Ready for a surfing adventure that shatters the stereotypical sun-soaked California beach bum image?
If you have what it takes to tackle the conditions around Scandinavia, you can find yourself catching some truly divine surf. The Baltic region offers stellar opportunities to put your moves to the test — if you can take the cold.
Admittedly, the raging storms that sweep up out of the Atlantic don’t make for year-round idyllic conditions. But it takes more than a few pesky icebergs to keep the die-hard surfers out of the water when the really big sets start rolling in.
Norway
Due to environmental concerns, it is illegal to surf off the coasts of Norway from October 31 through April 1.
Since the cold waters of winter have rugged surf anyway, best to hold out till early autumn, when the really big swells arrive.
Many seasoned surfers head straight to the islands like Lofotenoff to get away from the crowds and amateurs. The primordial nature of the islands appeals to the exotic lone surfer type, and private sheltered coves make for an exceptional day above the Arctic Circle.
For those only interested in the occasional day of surfing, the coastal road from Egersund to Stavanger is an accommodating beach for beginners and their families.
Sweden
Many weekend surfers are comfortable at the popular surf spot about 12 miles from Stockholm called Toro. There have been Swedish surf contest held there since 1991 and the area has developed a definite surfer culture.
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Explore the nearby neighborhood to discover the popularity of the sport and visit the numerous shops and browse the local magazines that specialise in cold water surfing.
Poland
In the Pomorskie Voivodship along the Baltic coast, there is a natural sand jetty called the Hel Peninsula that has turned into one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe.
The long narrow sandbar creates a natural barrier between Puck Bay and the wind-swept Baltic sea, giving this little sheltered spot all the right ingredients for a wonderful day of windsurfing, kite-boarding or para-surfing.
Finland
Admittedly, the choppy seas around Finland don’t often make for admirable surf conditions, but at least once a year the conditions are just right to thrill the 500 or so Finnish surfers who rush into the cold waters off the shores of coastal towns like Pori or Hanko.
Donning full-body wet suits to endure the 1 to 4 degree centigrade water temperature, the local surfers revel in the novelty of riding thrilling swells that stay built up for days.
Of course, the Finnish proclivity for saunas is a welcome tradition following a day of cold water surfing.