OCEAN KAYAK PADDLING

BOOK A GUIDED TRIP      PRIVATE tour/trip

RENT a kayak

 

PADDLING ON YOUR OWN:

KAYAK RENTAL

We offer rental service for shorter and longer tours paddling on your own. If you have no previous sea kayaking experience, we suggest you join a guided tour or book a clinic (below on this page).  

Book your 24/7 self service kayak rental in Lysekil's Northern harbour here

 

WARNINGS:

Please note that the coastal weather can change in an instant. The direction of wind and waves can change during a short break, especially at midday. Do not overestimate your own skills and your ability to handle emergencies among companions.

At least one person in every party ought to have experience in leading rescue and recovery procedures if a group member has capsized. Plan your route to suit the least experienced member of your party.

 

CLINICS/WORKSHOPS:

Outdoor West Kayak clinic 1: Basic technique and safety for open water kayaking

Kayak clinic 1: Basic technique and safety for open water kayaking

Are you new to open-water kayaking? Do you intend to rent a kayak via our unmanned KAYAKOMAT in Lysekil? Most people go out when the weather is good, but sometimes the weather changes, quickly and unexpectedly. Then it can be good to have basic knowledge about paddling at sea and how to avoid getting into awkward situations. This workshop (Kayak clinic #1) is a good preparation for anyone who plans on taking a kayak tour on open waters along the Swedish West Coast. During this kayak clinic, you can repeat basic skills and learn other things that are important to know before paddling among boats, on the open sea, parallel with, and crossing fairways etc. You will learn how to get in and out of the kayak on different types of beaches, as well as how to carry and handle the kayak on land. We show you good sitting posture and how to adjust the foot braces and use thigh braces. You'll learn to maintain your desired course without using a rudder, as well as the most common paddling techniques for moving forward and backwards. We'll also run through how to make a stop, and how to move sideways. The most important thing when planning to paddle at sea is that you can assess your own ability to avoid and handle upcoming situations. In this way, you can plan so that you and others you paddle with will have a comfortable and wonderful experience. There are a number of things that you ought to avoid at sea... We will go through that on the course.   After attending this workshop, you will receive a seasonal discount on our unmanned KAYAKOMAT in Lysekil and can rent a kayak 24/7, i.e. paddle when it suits you. In addition, you will receive advance information when we sell used kayaks, a discount on our other workshops, etc. Our kayak clinics: Kayak clinic 1 contains what we consider as minimum requirements for the waters around Lysekil. Kayak clinic 2 lets you practice self-rescue and peer rescue in calm and more exposed conditions Kayak clinic 3 aims at making parents more confident to bring their kids along on a kayak trip

FromSEK 575
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Outdoor West Kayak clinic 2: Kayak capsize and rescue techniques

Kayak clinic 2: Kayak capsize and rescue techniques

Can you assist a capsized peer? Are you proficient in self-rescue?  This clinic is a good preparation for anyone who plans on taking a kayak tour on open waters along the Swedish West Coast. If you are planning on taking your less experienced friends on a kayak trip you need to be proficient enough to assess risk and plan the trip in order to avoid exposing others to risk.  If you are a novice or if you have done a lot of paddling in confined waters, the natural swells and the waves stirred up by passing motor boats are still a very good reason to acquire and practice various techniques for self- and peer rescue. We'll also practice paddling in a group, towing another kayak and bracing strokes, that is using your paddle to regain stability.  Once you have acquired these skills you will be an asset on any kind of kayaking activity, whether in a group of peers, with a single friend or on a guided tour. We recommend taking this clinic every few years, as repetition is the mother of learning. Learning to minimize risks at sea is an ongoing project that is mainly about developing "an eye", based on practice and a lot of experience in various conditions.  Have you already taken the class indoors? Good! But these skills need to be kept up to date and practised regularly. Now it is time to practice outdoors. With our offshore location, it is easy to modify the conditions. We start in calm waters and can move to a more challenging environment when you have become more proficient. This is not included: You may try "rolling", as a means of capsizing at will, but we will not practice that technique during this clinic. That takes a specialized clinic.  After attending this workshop, you will receive a seasonal discount on our unmanned KAYAKOMAT in Lysekil and can rent a kayak 24/7, i.e. paddle when it suits you. In addition, you will receive advance information when we sell used kayaks, a discount on our other workshops, etc. Our kayak clinics: Kayak clinic 1 contains what we consider as minimum requirements for the waters around Lysekil. Kayak clinic 2 lets you practice self-rescue and peer rescue in calm and more exposed conditions. Kayak clinic 3 aims at making parents more confident to bring their kids along on a kayak trip. Click the BOOK NOW! button to see dates, times and price categories for different departures. There will be no binding booking until check-out is completed. LOCATION: LYSEKIL, in the Northern Harbour area  (optional offshore conditions) Duration: 3 hours  (2.5 hours seated) Season: April-June with drysuit June-September without drysuit Level: Novice, beginner or unfamiliar with ocean kayaking Requirements: Regular health 16 years Children No What’s included: Clinic leader K1 solo kayak, spray deck, paddle and life jacket Paddle jacket Hot drinks and access to a dressing room What to bring:  0.5L flask with water (retainer for glasses) Language: Either Swedish or English   Meal: None, but hot drinks will be served    

