Kayak paddling on the West Coast

Balanspunkten/Kayak in Grundsund is situated in Bohuslän in the middle of the magnificent archipelago of the Swedish West Coast. If you are interested in discovering more about this beautiful landscape or developing your kayak paddling, then you have come to the right place. We offer a range of services, from kayak rental, guided tours of various lengths, including overnight camping on the islands as well as courses at different levels.

Our centre is situated in an old fishing village, Grundsund, just one and a half hour’s journey by car from Gothenburg and is a convenient gateway to the islands. The village and its community community have a long and, at times, arduous history based on fishing, shipping, stone quarrying and transportation of goods.

Grundsund lies on the borderline between two rock types, gneiss and granite, giving rise to a wide and varied archipelago. The archipelagos characteristic smooth and rounded islands and skerries were created millions of years ago by the movement of glaciers and are continually being softened by the never ceasing action of the waves. It comprises a barren, rocky cliff landscape towards the open sea, with a more lushous green wooded shoreline on the inside of the island. The soft rolling granite and gneiss is awe-inspiring in all weather. It is beautiful in summer and winter, but maybe even more spectacular and vibrant in autumn or spring. But that is a judgement best to be made by yourself.

Balanspunkten/Kayak in Grundsund can provide you with all you need to discover the surrounding coastline which lends itself well to outdoor activity and living. The variable weather conditions in Bohuslän, even during the summer, makes no two days paddling the same. These ever-changing conditions give us an unassuming nature, ready to meet the day as it comes

Paddling all year round in Bohuslän.

Summer

Summer is the most intensive period for the staff at Balanspunkten. This is the time when people feel most inspired to learn to paddle kayak and when the experienced paddler is inspired to take a fresh grip on their paddle to explore the coastline in more depth.

Autumn

Autumn is a quieter and more serene – cooler, shorter days and richer colours. Outdoor camping and sitting round a campfire, though, is much cosier in the autumn. Harder winds will sometimes persuade us to find easier paddling in some more sheltered areas. We can advise you about good routes and places. Autumn is mostly the time for shorter day trips.

Winter

Winter arrives late in November, and it is of greater importance to inform someone where you intend to paddle. You will need a dry suit to be able to paddle safely as the water temperature is dangerously low. Cold weather and open sea also demand a good knowledge of the area. There is also a possibility that ice can form. In these conditions woollen clothing and extra equipment is recommended and a warm picnic lunch is advisable. The days are much shorter and it is important to return indoors and eat some good food directly after the trip. Since the Winter season 2022-2023, Balanspunkten no longer offers Winter paddling but recommend other competent colleagues on the West Coast.

Spring

Spring arrives slowly with longer days and a rich birdlife with cacophony of sound and energetic feeding. The nighttime temperature is still low in April, likewise the water temperature, so paddle day trips with dry suits until the end of the month. At Balanspunkten, the summer season with courses and kayak rental starts already in May. At this time it is possible to paddle longer routes with overnight camping.