Norway

The region

Surfing in Norway means surfing north of the Arctic Circle. Lofoten is the best-known place for it, and the pictures of snow-covered peaks behind the wave are not a trick but the normal state of things. The North Atlantic supplies the swell; the deep fjords and open bays give it room.

It is a region for people who are, above all, well prepared. The surfing itself is not the hard part — everything around it is: getting there, daylight, changing in sub-zero temperatures, the short time you can stay in. Come in winter and you will surf much of the day in twilight, with the chance of northern lights over the line-up.

The season is autumn and winter, because that is when the swell arrives. At 4 to 14 degrees a winter suit with hood, thick boots and gloves is basic equipment, not an option.