The 64th Parallel

Iceland is everything that you have ever heard and more. It is the most stunning of countries with vistas that will truly blow your mind. It should beckon to all those looking for adventure.

- Alex Sergison

“We’re just travelling around,” said the antipodean surfer. He was on the road with his girlfriend, just looking for waves in a remote corner of Europe. ngs, it’s an appreciation of flawed beauty and acceptance that nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect. Myself and Katy have visited before briefly and upon a sad departure we promised ourselves we would return. As ever my trusty inflatable SUP was diligently packed and alongside our friends, Kien a professional photographer and his wife Emma, as well as our 6 month old baby Barnaby, we made the brief flight North at the end of 2017.

Now I have to say at this point that paddleboarding in Iceland during the winter months takes preparation and commitment. Temperatures are regularly -10 c and below. The country’s weather is fickle and waters unforgiving. Much of the island`s fresh water is in fact solid during the winter months and if it isn’t it is likely to be fast flowing and dangerous. The days are short and so time is precious. We had a full 14 days in the country and in that time managed to get afloat just 4 times when weather, location and light aligned.

The Warm Up

Sometimes you just need to get on the water. We had been in Iceland for a few days and we had relished every moment soaking up the scenery that including stupendous waterfalls, mind blowing gorges and one of the most dramatic coastlines you could ever imagine. However, something was missing. Heading South East along the Icelandic Ring road we crossed a small river which had ‘paddle me’ emblazoned all over it. We screeched to a halt, rolled the gear out the car and set to getting prepared for the water.