You don't need any kayaking experience to join this adventure - our guides are great at making it enjoyable & safe for all abilities.

You'll be developing your kayaking skills all week in a stable single kayak.

You will need a moderate level of fitness. The kayak trip includes 6 hours (up to 16 km) of relaxed paddling each day, with plenty of breaks along the way.

Gutsy Girls is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but for your safety and enjoyment, we do ask that you are realistic in your fitness level for this adventure. 

Absolutely! This week is great for complete beginners through to intermediate paddlers.

You'll receive excellent coaching for your level to develop your skills and get the most out of your time on the water.

It's not possible to share a double kayak on this adventure, we'll be building your skills in a single kayak that's stable and suited for beginners!

You'll be learning to kayak in stable single kayaks that are suitable for beginners.

We'll be teaching you how to self rescue in a safe and controlled environment to build your confidence. This means you will get wet at least a couple of times, probably at the beginning of the week within the first two days.

You'll learn how to get in and out of your kayak from the water, so should you capsize you'll know exactly what to do!

A guide will be close by to assist you should you need!

When you don't intend to, is possible to capsize the kayaks, but not very likely.

We provide dry bags for you to use on this adventure!

You need to be able to swim 100 metres in open water.  

You will be asked to complete and sign a waiver stating that you can swim when you attend the trip.

We will provide you with the following:

Long john wetsuit
Paddling jacket
Sprayskirt
Neoprene boots
Neoprene gloves if needed
Buoyancy aid
Paddle & kayak

Underneath the paddling jacket and wetsuit, we recommend wearing a swimsuit (warmer weather) or base layer of thermals / merino wool (colder weather).

We do not recommend wearing anything of cotton, as this cools you down when wet. Make sure you have enough layers and changes of clothes to keep you warm and dry. It can be cold even in the summer.

We will supply neoprene boots for paddling. Bring an extra pair of wool socks to use inside the neoprene boots to keep your feet warm (these will get wet).

Yes. It's always nice to have a refreshing swim in the fjord! Please make sure you are aware of the risks of cold water swimming.

You will have an opportunity to swim each morning and night from our cabin on the watersedge and some days during our breaks when kayaking.

Here are the things we recommend you pack for fjord swimming:

Swimwear - two costumes may be useful
Neoprene socks or booties
Goggles (optional)
Swim cap (optional)

Yes, you can find our packing list here.

You will need sturdy and warm walking boots for our hikes and for the evenings off the water - preferably waterproof in case it rains.

You cannot do this hike in trainers.

The hike is quite steep to start, with a total altitude gain of 600m, and a total distance of 14km. The hike is suitable for anyone in normal good physical shape and with some prior hiking experience.

Gutsy Girls is all about getting out of your comfort zone, but for your safety and enjoyment, we do ask that you are realistic in your fitness level for this adventure.

Most of the areas we paddle in are quite protected and beautiful. We try to avoid head-winds and wavy conditions where possible.

Shoulder (Apr – May & Oct)
Temperatures in Stavanger can vary at this time of year with lows of minus 5 degrees Celsius and highs of 10 degrees Celsius. There can be some chance of rain, with May turning very green.

High Season (Jun – Sep)
June to Sept can be comparable to British summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 8 – 25 degrees Celsius. There can be some rain. The weather in the mountains (and the fjords) can be quite unpredictable and the weather can change very quickly. It is necessary to be prepared for changeable weather!

There may be access to longdrop toilets during the days kayaking and hiking, however the majority of the time you'll likely need to go in the wild!

You'll need a moderate level of fitness for this adventure as we'll be paddling for approx 6 hours each day.

You don't need to be particularly strong, as once you learn good technique you'll find paddling less demanding on your upper body and arms.

This active adventure offers the opportunity to explore one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords while learning how to kayak! You don’t need to be an elite athlete to join us, however, you’ll need a good fitness level to enjoy all the activities of the week.

Activity Duration: Each day on this holiday involves 6 to 8 hours of activity.

Kayaking Distances: We'll be covering distances of 10-15km each day by kayak.

Kayaking Considerations: Adjusting to the kayak's seating may feel unusual at first, but it becomes more comfortable with time.

Hiking: Our hikes range from 5-10km, with ascents up to 600m, with one long day hike of up to 8 hours. The hikes are rated as moderate.

Scrambling: Some parts of the hike will involve scrambling, which requires using your hands and feet to navigate the terrain, including climbing a 2m metal ladder attached to rocks, though it's not in an exposed area.

Heights: Some sections of the hike can feel exposed and lofty, so a head for heights is a must!

Consecutive Activity: Prepare for 5 days of back-to-back activities. The week is action-packed and can be quite demanding.