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Reflections: Kari Schibevaag’s Van Life

Nine years ago I made a decision that would change my life forever. I traded a traditional home for a life on four wheels. At the time, it seemed like an unconventional choice, and perhaps even a bit extreme. But as soon as I parked my motorhome by the ocean for the first time, I knew I had found my version of freedom. The feeling of stepping out of a small, cozy space into an expansive world of endless possibilities is something words struggle to capture.

THEKITEMAG ISSUE #59
PHOTOS: Kari and Gunnar Magne Berg
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Living in a motorhome is about embracing simplicity. My living space may be small, but the world outside my door is boundless. My backyard isn’t confined to one place – it’s the stretch of white sand beaches I find myself drawn to, where the wind creates perfect kiting conditions. I can wake up, grab my gear, and be on the water in minutes. Some days, I’m completely alone, with nothing but the sound of the waves and the tug of the wind in my kite. Other days, I’m surrounded by friends, sharing the thrill of the perfect session.

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When the wind dies down, the adventure doesn’t stop. I pull out my hydrofoil or SUP and glide across the water, watching the sun dip below the horizon. There’s something magical about those quiet evenings, when the world seems to hold its breath and the water turns to glass. And when I’m done, I walk just a few steps back to my home, where I can shower, brew a cup of coffee, and reflect on the day.

But it’s not just the beach that calls to me. There are days when I crave the mountains. I park my motorhome at the foot of a towering peak, and suddenly, the possibilities stretch out before me in every direction. I can lace up my hiking boots and explore winding trails, or hop on my bike and ride through scenic routes. And on the days when I just want to relax, I simply lie in my motorhome, windows open, taking in the view of the landscape before me.

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People often ask why I chose this lifestyle, why I gave up the stability of a traditional home for a life on the road. The answer is simple: freedom. My garden is as big as I want it to be, and my view changes whenever I decide to move. Every day offers something new – a new place to explore, a new adventure to be had. My home on four wheels allows me to be spontaneous, to follow the wind or the sun, or to stay put and enjoy the quiet beauty of a place.

Being a kiter, it’s hard to imagine a better setup. My motorhome is more than just a vehicle – it’s my sanctuary, my workshop and my comfort zone. In the nine years that have passed since I made the leap to living on the road, I’ve never once regretted it. The wind takes me where it will, and I follow, always eager to see what the next destination has to offer. It’s a life that I control, one that allows me to live fully in the moment, always connected to the natural world around me.

Living on four wheels isn’t just about practicality—it’s about freedom. It’s about waking up to a new view every day, about choosing adventure over routine, and about finding joy in the simplicity of life. My home may be small, but my world is vast and every day brings something new to discover. It’s a life I wouldn’t trade for anything…

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