It is not too hard to see the appeal of traveling in Iceland, but kayaking nearly 1,400 nautical miles alone around exposed coast in the North Atlantic may seem crazy. In truth, it might be.

To make the trip more reasonable, I have spent tons of time identifying risks and finding solutions.

First, the approximate distance of the route was measured. Then, I looked through historic weather data and the charts of the coastline. Evaluating that data, I used it to adjust the starting point and calculate the time I would need with a buffer. Planning can only get so far in the face of a global pandemic, so this planning ended up being more helpful in finding a window of start dates that might work for the expedition.

After locking in the route, it was time to pick out the equipment and the must see spots along the way.

Iceland is a rugged and beautiful coastline. Paddling around by itself is bound to produce incredible memories, but slowing down and cracking into the island can add a whole new layer.

For this expedition, I will spend 90 days (the standard tourist visa) in the country. I hope to finish theCircumnavigation in this time, but speed is not the goal. I brought along lightweight backpacking equipment to explore deeper on land if the weather allows.

This expedition will challenge me to travel further than I have ever traveled alone, and push me to know myself deeper than I ever have before.

It will demand physical and mental resilience and press me to be the best I can be.