This is the story of Nansen Polar Expedition and their partnership with Långholmen Kajak – Northkayak's Swedish company. The partnership was set up by Långholmen Kajak in Sweden, and through it we have seen our own Havspaddeln products glide between ice floes and penguins in Antarctica.

In the summer of 2021, Martin Enckell, one of the founders of Nansen Polar Expedition, contacted Långholmen Kajak. Nansen Polar Expedition runs spectacular expeditions to Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland and Svalbard, based in Smøla, Norway.

Nansen Polar Expedition has two large ships converted into luxury yachts. The smaller MV Villa offers a high standard with one premium cabin, while the other cabins have bunk beds and shared bathrooms. The larger MV Nansen Explorer is an explorer yacht with a helipad and a very high standard. On board you will find hotel-style rooms and suites, fine dining, a gym and cosy lounges. The ships are packed with top-quality expedition equipment such as RIBs, helicopters and diving gear. What Martin and his team were missing were kayaks, stand up paddleboards and drysuits that could handle the harsh, cold and icy conditions of Antarctica and match the quality of the rest of their equipment. That is where the partnership between Långholmen Kajak and Nansen Polar Expedition began.

After making sure we understood the needs of the expedition company, we could confidently recommend some of our best-selling products. Today, the ships carry the Havspaddeln Triton (double kayak), the Havspaddeln Eskimå (single kayak), the SUP boards Havspaddeln Oden 10’8” and Oden 12’6”, and our drysuit Havspaddeln Valkyria.

What makes Nansen Polar Expedition stand out is that they own the ships that run the expeditions, for adventurous small groups and film production crews. Getting close to the unique nature in these areas takes the right equipment and expertise. Nansen Polar Expedition has more than 30 years of local knowledge of the places they visit and of the environment and wildlife that live there.

Antarctica

Antarctica is a magical place with incredible nature and wildlife. The amazing icebergs are only part of what you can expect to see here. The real highlight is the spectacular wildlife: 17 species of penguins and 46 species of other birds, which draws many birdwatchers to this destination. Birds you may see here include the wandering albatross, giant petrels, storm petrels, diving petrels, blue-eyed shags and terns. You also have the chance to see many species of whales, such as fin whales, humpback whales, minke whales, southern right whales, sperm whales and orcas.

Svalbard

In Svalbard it is not impossible to come across walruses and polar bears, so kayaking here calls for caution. An experienced kayak guide always joins the paddling on these expeditions, together with a safety boat that is on hand if needed. There is also plenty of birdlife, and seals and whales if you are lucky. Other common animals are reindeer and foxes, though usually at a distance on glaciers or elsewhere in Svalbard's beautiful landscape.

Greenland

On the east coast of Greenland you can kayak and SUP through the famous fjord systems. Here you will also find the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere, once part of the enormous glaciers. Musk oxen can be seen at a distance, and you may meet the odd seal. On the east coast there is only one village, Scoresbysund – the rest is open landscape and nature. The west coast is much busier, with villages, airports and a large fishing industry. It is a popular destination for iceberg cruises and the chance to see humpback whales.

Iceland

Iceland does not have quite the same icebergs and glaciers, but a coastline with beautiful scenery and more greenery. Drysuits are still needed for kayaking, even though the landscape is greener. The wildlife is a little calmer here, but there are plenty of beautiful birds to watch from your kayak.

Norway

Norway is the home base of Nansen Polar Expedition. Here, too, you will find rich birdlife and beautiful nature with islands and beaches. The large ships partly sail along the Norwegian coast, but often have even more exotic destinations in their sights.

We look forward to continuing our great partnership with Nansen Polar Expedition!

Tempted to join an expedition? Visit the Nansen Polar Expeditions website and book your place!