The beginning of a great adventure

I'll spare you my life story, but to follow my blog for the next year to come, It can help to know some key numbers. 1996 was the year I started the business that has been my full-time occupation ever since. 2026 will be my 30. year of working as a professional kayak builder. 2026 will also mark 15 years  after my longest kayaking trip ever, the 73 days and 3063 km. around the coast of Norway trip. I have long wanted to do this particular trip again, and I feel now is the time. Things have changed since 2011. My body for instance is not the same. Being 54 now, I have good health, but I have to be more careful to not be over ambitious. So I have decided that my big paddling plan for 2026 to be shorter, but still covering over half the Norway coast: The entire Arctic coastline, starting from the Russian border in the north-east and ending in Brønnøysund, South Helgeland about 1600 km. (1000 miles) later.

The picture above was taken at Grense Jakobselv on July 15. 2011. Apart from 3 traditional Unangan style skin on frame kayaks, you see from the left: Bao Quoc Le, Tor Mesøy and me. It was the first day of the 73 days long kayak trip around the entire Norway coast.

My future blog posts will mainly be about this trip. What, who, where and how. Equipment, considerations and speculations. Finally, I plan to do some writing on the way. I hope you readers will enjoy.

Anders Thygesen, September 1. 2025