7th Annual Bråviken Cold Feet Paddle Race 2021

Bråviken Cold Feet Paddle Race is on the last Saturday of November every year. This year, the wind speeds were between 9 and 11 knots and gusts were between 19 and 23 knots with air temperatures between 3 and 6 degrees Celsius. I was photographing and filming in the safety boat with the race director, Erik Wallgren, while he skippered us through swells and frigid glacial chop. The waters of Bråviken feed into the Black Sea making it a busy passage for ships carrying cargo in and out of the fjard. The field of athletes was sparse this year; typical with high winds and gnarly conditions. I admire the athletes who toughed it out. In Sweden, the few who choose to face the elements that most avoid are usually big hearted as well as courageous.

Erik Wallgren rerouting the courses at 5AM on race day due to safety measures.
Erik Wallgren rerouting the courses at 5AM on race day due to safety measures.
Erik Wallgren pouring hot coffee before the start of the race for stand up paddling athlete Mattias Eriksson.
Erik Wallgren pouring hot coffee before the start of the race for stand up paddling athlete Mattias Eriksson.
BCPR veteran Ola Oppås with his creative feet protection.
BCPR veteran Ola Oppås with his creative feet protection.
Ola Oppås is no stranger to racing in gnarly conditions.
Ola Oppås is no stranger to racing in gnarly conditions.
BCFPR veterans Håkan Lindgren and Jonny Trostensson are all smiles. Mattias Eriksson and Johan Ulfving enter Erik's mobile number into their phones after the safety meeting.
BCFPR veterans Håkan Lindgren and Jonny Trostensson are all smiles. Mattias Eriksson and Johan Ulfving enter Erik's mobile number into their phones after the safety meeting.
Otto Tronarp, Ulrika Larsson, Vera Lindmark, Erik Wallgren (background), Magnus Lagher (BCFPR's trusty timekeeper), Johan Ulfving
Otto Tronarp, Ulrika Larsson, Vera Lindmark, Erik Wallgren (background), Magnus Lagher (BCFPR's trusty timekeeper), Johan Ulfving
Ulrika Larsson placing her race number on her surf ski.
Ulrika Larsson placing her race number on her surf ski.
Johan Ulfving prepping his stand up paddleboard.
Johan Ulfving prepping his stand up paddleboard.
Erik Wallgren skippering the safety boat.
Erik Wallgren skippering the safety boat.
Johan Ulfving paddling in the canal next to an incoming cargo ship.
Johan Ulfving paddling in the canal next to an incoming cargo ship.
Ola Oppås
Ola Oppås
Håkan Lindgren
Håkan Lindgren
Vera Lindmark
Vera Lindmark

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