Surfers spend the whole year in shorts and t-shirts, chill after a successful surf session in the sun and get tanned?! You bet – but there are also the really hard-boiled surfers, those who wrap themselves milimeter-thick in neoprene and get out their neoprene hats and gloves before getting into the waves: the cold-water surfers! Because only when their breath condenses into little clouds, the sand freezes under their feet and everyone else is wrapped up tightly in the warmth of the café watching the crazy goings-on in the water, is their feel-good temperature reached…
Cold-water surfing in Europe – Inhaltsverzeichnis
And while some dream of the summery wintersurfspots in southern Europe or even further away, others pack their warm clothes and head for the ice-cold but empty line-ups in Ireland, Iceland or the Lofoten Islands. Because in winter, the big swells bring clean and big waves to the coasts of northern Europe and the temperatures ensure that the line-ups empty all by themselves…
Cold-water surfing in northern europe – the equipment
To be able to surf in the ice cold waves of northern Europe a good cold water Surf equipment is absolutely necessary. To brave the cold for as long as possible, cold-water surfers arrive at the surf spot well prepared. The wetsuit should be 5 mm thick and have a warm inner lining. Ideally, the wetsuit should either have no zipper at all or a front zipper so that less water can enter. Add to this thick booties, gloves and a hood. Your winter surfing equipment is complete!
And then of course there is the warm change of clothes, dry robes so you don’t get too cold when changing and Vaseline to protect your face as much as possible from the cold air and water.
The right care for your equipment is also essential when surfing in cold water: every hole and every open seam should be fixed immediately. During summer it might not be that bad when water enters the wetsuit during summer, but you will regret it in winter!
Cold-water surfing in northern europe – Surfing off the green coasts of Ireland
Ireland – the land of the green hills and mystic legends, offers some of the best cold-water surf spots in Europe. With 3172 km of coast line there are innumerous surf spots for surfers of all levels. From beginners to intermediates to big wave surfers – everyone will find the perfect wave on beach or reef breaks depending on their level. Especially the west coast of Ireland is famous for its impressive waves. Surfers not only like the challenging conditions but also the hospitality of the Irish people.
The City Bundoran in County Donegal is often called “Surf Capital of Ireland”. The breathtaking landscape and the strong waves make it a surfers paradise, even though the water is freezing cold. It’s not for nothing that Ireland is also known as “cold water Indonesia”!
Even in summer, it can get pretty chilly when surfing in Ireland, so it only gets colder in winter. But the waves make up for everything and what could be better than warming up in a cozy pub after surfing with a warm meal and reflecting on your last surf session?
Cold-water surfing in Iceland – Surfing beneath the northern lights
Iceland – The land of unspeakable volcanoes, hissing geysers, hot springs and magical creatures not only attracts adventurous outdoor enthusiasts, but also has plenty to offer (cold-water) surfers. The Island enchants with its point breaks and beach breaks infront of black beaches. You will find the best conditions during the winter months, because that is the time when the most constant swells reach the coasts of Iceland.
Just around the capital Reykjavik passionate surfers will find many reliable surf spots, but in the north, south and east of the island, there are many remote surf spots. Many of those waves are secret spots and only known to the local surfers but some can be found on the well-known surf forecast websites and apps. And there are still many small gems along the coasts, waiting to be discovered.
Of course, Iceland’s unique landscape is definitely worth the visit, too: geysers that blow water vapor metres high into the air, waterfalls, northern lights and, of course, the hot springs where you can warm up after a successful surf session. A trip to Iceland will enchant you, even if the weather and surfing conditions are difficult to predict…
If you want to get in the mood for your cold-water surfing adventure in Iceland, we highly recommend the documentary “Under an Arctic Sky”. Wanderlust guaranteed!
Cold-water surfing at the polar circle – surfing in the Lofoten Islands
Going surfing 160 kilometer north of the arctic circle with a view of snow-capped mountings? Exactly that is possible when surfing in the Lofoten Islands! In summer you can surf all day round thanks to the midnight sun, whereas in winter you need to make good use of the shorter days. But surfing beneath the northern lights has it’s perks, too!
The Lofoten Islands claim the title of the world’s most northerly surf spot. The small village of Unstad, in the northwest of the islands, has been attracting cold-water surfers for years. Arctic swells roll in directly from Greenland and, thanks to the shallows off the coast of Lofoten, can build up unchecked and then rush in as beautiful waves. In summer, surfing on the Lofoten Islands is also something for beginners, while in winter it’s more for the more experienced surfers.
The water temperature on the Lofoten Islands is also more suited to experienced cold-water surfers: even in summer, the North Atlantic is barely warmer than 11° Celsius, and in winter it cools down to 3° Celsius. Only the Gulf Stream prevents the sea from freezing. It’s a good thing that the Norwegians have a very lively sauna culture, so that warming up after a surf session is definitely taken care of! And the famous cozy Norwegian sweaters also help you to forget the cold immediately after your surf session.
Conclusion – Winter surfing at the cold-water surf spots in northern Europe is for the braves!
Surfers and adventurers who are not afraid of the cold will find beautiful winter waves in Northern Europe! However, these wintersurfspots are not for the faint-hearted and a good thick wetsuit should definitely find it’s way into your luggage! These cold-water wintersurfspots in Europe are primarily for more experienced surfers, as the waves become more challenging in winter, but bouncing around in the cold water in white water can quickly become uncomfortable.
To stay warm, you should ideally change at home or in a warm car and have already warmed up well before changing. A warm change of clothes is an absolute must, as is Vaseline to protect your face. In the water, cold-water surfers always keep moving and avoid duck dives as much as possible. And what is all this for? For beautiful winter waves and empty line-ups on secluded beaches with views of sometimes snow-covered mountains.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable surfing adventure, venture off the beaten track and discover the fascination of cold-water surfing in Europe. It’s not only a physical challenge, but also a journey to the continent’s most beautiful and remote coastlines.