Interesting even if it is in the Guardian. The big problem with kayaking in Scandinavia is getting there with a kayak. Airlines don't normally like you turning up at the check-in with a 5.5m long sea kayak. There used to be a ferry from Newcastle to Bergen and Stavanger, which I have used. Paddling from Bergen through the Fjords to Stavanger and then getting the ferry back made the logistics easy. Unfortunately, it no longer runs and the one to Esbjerg in Denmark has also stopped, which leaves a very long drive from the channel ports. Maybe three days to Stockholm and the same going back home really eats into your holiday.
Hiring is an option if there is an outfitter in the area willing it rent to an independent paddler, I really don't get along with guided tours. Still a mixed walking and kayaking trip would be really fun, maybe in six years time when I retire.