Last weekend, Risør Rowing and Paddling Club organized both the Norwegian and Nordic Surf Ski Championships, and we can proudly say that it was a great success!

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With glorious weather and a fantastic effort from both participants and volunteers, the city and the fjord were filled with competitive excitement and impressive paddling skills.

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Surfski, which is an open kayak with good surfing and wave characteristics, provided the participants with perfect conditions for this weekend's competition. Around 70 single boats and 30 doubles from Norway, Sweden and Denmark took to the water, ready to challenge themselves in Risør's beautiful archipelago. This was actually the largest surfski event ever held in Norway, and it is something we in Risør can really be proud of.

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The entire event was characterized by enthusiasm and cooperation. Friday evening there was a lot of activity at the Brygga restaurant, where officials, volunteers and participants met for registration and preparations. Saturday started with a bang as 73 eager paddlers set out from Stangholmgapet to fight for the title in the NM. The wind was calm, but the competition was intense, and the best paddler won in the end.

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We would like to extend a big thank you to Bengt Adeler, Risør Rowing and Paddling Club and the nearly 20 volunteers who were on board boats, as officials and in cars to ensure that the participants returned safely after the competition. Without their efforts, this event would not have been possible to carry out in such a successful manner.

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The prize giving and social gathering at Brygga on Saturday evening put a perfect end to the weekend. We are already looking forward to next year's event, and thank everyone who participated, both on and off the water!