Description
Experience Sweden’s hidden shores
The Coastal SUP Explorer
Tjärö is a small island tucked into the Blekinge Archipelago, surrounded by a maze of islands, bays, rocky shores and open stretches of Baltic Sea. For five days, this will be our home.
We stay in Tjärö’s beautiful historic buildings. The island was once home to farming and fishing families, and its traditional red wooden houses, barns, and grazing meadows still give it the character of an old Swedish island settlement. Add a small harbour full of sailboats, woods, and numerous swim spots and you have a pretty special place to call home.
Our days are deliberately flexible. Coastal weather changes, and we use that to our advantage. Each evening our guides look at the wind and conditions and decide where tomorrows adventure will be. Some days may mean hours on our SUPs; others might combine a shorter paddle with hiking, swimming, exploring or simply spending time by the water. And if the weather is unfriendly we can fill our days with land based activities, wild swimming, and some blue mind time.
What might we get up to?
The exact mix will depend on the weather, the sea and the group. That flexibility is part of Coastal Explorer. We work with the conditions and choose what makes sense each day, factoring in the group dynamics and wishes. As a woman’s only group, we focus on creating a welcoming and unpretentious space where all voices are heard.
SUP, SUP and more SUP: This is first and foremost a paddleboarding holiday. Tjärö gives us access to protected bays, narrow passages between islands and more open coastal water. We’ll choose routes according to the conditions and can use the local ferry network to open up different parts of the archipelago.
Slow things down: Experience Blue Mind – being around water can positvely change how we feel. We’ll introduce some of the concepts behind Blue Mind Theory and experiment with simple ways of experiencing the water more consciously. Tjärö isn’t only about the sea. We’ll make time to explore its forests and quieter corners, including opportunities for forest bathing—slowing down and experiencing the landscape without needing to get anywhere.
Wander: Swap the board for walking shoes and explore Tjärö or the main land, taking in the forests and cultural landscape. It’s a chance to see the islands from a completely different perspective—and give the paddling muscles a break.
Wild swim: This is Sweden in July, so wild swimming is never far away. Tjärö has wonderfully clear water, with plenty of wind-swept rocks or little beaches to discover a new spot every day.
Jump from rocks: For those who fancy something a little more energetic, Tjärö has some great spots for jumping from the rocks into the sea – including the Death Cliff! Completely optional, of course.
Enjoy a sauna or two or three: Few things feel more Swedish than getting properly hot in a sauna and then jumping straight into the Baltic. Tjärö has a floating sauna in the middle of the Baltic sea, making the cold plunge unavoidable for anyone brave enough. There are additional mixed saunas as part of the lodge so you can make a daily sauna part of the routine. If we’re lucky we’ll harvest some seaweed and learn how to harvest the oils to nourish our skin.
Accomodation
Tjärö Island is home. We stay in the heart of the old island settlement, where traditional red wooden farmhouses and cottages sit among meadows with the sea never far away. The buildings are simple, charming and full of character – the kind of place that feels unmistakably Swedish.
Our accommodation is the island’s old farm buildings which have been turned into a simple lodge, with comfortable shared bedrooms and common areas where we can relax together after a day outside. Expect simple Scandinavian interiors and stunning views. And after a day on the water, there is the very welcome luxury of a hot shower, dry clothes and a proper bed. There is a common kitchen where we will prepare meals. There is also a stunning marina restaurant and cafe where we have an opportunity to dine or simply grab an ice cream or beverage.
Duration
Five days / four 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’
- Personal floatation device: Spinlock ALTO Belt Pack 75N
- Accommodation in a double room with a shared bathroom in the hallway. Single room available subject to availability.
- All meals (except any restaurant meals) and unlimited coffee and tea.
- Photo documentation of unforgettable memories.
What’s not included?
The following items are not included:
- Transportation to/from Tjärö.
- Public transportation if needed (for example island ferry).
- Waterproof day pack for your snacks, change of clothes, phone, etc. We recommend Yster SUP Cockpit Dry Bag 16. Order online and we will bring it to Tjärö.
- Snacks – our experience is that people are happiest meeting their own snacking needs.
- Restaurant meals – Two restaurant dinners planned.
- 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 Tjärö is by train straight from Copenhagen airport and then a ferry. It is a direct train to Karlshamn requiring no changes and will take a little more than 2 hours. Trains go frequently and you do not need to prebook. You can find all the options here https://www.sj.se/en. In Karlshamn you switch to the very scenic ferry to Tjärö which departs three times a day. We recommend you make the most of your time on the island and aim to catch the morning (around 10:00 ) or early afternoon ferry (around 13:00).
Requirements
I certify that:
- I am able to paddle up to 10 km/day
- I can maneuver and control my board in varying conditions (such as side wind, small chop, rain, etc)
- I can paddle against a headwind
- 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 15.00 so you have time to settle in and join in the Friday evening vibes at the marina restaurant.
When do we finish on the last day?
We aim to finish by lunchtime on the last day.
How far do we paddle every day?
You should be prepared to paddle around 10 km a day – we can tailor distances and challenges to the groups needs and wishes.
How good of a SUPer do I need to be?
Our Coastal Explorer SUP trip requires a basic level of fitness and established SUP skills. You need to be comfortable paddling 10kms a day. We choose the routes and distances based on each individual groups’ abilities and desires. We expect you to be able to maneuver your 14’ board easily, to be able to paddle into a headwind (perhaps on your knees) and to be able to self-rescue if you fall off.
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