Description
SUP Expedition Masterclass in the Secluded Archipelago of Southern Sweden
The Archipelago SUP Expedition
This is a unique expedition, designed for people passionate about SUP expeditions. This participatory experience is different than the regular guided SUP trip. You will have an active role in planning the expedition, setting the route according to the conditions, and navigating. Expect to be challenged in ways that go beyond just paddling. You’ll take on tasks such as reading weather patterns, adapting plans on the go, and leading legs of the journey. You will need to have experienced a couple multi-day expeditions before joining us on this one. If you are in doubt or have any questions just drop us a line here.
Join us for a participatory multi-day SUP experience where we will paddle and camp together, exploring the beauty of the Swedish coast. This rugged adventure is for those who crave a learning journey with real-world application in challenging conditions. You will leave with sharpened expedition skills and the confidence to take on your own independent trips. We keep exclusive small groups of 6 participants with a 3:1 guide ratio to ensure optimal safety and learning. We will already begin working together in advance of our expedition with interactive webinars and pre trip planning. Then, when we meet together in Southern Sweden, we can put our learning into practice.
Our learning will focus on three main areas:
- Gear and Safety: Learn about the essential gear needed for a successful expedition, both personal items and group equipment. You will be responsible for carrying your gear, packing it properly, and using it in real-time situations. We’ll cover how to use safety equipment and develop crucial safety skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Weather, Planning, and Navigation: Understand the importance of weather conditions in planning your route and how to plot a course effectively. You’ll take turns leading the group, making real-time decisions based on conditions, and learning how to adapt plans under pressure. We’ll teach you how to adjust well-laid plans based on changing weather or group well-being and assess the environment for safe paddling.
- Paddling Techniques: Improve your paddling strokes for long distance paddling. Gain experience in launching and landing in diverse conditions, and get an introduction to downwind paddling, which will help you navigate with the wind at your back. Expect to face open-water crossings, strong winds, and varied swells that will push your endurance and paddling techniques.
- Expedition Life– Develop in the practical aspects of outdoor living. You’ll learn how to select and set up campsites based on the conditions, prepare delicious meals, master campfires, and erecting tarps for shelter. We will also forage for local resources like seaweed, mushrooms, blackberries, and edible flowers to incorporate into meals. We will have the rewarding, wild experience of expedition living, where you’ll need to be resourceful, resilient, and ready for anything.
Free Yster SUP Expedition Dry Bag 60 - SUPdriven Expeditions Edition
Pack your belongings like a Pro.
A 60L waterproof bag from Yster (valued at €109) is yours to keep! We mail you the bag around a month before the expedition after your full payment has been received (limitations for locations outside of the EU apply). This will help you gauge the amount of personal belongings you pack, noting you need to leave some room for your sleeping mat. It will also help you to spot your SUPdriven friends when on the way!
Read more about Yster SUP Expedition Dry Bag 60 – SUPdriven Expeditions Edition on Yster’s website.
Itinerary
This is not the regular pre-plotted and pre-defined SUP trip. We are not able to tell you exactly where we will go and what we will experience. We will embark on a SUP expedition, meaning that our routes may change to accommodate weather or group needs. You will need to be adaptable and ready for unknown challenges, as this is a true expedition where nature dictates our route.
We will be flexible, we will pitch in when needed, we will support each other, and we’ll have a memorable time in the stunning archipelago of Blekinge in southern Sweden. It has over 50 nature reserves, perfect for water adventures.
We will SUP parts of the epic ARK56, a network of trails snaking through unexploited natural terrain on the 56th parallel, defined by its beautiful bays, untouched isles, and well-preserved historic sites. You’ll discover why it was designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO for its unique natural and cultural heritage. Immerse yourself in a typically Swedish environment dotted with little red cottages surrounded by mighty oak trees.
We will also explore the ruins of ancient settlements and the military coastal defense line that was built in the late 1930-ies.
We will, without a doubt, have a great adventure. And be prepared for a physically and mentally demanding journey that will both test you and provide you with a great sense of achievement. Are you curious about this trip but feel you need to know more before you sign up? The SUPdriven founders and designers of this unique experience are more than happy to hear from you through our contact page.
Accomodation
On our first night we meet our new SUPdriven friends at a Bed and Breakfast somewhere between the coastal cities of Karlshamn to Ronneby on the Southeat Coast of Sweden. There we will have a great welcome dinner, get to know each other, have a briefing, and confirm the SUP route for the next day.
