Big waterfalls, sketchy portages and unexpected adventures. Just another kayaking trip in Norway.
In June, I headed back to Norway for some whitewater kayaking. It had been a while since my last visit, and I was ready for some classic runs, new discoveries and plenty of time on the river.
After warming up on the famous Sjoa Playrun, Åmot, Assenjuvet, Upper Bøvra and Upper Rauma, things took an unexpected turn. At the end of Stordalselva, I met a crew of kayakers heading further north and, naturally, I decided to join them. The crew consisted of Holger Jung, Simon Munch, Lane Demeulenaere and Nico, aka Mollie.
They also captured some of their adventures on film, so check out their Youtube video here!
Less-known rivers, remote valleys and some seriously steep whitewater? Count me in.
The Classics & The Wild Ones
Stordalselva - Not your average river day
Long, steep and committing. Stordalselva throws challenging rapids, tricky scouting and
some seriously awkward portages your way. A solid crew and good judgement are essential. It's beautiful, intense and definitely not a river to underestimate.
Embla - Jungle vibes in Norway
Who knew Norway had jungle vibes? Embla is a beautiful, relatively straightforward run through lush surroundings, with mostly read-and-run rapids and one main scouting spot. Just remember to disinfect your boat before paddling to help protect the salmon in the river.
Horndøla - Short & steep
A steep start, a boof under the bridge and a waterfall to tackle before the river opens up into mostly read-and-run kayaking.
Forra - A full-day mission
Six hours of steep whitewater, rocky waterfalls and heavy portages. Forra is a serious undertaking, with some tricky lines and an especially nasty final rapid. Definitely one for a prepared crew.
Susna - The highlight of the trip
If I had to pick one favourite, Susna would be it.
Think beautiful waterfalls, steep slides and fantastic pool-drop kayaking. The rapids are relatively easy to scout, and the portages are manageable, making it a brilliant option for experienced paddlers looking to explore Class V whitewater without unnecessary extra stress.
Three hours of pure fun, and one of those rivers that reminds you exactly why you fell in love with kayaking in the first place.
Further North, further into adventure
The northern rivers kept delivering:
- Unkerelva: Mostly read-and-run Class IV, with sharp, recently exposed rocks that demand extra attention.
- Krutåga: Steep, cold and proper Class V from top to bottom. We eventually hiked out before the final two portages. Definitely not a river for anyone who's only almost ready for Class V.
- Vesna: A fantastic day on the water, with Ragnarök as the main attraction and a canyon vibe reminiscent of Inferno Canyon in Futa.
- Finna: Low water, a short run and a solid Class IV/V challenge.
Every river had its own character. Some offered beautiful, clean lines; others made us work for every metre. That's part of the fun and part of the reason good preparation matters.
Paddler's Tip: Don't let the cold kill the vibe
Cold water, long days and chilly walks back to the car are all part of kayaking in Norway. But being cold is a lot less fun when you're trying to enjoy your next run.
Our tip? Invest in a good thermal layer.
The Prado long sleeve extreme thermo shirt is made for those colder days when staying warm and comfortable matters. Because the adventure doesn't stop when the temperature drops.
More than just whitewater
This trip reminded me why I love kayaking. It's not just about ticking rivers off a list. It's about discovering wild places, meeting great people and saying yes when an unexpected adventure comes along.
Norway delivered all of that and a whole lot of cold water.
See you on the river! 🤙
Jakob Hanoulle – founder of Pradosportswear