Valley Nordkapp LV

Nordkapp LV is an excellent kayak for both day and multi-day paddles. Responsive to strokes, with rolling relatively easy. Capacity in the hatches for equipment for a 10-day trip with food. High quality construction.

The Nordkapp LV isn't the ideal sea kayak for beginners, but for sea kayakers with some experience it is a joy to paddle. On first sight it has the beautiful lines of a classic sea kayak, demonstrating its heritage in the sea kayaks of west Greenland. Mine is kevlar so it is relatively light, so it's easy to lift on and off the car. Also it's lightweight means that carrying down the beach isn't too challenging, a serious consideration living somewhere with average spring tides of just over 11 metres. 

The cockpit is large enough that it is possible to get your legs in and out easily whilst seated. So launching and landing can be easy. The slight rise at the front of the cockpit also means that it is easy to slide into if you are performing a re-entry and roll. 

The kayak is quick compared to most touring sea kayaks. 4 knots is a comfortable speed, which can be maintained most of the day with a bit of training. There is a retractable skeg, but it is rarely needed, just occasionally if there is a brisk beam wind. With the wind on the stern it surfs really well, is easy to manoeuvre, responding well to both stern rudders and edging. Down wind it is a fast kayak!

There are three hatches, two larger oval ones and a round day hatch just behind the seat. I first paddled my Nordkapp in August 2010, I have had to replace the hatch covers several times but in nearly 16 years I have never had water inside the hatches. There is nothing worse than turning up on a beach and all your kit is wet. It has happened to me plenty of times but never in my Nordkapp LV. There is a bulkhead just behind the seat, which means that in the case of a capsize and wet exit it is easy to empty the water.

The deck of my kayak is red and that has faded in the sun. I have to polish it a couple of times a year to keep it sparkling, otherwise it does start to look rather tired. That is a small amount of effort to maintain a beautiful sea kayak.

Sadly the Nordkapp LV is no longer available new, but they do appear every now and again on the secondhand market. I met a sea kayaker in North Wales, last summer in an LV. He picked it up relatively cheaply, paid to have it commercially refurbished, and was the proud owner of beautiful sea kayak, but which also performs really well in a range of sea conditions.

Background

I have paddled Nordkapp sea kayaks extensively since 1979. I still have a Nordkapp HM from 1985, which I love paddling but the ocean cockpit is a struggle at times. I tend to launch off sandy beaches with this version. I have a newer Nordkapp Førti, which is a quick kayak but slightly less stable so not ideal for photography.
The Nordkapp LV is delightful kayak to paddle. In the summer of 2025 I completed a 700-nautical mile solo trip. Easy to get in and out of and a joy to paddle. Most of the time I could move it along at about 4.5 knots.