Photo © Gus Hurst
Photo © Gus Hurst
Photo © Gus Hurst
Photo © Gus Hurst
Gus Hurst gives us the low down on another extreme location >> Iceland!
Gus teamed up once again with our very own Sigve Botnen, for a snowkite and kitesurf extravaganza……… read on below
Gus Hurst:
“Norwegian kite professional, Sigve Botnen had the chance to demonstrate his Viking genes, kite surfing Icelandic waters more suitable for whales and penguins, and snow kiting the gob-smacking coastal glaciers overlooking Greenland! In a country reputed to be permanently windy, of course, the first few days were almost windless. Our frustration was soon challenged by 5-10m/s northerly winds, and being so close to the Polar Circle they were hardly Mediterranean. Nonetheless, Sigves` enthusiasm and natural talent, soon had him dipping his feet into unchartered waters minutes from the worlds most northerly capital, Reykavik.
Tearing the team away from incessant nightlife, flirtatious beauties and excessive inebriation, we headed north to Snaefellsjokull glacier, a magnificent 1380m high peak with insane views across the island and out over the sea. Here is an understatement - `gusty conditions`! But Sigve had just taken delivery of an Instinct 9m and 13m, and soon was inflated and ready to rip. With a backdrop of basaltic rock and snow-capped peaks, an awesome session on the lake had him convinced of his new toys, and that he ought to remember boots and gloves in future. Half an hour rallying up rough-arse roads we realised we chose well renting a Land Cruiser and not a Polo, and it was time to swap wet suit for snowboard boots. A near white out, so kite lessons for the novices in the team, Frenzy 7m ironing out the gusts. We have to come back for more, the next day is bluebird skies, what to do first, snow kite or kitesurf - what a dilemma!
There is shit loads of wind in this country, fantastic sights to see, lakes, snow, sand and sea to ride, and most of it has never been done, be a pioneer, get your ass here!”
Thanks to www.icleandair.com who sorted us out for flights (but watch the excess baggage) www.hertz.is www.hertz.is for renting a vehicle (sorry about the wheel guys!!), www.icetourist.is for more information on Iceland and www.vindsport.is for kite guru, Einars` school, and www.parkinn.com
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