Nord Norge

The last two weeks, Mariann and I have been on a road trip to “northern Norway“. As you probably know, Norway is a very loong and big country! The area called “north“ surprisingly starts even before you are halfway through it. Anyway... after passing Trondheim, you see fewer villages, cars and people. The landscape is more remote than the south, with big forests, beautiful lakes and rivers. Now it‘s time to lean back, set the cruise control and enjoy a long drive northwards.

me running Laksforsen...one of the biggest rapids in europe

After an eight hours drive from Otta we arrived in Hatfielldal, where we met up with Benjamin Hjort to paddle the rivers in the area. Since waterlevels are very low at this time of year, we could run every section of whitewater on the Susna river. Including one complete descent of a yet unrun canyon.

where is acces to the river?...the blond lady asked the farmer...

Mariann after the crux of the lower Susna canyon

Later we met Simon Westgarth, Jakub Sedivy, Dag Sandvik, Nini and Erika to paddle some more sections on the Vefsna and Fiplingdalserva. Good times!

Jakub Sedivy on the Fiplingdalen

Fiplingdalselva

Mariann and I wanted to see some more of the country and drove along the coast further north. Due to the fiords, Norways coastline is more than 20‘000km long and amazingly beautiful. The mountains become bigger, with higher cliffs and snow capped. Out in the sea you see thousands of islands and once in a while you get a glimps of the second biggest glacier of Norway, called Svartisen. Right there, just a bit north of the arctic circle,in a fiord, right by the sea with the view of impressive mountains and amazing sunsets,... Mariann bought a piece of land.

not kidding... this is the morning view from the property...

We spent one day chilling in the sun and driving around to see the area. The next day we climbed a random peak you can see from the property. 833 meters high, with a beautiful view of Svartisen and the sea.

chill time after 800 meter ascent... view of Svartisen

Then it was time to get back in the kayak and after a short scouting mission of some possible first descents we want to do next year, we met up again with the boys/girls and paddled the Rana and Løndalselva, in addition to the Mjoelkelva with it‘s incredible triple combo.

granit paradise on the Løndalselva

amazing canyon on the lower Vefsna

Befoe we got back in the van to drive all the way south again, I got a hold of all the balls I have and ran the infamous Laksforsen, one of the biggest drops in Europe. And one of the best rapids I‘ve ever run!...I look forward to do it again next year, then hopefuly without having the bootie beer afterwards..... Since running Rheinfall in the spring, this was the second time this year I got ripped out of the kayak upon impact. Think i need to work on my outfitting :)

Ha de bra!

Air or Beer?

The last two weeks have been a lot of fun out in Peru! Holland has been a great addition to the antics out here, pushing things in the waves and keeping us entertained off the water. Huanchaco was the perfect place to end the trip, with consistent waves and long rides. It always has been... BUT this time with the help of Marc we found a new section which has been right under my nose for the past year and a half! The last section down by the pier, way down from the point is fast, steep and serves up air on a plate! Holland's little game was this; who ever hits the biggest air doesn't pay for their beer for the evening and despite doing my best to take him down, I have to admit my wallet is now empty- check him flying!











Huge thanks to Huanchaco for living up to expectations and of course for Chicama for waking up for us last week, let’s not forget the great food at Otra Casa and their massive breakfasts. With one last bus journey left we splashed out and booked ourselves onto Excluciva for the most luxurious 8 hour ride in Peru, check out Marc in his pimping chair!

Nathan Eades

Is the new Nookie Deck the most bomb proof on this planet?

Following some epic waves at Chicama surfing countless Kilometres, we headed up to Lobitos 8 hours north to score some waves at a heavy barrelling break named Pasinas. Marc Holland was hunting the barrel and took some heavy curtains right on his lap, his deck didn't budge an inch! Lobitos was busy with the Peruvian holidays co-insiding with the middle of our tour so we hit the water at 5am before the biggest crowd I have seen in my life entered the water at 6.30 am. Having got what we came for, we headed to Mancorra for cocktails and sunshine, before taking another 8 hour bus ride back down to Trujillo and onto Huanchaco. Huanchaco has a lovely set up; loads of great places to eat, constant waves and a chilled vibe in the water... We'll be here for the remainder of the week surfing waves and sipping back cold cervezas. Holland took some solid waves on the head today and again his deck didn't even flinch...Following the punishment I gave it in Chile along with Holland's constant abuse out here, we are starting to think that this may just be the best surf deck of all time!






Nathan Eades & Marc Holland