FromSEK 795
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Outdoor West Kayak clinic 3: Paddling with children, an introduction

Kayak clinic 3: Paddling with children, an introduction

This clinic is in Swedish only  - unless you book a private departure. This is a good preparation for families aiming at exploring the Swedish West Coast either on their own, or joining a guided family tour. We recommend taking two consecutive classes if you are new to kayaking, as repetition is the mother of learning.  Our kayak clinics: Kayak clinic 1 contains what we consider as minimum requirements for the waters around Lysekil. Kayak clinic 2 lets you practice self-rescue and peer rescue in calm and more exposed conditions. Kayak clinic 3 aims at making parents more confident to bring their kids along on a kayak trip. Click the BOOK NOW! button to see dates, times and price categories for different departures. There will be no binding booking until check-out is completed. LOCATION: LYSEKIL, in the Northern Harbour area and the Stångehuvud Nature Reserve            Duration: 2,5 hours  (2 hours seated) Season: May-September  Level: Novice, beginner or unfamiliar with ocean kayaking Requirements: Regular health Children Children age 5-9 yrs, accompanied by at least one adult each. Youth aged 10-15 can share a twin kayak with other youth or another adult. What’s included: Guide, seat in a shared K2 kayak, with spray deck, paddle and life jacket. What to bring:  (Headgear, sunglasses, retainer for glasses, 0.5L flask with water) Language: Either Swedish or English   Meal: None RESCHEDULING OR CANCELLATION If we/the organiser (OWS) must cancel a booking (due to unfavourable weather conditions) we will contact you to reschedule to another day/time. Would you choose to rebook to another activity the remaining balance will be debited from you card (but only if the new activity costs more). Add our cancellation insurance to increase your options: Cancellation insurance is booked as an add-on, after entering participants data, prior to checking out your online basket. You can choose between to price levels and time limit for cancellation/reebooking (2 or 48 hours). This insurance can not be added retrospectiviely. Once paid the cancellation insurance will cover this: We will help you to change time, day or even choose another activity without extra charge. The balance will be either be remitted to or debited from your debit/credit card. Would you need to cancel any one of the participants, or the entire activity - please contact us min 2 or 48 hours respectively, prior to departure. When we have confirmed by phone, you send us an email and we will transmit the refund (except the insurance fee).  

FromSEK 575
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GUIDED KAYAK TOURS 

Outdoor West offer guided trips of 2 - 4 hours; on schedule. Longer guided trips, 5-7 hours, only run on request, or as private tours.

Our equipment is adapted for beginners and intermediate paddlers without previous experience in ocean kayaking. We will spice up your experience with local food and local lore.  

All participants wear drysuits from mid-October until mid-May.

We offer a selection of private tours, on request. During 4-6 hours we'll take you to pristine areas and you will have a selection of various types of food to enjoy during one or more landfalls.

 

Outdoor West Kayak trip 4hrs: FISHERMEN AND FRIENDS (drysuit & outdoor meal)

Kayak trip 4hrs: FISHERMEN AND FRIENDS (drysuit & outdoor meal)

