Vesterålen, with its many islands and fjords, is an Eldorado for sea paddling. Its majestic natural beauty and changing weather conditions make the archipelago an easy choice, in terms of arranging a sea kayaking event that is above the ordinary. The climate itself can vary from day to day: one day you may experience warm and quiet summer weather with temperatures belonging to more tropical regions; the next day may bring rain and gales. Our experience teaches us that it is important to remember to bring the appropriate equipment and clothing for all types of weather! The various paddling routes offer a wide variety of experiences, both in term of natural surroundings and landscape, settlement patterns, cultural history, bird and animal life, as well as the making of new acquaintances and lasting friendships. As last year, we will again divide the ramble into two groups based on experience/skill, and the daily legs will be devised accordingly. Registration, information and group assignments will be given at Sandset on Sunday evening. The remaining days of the week, further information will be given by the Ramble officials.
The Long Ramble starts from Rekøy (N68.45,6 Ø 15.2,4) monday morning. Participants will need to get to the starting point already Sunday evening. Transportation will be organized so that all cars may be parked at Sandset until the event is over. The Short Ramble starts from Sandset sunday evening/night (after end of registration/info) for our first short leg (about 21.00).
NB. Participants need to bring enough water for the first 48 hours.
Long Ramble
Day 1:
Tot. 40 km. Firt leg goes to Ringstad (21 km). (N68.39,0 Ø14.38,2), for lunch and possibilities to buy grilled meat and coffie. More info on brief. After lunch the route goes to Gaukværøy(N68.37,4 Ø14.20,5) Appx. 18 km.
Day 2:
The day begins at Gaukværøy and will comprise two legs totalling 17 km to idyllic Åsand. (Pos: N68`43,8 E014`29,7 ) A lunch on shore will be included in the leg. In 2009 we will examine the possibility for extending this day with a few extra kilometres.
Day 3:
We start at Åsand, with the Skipnes base as our destination. (Pos: N68`49,7 E014`46,0 ). This is a total of 22 km. Today also we will have lunch ashore.
All routes are subject to change depending on weather conditions. ASKR reserves the right to change routes up until the start if safety or weather considerations require us to make changes. ASKR will, however, try to maintain routes of approximately equal distances as those originally planned.
The Short Ramble
Weather and wind direction will decide our course, but the intention is to arrange an excursion that starts sunday evening (three overnights) in the area of Øksnes-Bø, where we will all meet for a grill party and dance at Skipnes Wednesday evening. Thursday's program promises a number of opportunities. Some people will prefer to spend a day in the mountains, visit Tinden or sign up for a safety, wave- or technical exercise under professional guidance. Others will perhaps choose to go on kayaking excursions this day as well. Information on the individual activities can be obtained from the info posted on the boards at the events office as of Wednesday evening.
Altogether, the plan is to paddle approx. 90 km for the Short Ramble and approx. 120 km for the Long Ramble in the course of the five days (including rest day). Safety is a primary concern during the Ramble, with several group leaders having radio communication with one another and with the safety escort boat and the base at Skipnes. Participants are expected to have their own food and overnight equipment during the entire week. Starting fee NOK 1800.- includes safety support and the final dinner banquet.
Participants in the Ramble may choose whether they want to paddle the touring marathon (last year's route) or Race Day route on Friday (See Race). The ASKR crew hope that Race Day will provide motivation for sea kayakers from Norway and abroad to train a little harder, and then to come to the beautiful Vesterålen islands in order to prove their skills. Both the Race and the Ramble qualify for completion of ASKR with the individual categories. Everyone who completes the entire event is eligible in the drawing for a large prize. So far, the prize each year has been a new sea kayak.
