FWC Wilderness Canoeing

*APPLICATIONS FOR OUR WILDERNESS CANOEING 2025 will be open from 25th November to 1st december 2024*

 
 

In September 2025 FWC will take two teams of 12 women to Sweden to tackle a multi-day (6 days/5 nights on the river) 60 kilometre open canoe journey in the stunning environment of the Hårkan River System near Ostersund, Sweden. This expedition will introduce the fundamentals of traditional canoe paddling and bushcraft, as we travel from one riverside camp to the next, with opportunities to stay in tents, hammocks or bivvies and to cook over an open fire. The trip will give participants the opportunity to learn how to be self-sufficient in a wilderness environment and to work individually, as pairs and in teams, with an emphasis on developing self-confidence, resilience and mindfulness.

KEY DATES

Saturday 6th September 2025 to Saturday 13th September 2025 - Week 1 challenge dates

Saturday 13th September 2025 to Saturday 20th September 2025 - Week 2 challenge dates

COULD THIS BE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

If you feel this is the adventure for you, please see the FAQ’s below for more details on the expedition and information on how to apply.

DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO PADDLE AN OPEN CANOE and DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO SWIM?

No, you do not need to be able to paddle a canoe before the trip, this challenge is open to everyone. If you have never paddled a canoe before, please don’t be put off applying, as the guides will help you develop the skills to paddle throughout the journey.

Yes, you should be able to confidently swim 50 metres; however, buoyancy aids are compulsory when on the water.

DO I HAVE TO BE A FWC MEMBER TO APPLY?

Yes, to apply to participate in this challenge, you have to be a member of FWC. Please use this LINK to read our membership policy. If you are eligible to become a member and have not yet signed up, please sign up HERE prior to applying for the challenge.

HOW MUCH WILL THE WILDERNESS CANOE CHALLENGE COST?

There will be a cost of £885 required from each team member, which is an all-inclusive price from first evening of arrival at the initial campsite in Sweden, through to departure. This total includes accommodation, guide costs, food & equipment. The only cost not covered is a celebratory meal on the last night, where individuals will be responsible for their own bill and the small cost of transport to the town and back. The meal out is not compulsory, and will be discussed and planned between the group. Travel (eg flights/train/etc) and personal insurance (to include grade 2 white-water canoe) are not included. A deposit of £200 will be due early February and individual invoices will be sent by Sweden Outdoors Coaching (SOC). The balance will be due mid-July and will be invoiced directly from SOC.

Please note: This payment will be going directly to SOC which has an overseas bank account, and therefore your bank may charge you to make the payment. Any costs incurred are in addition to the £885 cost.

HOW WILL PARTICIPANTS BE SELECTED FOR THE WILDERNESS CANOE CHALLENGE?

Applications for this challenge will be open from 25th November to 1st December 2024 and following the closing date, names will be drawn at random to allocate the places. You will be contacted by email by the 6th December 2024 to confirm whether or not we have been able to offer you a place on this challenge. Applicants should apply by completing the form on this PAGE during the week specified above.

WHO IS RUNNING THE CHALLENGE?

The challenge is being run by Matt Larsson-Clifford and his company Sweden Outdoors Coaching. Matt is based in Sweden, is ex-military and is a friend of FWC. He was also one of the FWC Heroes of Telemark expedition guides, which took place in 2022. Matt runs the same wilderness canoe trip for the RAF and Army as part of the ‘Eagles’ scheme, and it is by far the most popular Eagles expedition! This is the third year that FWC are running the Wilderness Canoeing trip.

What will i be doing on the challenge?

Paddling an open canoe, on a mix of open water and manageable rapids. Catching food (fishing – but this is not compulsory) and foraging, cooking and baking food on an open fire, sleeping outdoors under shelter, collecting wood, lighting and maintaining fires, carving spoons and shelter building. 

Where will I be sleeping AND HOW WILL I WASH?

We will be going back to basics, bedding down for the night in sleeping bags under a shelter and washing in the river.

What will I be eating?

We will take turns with the cooking. Recent offerings have included porridge, nuts, raisins, lingonberry jam (made from foraged lingonberries), bacon or halloumi on fire baked bread, fish every which way, beans/sausages, hot chocolate and marshmallows etc. Dietary requirements can be catered for – the local supermarket has a good range of food.

Will I encounter animals?

Fish, reindeer, beavers, bears (they tend to stay away from human activity!) and many others.

Where can I get a sneak peak of what it might be like?

Check out:

Where will I need to book flights/transport to?

A WhatsApp chat and Zoom meetings will be set up for each group. At this point transport will be discussed and organised between the group.

WHAT ARE THE BOOKING CONDITIONS, AND WHAT HAPPENS IF, FOR ANY REASON, I CANNOT GO HAVING BEEN ALLOCATED A PLACE E.G. IF WE ARE POSTED OVERSEAS?

Please read our BOOKING CONDITIONS and DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT prior to applying for this challenge.

In the event of you being unable to participate, we will try to arrange for someone else to take your place, but this cannot be guaranteed.  

CAN I APPLY FOR MORE THAN ONE FWC CHALLENGE?

Yes! We welcome you to apply for any challenge you are interested in. However, we ask you only apply for one week on this canoe challenge, please do not submit two applications for both weeks. Should you not be selected this time, please remember there will be many more opportunities in the future for challenges and adventures in the UK and overseas.

Forces Wives Challenge (FWC) is a registered Community Interest Company (CIC) Number: 11976449

Website by forces wife and proud supporter of the FWC team, alix mackay