Planning a sea kayak expedition (Norway specific)

Expedition Planning for the Nordkapp Kayak Expedition

The coastline around Magerøya is one of the most spectacular sea kayaking environments in Europe. It is also serious water. Strong tidal currents, exposed headlands, long distances between landing points, and rapidly changing weather require careful expedition planning.

For those of you who are planning on attending the ISKGA course this page can help you prepare by understanding the material here and by planning the Nordakpp expedition yourself by answering the questions at the end of this page.

This page explains how we plan and prepare for the expedition.

It is important to note that this explanation is Norway-specific. Expedition planning methods are broadly similar around the world, but the sources of information vary significantly from country to country.

In Norway we have reliable nautical charts and tide tables, but not all near-coast tidal currents are described in charts or pilot books. Some currents are very local and are mainly known through experience and local knowledge.

In contrast, countries such as the UK publish detailed tidal information through tidal stream atlases, which describe offshore tidal streams in great detail. Even there, however, the near-shore zones that sea kayakers travel in are often less documented because most pilot books are designed for shipping and offshore navigation.

Planning in Norway therefore requires combining several sources:

1. Define the Expedition Framework

Every expedition begins with a few key parameters.

Location: Magerøya and Nordkapp
Time: Early July
Duration: 7 days
Team: Approximately 10 paddlers and 2 guides
Competence of the team: At least 3 star paddlers with enough skills to camp and live outdoors for a week. Support by guides across all kinds of skills is to be expected.
Style: Self-supported sea kayak expedition

For this expedition we normally plan for:

  • 15–25 km per day
  • 6–8 hours on the water
  • Camping every night

Flexibility is essential. Weather and sea conditions will determine how closely we follow the original plan.

2. Sources of Information

Nautical Charts

Nautical charts are the most important planning tool for a sea kayaking expedition. They provide information about:

  • coastline shape
  • underwater rocks and hazards
  • depth contours
  • navigation markers
  • harbours and settlements

For kayaking we are often most interested in the near-shore zone, where rocks, reefs and shallow areas can influence wave behaviour and tidal flow.

Paper charts are often easier to study when planning a route. Being able to print charts or view them on a large screen makes it easier to visualise distances, headlands and landing opportunities.

Charts also help identify:

  • potential landing beaches
  • cliff sections with no landing possibilities
  • islands that might provide shelter

Tide Tables

Tide tables allow us to predict:

  • high water
  • low water
  • tidal range

For the Nordkapp area the most relevant reference port is Honningsvåg.

Although tide tables do not directly show current strength, they allow us to estimate when tidal streams will be strongest or weakest. Around Knivskjellodden, Nordkapp and Helnes Lighthouse local knowledge says the currents are strongest 1–2 hours before high water at Honningsvåg.

Tidal planning becomes especially important when rounding exposed headlands such as:

There are no official sources telling us this, so this is based on local knowledge. In general it is reasonable to assume tidal currents at all headlands in Finnmark.

Local Knowledge

Local knowledge is extremely valuable in Norway because not all coastal currents are documented.

Useful sources of local knowledge include:

  • local sea kayakers
  • fishermen
  • sailors
  • local guides

They may know about:

  • tidal races not marked on charts
  • tricky landing areas
  • dangerous rebound waves
  • reliable freshwater sources
  • campsites that are commonly used

Many of these details only become obvious after spending time on the coast.

Weather Statistics

When planning an expedition we look not only at the forecast but also at typical weather patterns for the region.

Important factors include:

  • prevailing wind directions
  • average wind strength
  • typical swell conditions
  • likelihood of sea fog, undertanding under what conditions sea fog forms
  • Average temperature
  • Catabatic fallwinds from mountain plateaus
  • Offshore winds funneled by fjords or valleys

For example, along the north coast of Magerøya winds from the north or northwest can quickly create large waves because the coastline is exposed to the open Barents Sea.

Understanding seasonal weather patterns helps when deciding:

  • which direction to travel around the island
  • which sections of coastline are likely to be most exposed

Previous Expedition Experience

Previous trips in the area are one of the most useful sources of planning information.

Experience from earlier expeditions helps answer questions such as:

  • Which campsites work well?
  • Where are landing spots reliable?
  • How long do certain sections realistically take to paddle?
  • Which headlands tend to produce the strongest currents?

Over time this creates a mental map of the coastline that improves planning for future expeditions.

Satellite Imagery and Maps

Satellite imagery is extremely useful for identifying:

Tools such as Google Maps or satellite imagery often reveal details that are difficult to see on nautical charts.

For example, satellite images can help identify:

Mobile Phone Coverage

Communication is an important safety consideration.

