FAQ

Tips, tricks and information for paddlers wanting to explore Iceland.

Find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about stand up paddle boarding in Iceland.

The Climate

Iceland is a Nordic island with a harsh climate. The island is located at the juncture of the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans.

The climate of Iceland’s coast is subarctic. The warm North Atlantic Current ensures generally higher annual temperatures than in most places of similar latitude in the world. The average annual temperature in Iceland is 4.5°C / 40.1°F.

The climate varies between different parts of the island. Generally speaking, the south coast is warmer, wetter, and windier than the north. The Central Highlands are the coldest part of the country. Low-lying inland areas in the north are the driest. Snowfall in winter is more common in the north than in the south. The warmest months are June, July and August with temperatures usually ranging between 6°C to 15°C / 42.8°F to 59°F. The hottest temperature on record in Iceland is 36°C / 96.8 °F. The coldest months are January and February with average temperatures ranging between 0° to -7°C / 34°F to 19°F. The lowest temperature on record is −39.7 °C (−39.5 °F).

The weather changes quite fast so be prepared for anything. You might experience calm sunny weather, rain, snow & strong winds all on the same day. Be sure to check the weather forecast before going out. It might not be enough to have looked at it a few days before. The forecast changes quickly so be sure to have the newest information on the day, for the exact location you will be paddling.

Wind

Iceland is a magnificent country with an abundance of different landscapes. Weather conditions can be very different between locations and even at the same location. Depending on the lay of the land, wind direction, air temperature and time of day. So always be aware of your surroundings and how the water is behaving around you. You might be paddling in calm sea on one site of a fjord while it might be to windy on the other side. Or pass a gap in the mountain with a gust of wind coming down.

Sea and land breeze is a bit more than a breeze in deep fjords and low land areas. These are areas like Skagafjörður, Skjálfandi and Eyjafjörður. While it might not always show on the weather map, it can get very windy in these areas at before noon and in the afternoon. Alway make sure to keep that in mind when planing trips in areas similar to these.

Tide currents

The tide current in most parts of the country are relatively low. The Westfjords being an exception. The tide current in Breiðafjörður is extremely strong. Some have even described it like battling a large flowing river. There are also strong currents at rasters and where islands and skerries are close to land. If not mindful of that a paddler for example, who is paddling around Flatey in Skjálfandi could end up in the middle of Skjálfandi. So have a look at the tide forecast before going out.

What to wear when paddle boarding in Iceland?

This is not a “lay on your board in a bikini” kind of country. With the average sea temperature ranging between 2.3°C to 10°c / 36.1°F to 50°F. You usually find Icelandic paddle boarders wearing drysuits year round and layering up underneath depending on how cold the sea will be. You might also see some wearing full body wetsuits, but they are more common with surfers.

Although air tempetures are highest between June and August, the sea is a little behind being the warmest between July and September. Cotton clothing is an absolute no no when paddle boarding in cold conditions as it pulls heat away from the body when damp or wet, increasing the chance of hypothermia. The main thing to keep in mind is to dress for cold water immersion. Paddling.com has some great tips.

Laws & Regulations

Always Always Always wear a leash! Although it’s not the law, it’s just common sense.

You are not required by law to wear some form of buoyancy aid. However it is highly recommended if you are not wearing a drysuit.

There are a few lakes with restrictions. These lakes are Lake Mývatn and Lake Thingvallavatn. As far as we know you are allowed to paddle at any other lake or river in the country. It is actually illegal to hinder access to rivers and lakes. But please be respectful of private properties, and ask permission if you have to go through one to get to a launch spot.

Driving off road is illegal. When driving to a launch spot, always stay on roads and marked trails.

Fishing has the way of right and that’s the law. Iceland is a hugely popular fishing location and people are paying A LOT of money to fish in some rivers. People can get crazy mad if someone comes paddling down the river while they are fishing. Be sure to check the fishing seasons for the rivers you want to paddle. Or check if anyone has booked a spot for fishing the day you want to paddle.

The boats have the way of right. When paddling in fjords away from the city and towns you’ll usually find yourself all alone. Be aware of other water users if you are launching from town ports or somewhere in the city where there is boat traffic.

Whilst traveling around the country, the highest respect for the Icelandic environment must be shown. Take nothing except photographs and leave nothing behind except memories.