In summer of 2008, Ann Kristin Gjelsten and Tommy Frantzen of Norway will depart on a self-supported sea kayaking expedition to circumnavigate Nordaustlandet, a total distance of 750 kilometres. They will carry food and equipment for 5 weeks with a goal to complete the circumnavigation in 30 days.

Nordaustlandet is the second largest island of Svalbard, with an area of 14,600 square kilometres, and is located north east of Spitsbergen. A large part of the island is covered with the glaciers Austfonna, Vestfonna and Sorbonne. The rest of the island is tundra where Svalbard reindeers, polar bears and walrus live. Austfonna, Europe’s largest glacier, is the third largest inland body of ice in the world. The area has been protected as an nature reserve since 1973.

The expedition’s biggest challenge will be Austfonna, Europe’s biggest glacier, which will prohibit the team from going ashore for 180 kilometres. “To paddle in front of the 180 kilometres long glacier without being able to get ashore is a challenge that demands good planning and routines. But above all, this trip will give us an enormous nature adventure and experience” says Tommy.

Tommy studied outdoor life at Norway’s Mountain School, and learned to sea kayak at Norway’s Kayak Federation. At age 49, Tommy has been kayaking for over 25 years and now owns a kayak school in Norway’s beautiful Sommerøya. Past experiences include previous kayaking trips to Svalbard, and sea kayaking trips to New Zealand and British Columbia.

After many ski expeditions and three winter seasons as a hunter and gunman in the polar area of Spitsbergen, Tommy has extensive knowledge and respect for this region.

Ann Kristin, with only 2 years of sea kayaking experience, has become competent and fearless on the water. At 43 years of age, she is no novice to extreme sports with experience in both parachuting and diving. Whether it’s with her kayak or hiking boots, Ann Kristin looks forward to any opportunity for an adventure.

For more information and to follow the expedition, please visit www.kajakkfrantzen.no, or contact Tommy Frantzen at [mail address protected from spambots with javascript]

###

Get “Into the Water” with Kokatat Watersports Wear, an independent manufacturer committed to growing the sport since 1971! Please contact Lisa Beckstead, Kokatat Public Relations representative, at (775) 225-8039, or
e-mail at [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] . Visit us at www.kokatat.com.