During the next days at sea we will camp at sites well known to the SUPdriven team, as well as discover new ones. Our guides have both longstanding knowledge of the area as well as well developed skills in coastal SUPing and expedition leadership. Personal and mental safety is a priority and we will adapt to the needs of the group and the demands of nature.
However, we can be fairly certain we will spend a night at Tjärö, one of the largest islands in the center of the Blekinge archipelago and home to an idyllic hostel. The entire island is a nature reserve with rich vegetation and birdlife. Here, you’ll find warm bare rocks, deep crevices, Beech forests and rich meadows. You’ll also find warm shower and Tjärö’s restaurant, located along the water’s edge, focusing on pure and simple Swedish flavours using locally grown and sustainable ingredients.
Duration
Six days / five nights
What’s included
During the trip we supply the following:
- Kick ass guides
- SUP board: Yster ISUP 14’x 28” Linear. The ultimate touring board.
- Paddle: Yster SUP Paddle Variable 3-piece Full Carbon Soft Flex 86
- Leash: Yster SUP Leash 12’
- Additional luggage straps
- SUPdriven Individual tent, 2-3 person size with 4000 mm water column. The tent is large for two persons.
- Inflatable insulated mattress.
- Yster SUP Expedition Dry Bag 60 – SUPdriven Expeditions Edition for your expedition gear to keep.
- Cooking gear
- Photo documentation of unforgettable memories.
- Epic Meals, Unlimited coffee and tea, drinking water.
- Spade – for, you know…
What’s not included?
The following items are not included:
- Transportation to/from our start and end points.
- During- expedition transportation if needed (for example island ferry).
- Your own personal flotations device. We can recommend the Baltic Adventure life vest for the practical expedition pockets and safety features.
- Your own sleeping bag suitable to around 5C.
- Personal belongings – see our recommended packing list.
- Waterproof day pack for your snacks, change of clothes, phone, etc.
- Snacks – our experience is that people are happiest meeting their own snacking needs.
- Meal at Tjärö Restaurant or other restaurants/cafes we might find along the way.
- Alcohol – If you want to bring something to drink we remind you that Sweden strictly regulates the sale of alcohol, and you can only buy it in government owned stores. Meaning if you want to bring something with you don’t leave it to the last minute! On www.systembolaget.se you can find a store near you or alternatively you can buy something in duty free.
Getting here and away
The by far most convenient way to get to the archipelago is by train straight from Copenhagen airport. It is a direct train requiring no changes and will take about 2.5 hours. Trains go frequently and you do not need to prebook. You can find all the options here https://www.sj.se/en.
Requirements
I certify that:
- Experience paddling in open water, including waves, chop, and cross chop conditions.
- Ability to handle boards in various wind directions (upwind, downwind, and crosswind)
- Completion of at least one overnight expedition, including packing gear on the board
- Comfortable with being flexible, adapting as we go, and maintaining a positive spirit in changing conditions
- I can maintain speed paddling against a headwind for long distances
- I am able to paddle up to 20 km/day, up to 5 days in a row
- I can paddle up to an hour without a break
- I am comfortable on my board for hours at a stretch
- I can easily move from standing to knee paddling as needed
- I mount and dismount my board with ease
- I am able to self-rescue if I fall off my board
Please note that if the expedition guides determine that you do not have the above skills and your performance becomes a hindrance to the expedition, you will be requested to leave the expedition at your own cost.
When should I arrive on the first day?
We would love you to arrive by 17.00 at the latest so you have time to settle in and attend the important expedition briefing. After that we will have dinner together.
When do we finish on the last day?
We aim to finish by lunchtime on the last day. Keep in mind this is a challenging expedition and we can’t control everything exactly, so it would be wise not to have a flight that you need to rush to catch on the last day.
How far do we paddle every day?
You should be prepared to paddle on average around 20kms a day.
How good of a SUPer do I need to be?
The Archipelago Expedition requires an advanced level of fitness and paddling skills. It is aimed at the experienced paddler who has been on SUP expeditions before and is looking for the next level experience. To participate in this SUP expedition, you should have experience paddling in open water, including handling waves, chop, and cross-chop conditions. You’ll need to manage your board effectively in varying wind directions (upwind, downwind, and crosswind) and have completed at least one overnight expedition where you packed and paddled with gear on your board. Flexibility and a positive mindset are important as conditions may change, requiring adaptability. You should be comfortable paddling up to 20 km per day for five consecutive days, maintaining speed even against headwinds, and paddling for up to an hour without a break. Additionally, you should be able to spend hours on your board, move easily from standing to knee paddling, mount and dismount the board in variable conditions without issue, and self-rescue if you fall off. Read the full requirements here.
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