A winter season kayak tour with guide can be magical! Going thru thin sheets of ice on a sunny day is a marvellous experience. Lysekil's harbours are almost always free of ice, but we may find it in a remote bay. Imagine crystal clear waters and no noise!  Marvel at the pristine seascape of the Swedish west coast. Theme: Fishermen and friends (called FISKAREN in Swedish) Some times a curious seal will follow our tracks - observing us. The guide will tell you more about fishermen, seals and life along the rugged coastline throughout the tour. And during a short break on some distant isle you will be served hot fish soup while stretching your legs. Usually the tour goes Saturday morning. If the weather does not allow this, the tour can be moved to Sunday, if this suits the booked participants. Click the BOOK NOW! button to see dates, times and price categories for different departures. There will be no binding booking until check-out is completed. Your debet/credit card will not be charged until the required number of participants havae booked. The booking amount will be authorized and blocked and if the booking request is confirmed we will charge the amount on your card.  You will get the PDF tickets by email once the booking request is confirmed.   This tour can also be booked at a different time than our scheduled departures. When booking "Private tour" there are more options, for example in terms of choice of time, duration, transport, overall theme, outdoor cooking etc. For other bookable guided kayak tours, click here  Location: Various* locations in the Lysekil area Season: October-May Recommended for:   Everyone (Soft Adventure) Requirements: Regular health, able to swim 200 meters 16 yrs, min 160 cm tall  What’s included: Guide, seat in a shared K2 kayak, life jacket, spray deck, paddle, outdoor meal, drysuit (with optional use of gloves and hood) What to bring:  Headgear, reinforcement garments and gloves for the break, sunglasses, (retainer for glasses), drink (to store on top of kayak) Duration: 4 hours with a break (3hrs seated) Language: Bilingual Swedish/English Meal: Hot fish soup with beverage Optional: Single seating in K1 Kayak Families with children aged 5-15 yrs are recommended to book our tour Seal Safari in stead.  * As this tour is also offered to guests staying at the neighbouring hotels, we change location first of all to an area that is pleasant to paddle in regard to prevailing weather conditions, secondly to a location near where the guests are staying.

FromSEK 1'295
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Outdoor West Kayak trip 3hrs: URBAN WILDERNESS (dressed in drysuits)

Kayak trip 3hrs: URBAN WILDERNESS (dressed in drysuits)

