Norway, Voss Extreme week.

Perfect. I was not needed on the ship this last week and had the chance to see some of Norway, catch up with mates and paddle a few rivers.
Around ten kiwis competed in kayaking events as part of the Voss Extreme Week.
We had a blast paddling rivers during the day and meeting people from all over the world. Active, crazy, loose and daring competitors raced, flew, jumped, paddled and danced from cliffs, planes, mountain roads and down rapids for seven days straight..

Image – Zak Shaw
Kiwi Mike Dawson stoked with his win and some Norwegian TV airtime .

A good time was had by all at the downriver race on the Brandseth River. Young stud Mike Dawson dominated in the men’s race finishing his two descents of the racecourse four and five seconds faster than his nearest rival.
It was classic to watch all the kiwi boys surround him on mass and excitedly discuss how much of Mikes race winnings they would be drinking that night!
Top effort bro!

Image - Zak Shaw
Mike Dawson sets up to boof the last drop and land fast.


Image – Zak Shaw
Mike Dawson, tequila time.

Image - Jason Shepherd
Paddler - Zak Shaw first rapid in Norway, Upper Branseth

Exploring Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic

Images - Zak Shaw
The last leg of the journey. Flying into Longyearbyen a settlement situated at 78 degrees north on the island of Svalbard.


I"m back! New terrain, new adventures.
Having worked the previous two northern hemisphere summers in the Canadian Arctic Ive this year jumped ship. Onboard the Akademik Sergey Vavilov I'm part of a team delivering polar cruises. My role is that of kayak guide.
These are a few images from the first 12 day voyage.





Image credit unknown.