launch from the harbour at Slidpollen on Austnesfjorden, where the spur of the fjord was frozen solid.

’We then followed the main fjord south to Vatteroya, spotting our first of many white tailed sea eagles on the way before turning for home and hugging the coastline north.’ Each day featured a six hour session on the water, although harsh weather on the final day shortened their final expedition, which they spent circumnavigating the Brottoya island, a short paddle which, according to George, ’had it all: stunning mountain views, beautiful sandy beaches and lots of snow.’

George’s own personal highlight was a trip to a stunning fjord on the second day of the trip.

’We paddled from Tennstrandneset between the islands of Nubblia and Brakoya and into the dramatic, narrow and steep sided Trollfjorden.

’We stayed in this beautiful and remarkably peaceful place for more than two hours before reluctantly leaving to head north to Grunnfjorden.’

George said that the members all gained in experience and personal development during the five day trip, and that he will be planning a similar trip for next year.

’I believe there could be no better way to experience Lofoten than from a sea kayak.

’Paddling in winter with snow-covered mountains plunging down to the fjords is simply a wonderful experience!

’The expedition allowed all members of the team to gain something including the development of guiding skills, remote location kayaking and photography. ’It’s important to be prepared for the changeable weather, fortunately sheltered fjords and exposed coast offer paddling conditions to suit varied skill and preference but be prepared to spend a lot of time just sitting there in your kayak in awe,’ he said.

’We must go back.’

Sea Kayaking IOM with be running another Lofoten Islands expedition in April 2019, which will be aimed at keen sea kayakers with some prior paddling experience.

For more details, contact George Shaw at [email protected]