She is a native of Stavanger in southern Norway, an eight-time kite surfing champion, loves swimming with Orcas, and lives in her CLIFF 4×4.
Kari Schibevaag, the “Vikinga”, is a legend – whether on the water or on snow, with kite or wing foil. But Kari is also a skier, biker, climber, diver, hunter and much more. And that is why she has found the perfect set-up with her CLIFF 4×4.
Kari: Well, I have three houses. Two tiny houses on the Lofoten which I usually rent out. And my house on wheels, the camper van. I would say that I spend about nine months per year in the CLIFF.
Kari: Indeed. But I have two boxes on the roof where I keep my wing foil and kite equipment, my skis in winter and all sorts of things in summer. I change from season to season.
Kari: I only have stuff I really need. Everything has its purpose. I check it again and again. When was the last time I used it? Do I really need it? And if not, then it moves out….
Kari: That was a name given to me in my times competing. People said that I could handle the cold, that I was strong, always full on, always full of energy. So, they called me vikinga.
Kari: I love competitions. You keep on pushing. But it is also very limiting. You are focused on that one sport; and you are focused on certain spots. Today, I enjoy the freedom so much to do what I want to do and go to the places I want to see.
Kari: Yes, and that’s also hard. I always have to make a choice. Do I go nordic skiing or do I kite up that hill…
Kari: Again: hard. I’ve reached a level with kiting where I can hardly improve. That’s different with wing foiling where I can still work on my technique.
Kari: Wing foiling for sure as it is less complicated. You can do it by yourself, there are no lines, you have everything very close and more spots as you don’t need the space you would for kitesurfing.
Kari: Everywhere in Norway, but up North is amazing for sure. People are flocking to Tromsø but take a look at the other places around. There are less people, yet it is just as beautiful. In general, what I love about Norway is the nature and that is easy to hide. There are so many spots where there are no people. It’s so quiet.
Kari: Make it homely and make sure you have everything for a great night’s sleep. My CLIFF is also very colourful. Plus: never bring wet stuff into the camper van.
Kari: Oh, the first time I thought: Oh, my God, I’m going to die – but the moment you look into their eyes you trust them. They are calm, yet curious. The way they treat each other, the way they move. It is a deep feeling of peace.