Enjoy the beautiful granite crags that surround lovely Lysekil also during the quiet season. Our guide will tell you tales from Lysekil's past and present and stop at regular intervals to let participants have a rest and to enjoy the silence. You will be introduced to paddling at the fringe of one of the world’s most beautiful archipelagos (according to a recent CNN Traveler listing). Beginners and complete novices are welcome. Dressed in a comfy drysuit (October-May), sitting in a steady tandem sea kayak you can enjoy the seascape. The guide will help you fit the equipment, help you onboard and assist your alighting, if you want. After a  safety instruction and an introduction to paddle technique you are good to go. Exact location will vary. As the passage around Stångehuvud is very exposed, we will somtimes have to adapt to the weather conditions on the day of departure.  Most days we use our regular landing place in Norra Hamnen, buton occasion we will start in Södra Hamnen instead. Depending on the weather and the group's composition and prior knowledge, the guide may also suggest that we paddle further away from the mainland, into the archipelago. Kayak trip: URBAN WILDERNESS  (dressed in dry suits) Area: LYSEKIL  We paddle the area between the North and South Harbours, i.e. probably through the Stångehuvud nature reserve, or further out into the western or northern archipelago, if the weather permits. Season: October-May, usually Fridays and Saturdays Duration: 3 hours   from gathering until we part, i.e. including changing, security briefing, etc About 2 hours in the kayak, without going ashore.  Level: Novice/Beginner and intermediate Guest recuriements: Able to swim 200 m Normal health; i.e. no known problems with cold or sitting still, e.g. circulation or breathing problems etc. Max 100kg and/or 195cm (Length and weight limited by dry suits and cockpit size and possible leg length.) Able to swim 200 m Youth: From 12 years and at least 160 cm, on some departures, usually Saturday AM. On the departures where young people participate, the paddling distance may have to be shortened if they cannot paddle as far as adults. It may also be relevant to shorten the time if it is cold. For more trips for youths in October-May, see Seal safari. Included: Guide, paddle, life jacket and canopy/spray deck. Place in a stable tandem kayak (K2), shared with another participant. In case of an odd number of participants, one of the participants paddles with the guide. Drysuit: Premium quality drysuit from Ursuit (is included in the price from mid October-mid May) with wetsuit gloves and shoes in neoprene. Bring: Warm gloves to wear before and after the tour. Your own luke warm/hot water/tea to hydrate (0.3-0.5L). Your water bottle can be attached with elastic cords to the top of the kayak. Waterproof bag, if you are going to bring your phone or camera. Possibly: headgear, sunglasses, gloves,  snacks for quick energy (especially for kids). What to wear: Come changed, in wool or synthetic underwear closest to the body. Woolen socks. The colder the weather, the more and thicker layers of underwear. (Air insulates) Avoid hoods and zips around the neck. Bring an extra buff and a pair of warm gloves/mitts to wear until we get into the kayaks. Rain/wind: We run the tour even if it rains lightly or is moderately windy, but then the possibility of seeing seals decreases. In case of wind strength around 6-8 m/s, we make contact with registered participants the evening before the activity. Depending on wind direction and temperature, the tour may be cancelled, especially if children are registered. Dressing room/ shower/toilets: Not available when starting at Bastiviksholmarna. Come dressed in your underwear, and you will don the drysuit sitting in our minivan. Public toilets are few in the archipelago. Makes sure to take care of business before arriving to the meeting point. Sauna: A sauna by the sea can be found in Lysekil's Kallbadhus, about 10 minutes' walk from us.  See link for opening hours etc.  Choose Add-on for Sauna (prior to check-out, when making your reservation) and we will purchase access to the sauna for you. Meal: Not included, however hot beverage will be served during the trip. Language: English and swedish Number of guests: Min. 4 persons, max. 8 For larger groups, please contact us well in advance. Meeting point: Norra Hamngatan 6, Lysekil Norra hamnen (arrive 5 minutes before start) (If we need to change the meeting place due to the weather, you will receive a "Google map pin" with the exact location the night before the trip.) Parking: We recommend downloading the Easy Park app (from Google Play or App store) and setting up an account prior to arrival.   Add-on: Single seating in K1 Kayak  For other bookable guided kayak tours, click here  Check availability/book: Click the button BOOK NOW! to see available dates. Click on the desired day in the calendar, and selectable times/departures will appear. Click on the desired departure time to see the availability of bikes with different frame sizes and price/price categories for each departure. There will be no binding booking until your payment is completed. Minimum # of participants  4 participants (paying full amount) are required for us to carry out the activity. If you book for 1-3 people, the following will happen: Your ticket will have a water stamp "Reservation". The booking amount will be reserved from your payment card, but we will not collect the amount until the minimum number is reached (no later than 24 hours before the start). Only then will you receive a booking confirmation and a PDF ticket via email. By booking "Mini Group", you can ensure that the activity is carried out on the day and time you book, even though you/you are only one or two people. If more participants book, and participate, we will, after completed activity, credit the difference. Cancellation policy: Complete Brief on refund Individual participants (max 7 persons) except those having booked a "Private departure" may cancel as late as one week prior to activity start. NB! When booking a "Private departure" or "minigroup" any cancellations must be made 14 days proir to start. Re-booking: We can help you to reschedule a trip or replace it with another of our activities, provided you contact us no later than 48 hours prior to original departure time. If the organizer need to cancel a booked departure, e.g. due to the weather etc.: Depending on the weather conditions, e.g. risk of thunder or persistent rain and/or wind, a guided bike tour may have to be postponed (very rarely earlier) in order for all participants to be able to participate and feel safe/comfortable. We will contact our booked participants, who can choose between postponing the booked activity to a later date, or participating in an alternative activity, such as a cave walk or rock carvings/petroglyph safari. Any difference will be refunded. If we cannot agree on a reasonable compensation alternative, you will get back the amount paid, minus an administration fee of SEK 50.  

FromSEK 1'095
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Outdoor West Kayak trip 3hrs: SEAL SAFARI (dressed in dry suits)

Kayak trip 3hrs: SEAL SAFARI (dressed in dry suits)

