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Sea kayaking along the Danish coasts
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Sea kayaking is fun and challenging, but it is also nice and de-stressing. It is not only about being on the water and paddling; it is also about experiencing, enjoying and exploring the sea and the surrounding nature.
Sea kayaking is not only for soloists, it is very much a social sport where there is plenty of opportunity to go exploring both in the water and on land with other people. A sea kayak can easily be dragged on land where you can enjoy the food you brought along.
 Denmark is almost completely surrounded by water; to the west it is grand and sometimes rough, to the east softer and more approachable. Add the many fjords and creeks, and you have a perfect place to romp around for sea kayakers. Among the best localities you find the east coast of Jutland with its fjords, the southern part of the west coast of Jutland around the islands of Rømø and Fanø, the Limfjorden inlet, the South Funen Archipelago, the Smålandshavet archipelago south of Zealand, Roskilde Fjord and Øresund. Also Copenhagen's harbour provides plenty of opportunity.
It takes training as well as some basic and elementary skills to manage a sea kayak - experienced kayakers know this. As a beginner, you can learn sea kayaking e.g. through weekend courses or by taking some single lessons with competent instructors, so you can feel completely safe in the water. You learn the most basic skills such as rowing technique, getting in and out of the kayak, passing in and out of the surf as well as emptying a kayak full of water. You also learn to save your buddy because you will almost certainly turn over quite a few times to begin with. Experienced sea kayakers can focus specifically on – and improve – their technique and specific details by participating in different courses. On the Danish Sea Kayaking Association's homepage, you find a list of members offering training for experienced kayakers as well as beginners. Also the country's tourist offices can help you find people offering training courses.
Kayak, paddle and vest – yes, all the equipment can be rented in Denmark if you don't bring your own. A kayak costs between DKK 200-250 per day and 1,200-1,300 per week. If you are rowing alone, you must bring along/rent a paddle float and hand pump. Search for kayak rental companies
It is often a precondition that the people renting are fairly experienced rowers with knowledge of the most basic boat drills. If this is not the case, you will be offered instruction. Many rental companies also expect you to be able to swim 400 meters in open sea – and with a kayak.
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