Ekstremsportveko is a week-long festival in Voss, Norway, Europe’s extreme sports capital. The week comprises racing, partying, community events and chaos from a range of different extreme sports. It’s a week when subcultures collide, with athletes from all over the world gathering to share a love for outdoor spaces, adrenaline, and community.
In this short piece, I’m going to run through some important takeaways from an intense week at Veko 2026 for those hoping to attend in the future.
Rule 1: Always Be Community
I believe that the more risk-taking a sport involves, the tighter the relationships you form are. When you have to trust your friends with your life, close bonds form that spread wider as the community grows. Ekstremsportveko is a large-scale example of this; a gathering of people who want to fall off of, or out of stuff. Jump out of a plane, off a cliff, down a waterfall or across a huge road gap. Every sport at Veko is risky, and as a result, the communities and cultures you see at the festival are tighter than at any other festival.
As kayakers, one of the founding communities of Veko, we represent a large share of participants and athletes during the week. We bring the best parties, liveliest crowds and most wholesome community. If you are going to Veko, get involved in community events. Go to the kids clinic, race, and come for a drink at the kayak club BBQ. Always be community.
Rule 2: Pace Yourself
“The marathon continues”, shouts Rhys after another day of stout kayaking and prior to another huge party in the festival tent and before another day of extreme downhill kayak racing.
Veko is a marathon; there’s no doubt about it. If you plan on attending every event feeling good, you have to pace yourself. Avoid the crowds in the festival tent by joining a car park party with the kayakers and get an early night so you can feel good in your kayak again tomorrow. Bring coffee. Eat well. Keep smiling even through the sleep deprivation. I tend to find that drum and bass helps.
Rule 3: Run Guts, Take Shortcuts
Racing is a big part of Veko with two main races: an extreme downhill kayak time trial and a head-to-head boater cross event. It’s important to remember that despite the cash prizes, these competitions are just for fun and the crowds love chaos. Run the guts and play dirty with a grin on your face.
If entering the inflatable race, there’s a prize for the most creative inflatable item, but bear in mind that you’ll have to go up on the main stage with whatever you win on. *cough cough Jamie*
Rule 4: Video of the Day is Not Optional
Every day at 9 pm is the video of the day. All athletes gather to watch each other’s videos created that day. Always cheer for kayakers and always boo the skydivers. Support your video team by showing up and representing the kayaking contingent.
Rule 5: Go Kayaking
With roadside, accessible kayaking and drinkable, free-flowing rivers, Voss is one of the best creeking destinations in the world. Don’t get eddied out by the parties and remember to get out there and explore the beautiful rivers that a lucky few call home. My top picks are the Raundalselvi, Teigdal and Myrk. Get after it!
There’s really only one rule:
You have to experience Ekstremsportveko. Get in early, buy a ticket, and come to Norway for the best week of your life every year. p.s. There are no rules.
Ekstremsportveko 2027 will take place from June 27th to July 4th.