Slow pace seal spotting tour. Looking into the big eyes of a seal makes most people feel excited, even blessed. Listen to the silence, paddling in slow pace while marvelling at the pristine seascape along the Swedish west coast. Immerse yourself in the feeling of gentle wilderness, just 90 minutes drive north of Gothenburg. You sit in a sturdy kayak, wearing a comfy drysuit. As you feel warm and safe, you will enjoy the winter kayaking experience even more.   This trip runs on Sundays and during the school holidays. We load our kayaks on a trailer and go to a special starting location some 15 minutes north of Lysekil. We launch the kayaks close to a known seal hang-out. Seal safari on the animals' terms: They follow us, if they want, without feeding or tricks. This means that we cannot guarantee that they will honour us with their presence. The activity duration is three hours from the meeting until parting. We stay seated in the kayaks for almost 2 hrs without landfall. When paddling with children we will go slower, stay closer to the shores and make more short stops along the way. Families with youths from 12 yrs can also join the 3 hrs kayak trip Urban Wilderness (dressed in a drysuit) Kayak trip: SEAL SAFARI (dressed in dry suits) Area: LYSEKIL   Northern/southern Harbours or Basteviksholmarna Season: August 15th - May 14th Duration: 3 hours   from gathering until we part, i.e. including changing, security briefing, etc About 1.5-2 hours in the kayak, without going ashore.  Level: Novice/Beginner and intermediate Guest recuriements: Able to swim 200 m Normal health; i.e. no known problems with cold or sitting still, e.g. circulation or breathing problems etc. Max 100kg and/or 195cm (Length and weight limited by dry suits and cockpit size and possible leg length.) Able to swim 200 m Youth: Youths 10-15 years, at least 145 cm tall, are welcome to paddle with one adult (family member) each. On the departures where children participate, the paddling distance is shorter because the children cannot paddle as far as adults. It may also be relevant to shorten the time if it is cold. Included: Guide, paddle, life jacket and canopy/spray deck. Place in a stable tandem kayak (K2), shared with another participant. In case of an odd number of participants, one of the participants paddles with the guide. Drysuit: Premium quality drysuit from Ursuit (included in the price from mid-October-mid May) with wetsuit gloves and shoes in neoprene. Bring: Warm gloves to wear before and after the tour. Your own lukewarm/hot water/tea to hydrate (0.3-0.5L). Your water bottle can be attached with elastic cords to the top of the kayak. Waterproof bag, if you are going to bring your phone or camera. Possibly: headgear, sunglasses, gloves,  snacks for quick energy (especially for kids). What to wear: Come changed, in wool or synthetic underwear closest to the body. Woollen socks. The colder the weather, the more and the thicker layers of underwear. (Air insulates) Avoid hoods and zips around the neck. Bring an extra buff and a pair of warm gloves/mitts to wear until we get into the kayaks. Rain/wind: We run the tour even if it rains lightly or is moderately windy, but then the possibility of seeing seals decreases. In case of wind strength around 6-8 m/s, we make contact with registered participants the evening before the activity. Depending on wind direction and temperature, the tour may be cancelled, especially if children are registered. Dressing room/ shower/toilets: Not available when starting at Bastiviksholmarna. Come dressed in your underwear, and you will don the drysuit sitting in our minivan. Public toilets are few in the archipelago. Makes sure to take care of business before arriving at the meeting point. Sauna: A sauna by the sea can be found in Lysekil's Kallbadhus, about 10 minutes walk from us.  See link for opening hours etc.  Choose Add-on for Sauna (before check-out, when making your reservation) and we will purchase access to the sauna for you. Meal: Not included, however hot beverages will be served during the trip. Language: English and Swedish The number of guests: Min. 2 persons, max. 8 For larger groups, please contact us well in advance. Meeting point: Varying. Hence we'll send you a "Google map pin" the evening before the trip. Parking: We recommend downloading the Easy Park app (from Google Play or App store) and setting up an account before arrival.   Add-on: Single seating in K1 Kayak   Check availability/book: Click the button BOOK NOW! to see available dates. Click on the desired day in the calendar, and selectable times/departures will appear. Click on the desired departure time to see the availability of bikes with different frame sizes and price/price categories for each departure. There will be no binding booking until your payment is completed. Minimum # of participants  4 participants (paying the full amount) are required for us to carry out the activity. If you book for 1-3 people, the following will happen: Your ticket will have a water stamp "Reservation". The booking amount will be reserved from your payment card, but we will not collect the amount until the minimum number is reached (no later than 24 hours before the start). Only then will you receive a booking confirmation and a PDF ticket via email. By booking a "Mini Group", you can ensure that the activity is carried out on the day and time you book, even though you/you are only one or two people. If more participants book, and participate, we will, after we have finished the activity, credit the difference. Cancellation policy: Complete Brief on refund Individual participants (max 7 persons) except those having booked a "Private departure" may cancel as late as one week prior to activity start. NB! When booking a "Private departure" or "Mini-group" any cancellations must be made 14 days before the start. Re-booking: We can help you to reschedule a trip or replace it with another of our activities, provided you contact us no later than 48 hours prior to the original departure time. If the organizer needs to cancel a booked departure, e.g. due to the weather etc.: Depending on the weather conditions, e.g. risk of thunder or persistent rain and/or wind, a guided bike tour may have to be postponed (very rarely earlier) in order for all participants to be able to participate and feel safe/comfortable. We will contact our booked participants, who can choose between postponing the booked activity to a later date, or participating in an alternative activity, such as a cave walk or rock carvings/petroglyph safari. Any difference will be refunded. If we cannot agree on a reasonable compensation alternative, you will get back the amount paid, minus an administration fee of SEK 50.  

FromSEK 845
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