In remote coastal areas mobile coverage may be unreliable or absent. Before an expedition we try to determine:

  • where coverage is likely to exist
  • where there may be long sections with no signal
  • Once you have decided on your campsites, you can begin mapping mobile coverage on these sites

This affects decisions about:

  • emergency communication
  • weather updates
  • coordinating pickups if plans change
  • The need for satellite communication like Garmin InReach

National Parks and Camping Restrictions

Norway generally has strong access rights through allemannsretten, which allows camping in most uncultivated areas. However there can still be restrictions.

Examples include:

  • protected bird nesting areas
  • nature reserves
  • cultural heritage sites
  • restrictions near settlements or private property

It is therefore important to check:

  • whether camping is allowed along the route
  • if some areas should be avoided during certain seasons

Respecting wildlife and local regulations is an important part of responsible expedition travel.

3. Key Questions to Ask During Planning

Good expedition planning begins with asking the right questions.

These questions help shape the route, daily distances, and safety planning.

Route and Timing

One of the first tasks is estimating how far the group can realistically travel each day.

For this expedition we normally plan for:

  • 15 to 25 km per day
  • 6–8 hours on the water

However many factors influence daily distance:

  • wind strength
  • sea state
  • tidal current
  • group experience and fitness

It is also useful to identify highlights along the route. Some locations may be worth spending more time at, such as:

Spending an extra day in a particularly special location can improve the overall expedition experience.

Water and Supplies

Freshwater availability is one of the most important logistical considerations.

Planning should identify:

  • streams that reach the coast
  • lakes near potential campsites
  • possible resupply locations in villages

Each paddler normally carries 4–6 litres of water, but longer dry sections may require carrying more.

Resupply opportunities may also exist in:

  • fishing villages
  • small shops
  • harbours

Even a single resupply point can significantly reduce how much food must be carried.

Communication

Remote coastlines often have limited communication.

Before the expedition we try to identify:

  • areas with likely mobile coverage
  • areas where communication may not be possible

This helps when planning:

  • emergency procedures
  • weather updates
  • contact with support ashore

In more remote areas groups may rely on satellite communication devices or VHF radio.

Environmental Considerations

Wildlife can influence route planning.

Important considerations include:

Disturbing wildlife should be avoided whenever possible. In some locations it may be necessary to:

  • keep distance from nesting cliffs
  • avoid landing in certain areas
  • paddle quietly past wildlife colonies

These considerations are especially important during spring and early summer nesting seasons.

Camping

Good campsites are essential for a successful expedition.

When planning camps we look for:

  • safe landing beaches, possibility for surf?
  • space for tents
  • some protection from wind
  • possible freshwater nearby

Not every section of coastline allows easy landing. Some areas consist of continuous cliffs or rock shelves, which means campsites must be identified in advance.

For each section of the route it is useful to identify:

  • a primary campsite
  • a backup campsite
  • an emergency landing location

Safety

Safety planning focuses on identifying options if conditions change.

Important questions include:

  • Where are the safe landing opportunities?
  • Where are the long stretches with no landing options?
  • Where are the nearest villages or road access points?

These become important escape routes or bailout points if weather deteriorates or if someone in the group becomes injured or exhausted.

A well-planned expedition always includes multiple alternatives, allowing the group to adapt to changing conditions.

4. Expedition Planning Sheet

Example planning sheet.

To support the planning process, you can use the expedition planning sheet provided here. This worksheet helps structure the many decisions involved in planning a sea kayak expedition and ensures that important factors are not overlooked.

When planning a complex route such as a circumnavigation of Magerøya, it is easy to focus only on the route itself. The planning sheet encourages a more systematic approach by organising information into key categories such as:

  • daily route planning
  • campsite selection
  • water and resupply logistics
  • headland and tidal timing
  • escape routes and safety considerations
  • environmental and wildlife considerations

Using a structured planning sheet helps transform expedition planning from a loose set of ideas into a clear and documented plan. It also makes it easier to compare different route options, identify potential risks, and discuss decisions within the group.

For participants preparing for the Nordkapp expedition and the ISKGA course, the sheet provides a practical way to apply the concepts described on this page and develop the planning mindset expected of expedition paddlers and leaders.


5. Questions

Question 1: Choose one of the following headlands:

  • Nordkapp
  • Knivskjellodden
  • Helnes Lighthouse

Using tide tables for Honningsvåg, determine:

  • When high water occurs on 2 July 2026
  • When the current is likely to be strongest on 2 July
  • Your preferred time window to round the headland on 2 July

Also identify:

  • The last safe landing point before the headland
  • Possible retreat options
  • Where you could wait if conditions are not suitable

Questions to consider:

Would swell conditions influence your decision to round the headland?

What happens if the wind is against the current?


Question 2: Identify possible campsites for each day of the expedition.

For each campsite consider:

  • Landing conditions
  • Wind exposure
  • Tent space
  • Freshwater availability

Questions to consider:

  • Is the landing beach safe in swell conditions?
  • Is the campsite protected from prevailing winds?
  • What is the backup campsite if your first option is not suitable?