5 Best Cold Water Surf Spots in the World

Cover image:
Christoffer Engström on Unsplash

Cold water surfing is not for the faint of heart. To charge icy waves in relentless elements covered head to toe in 5mm of neoprene, takes someone who is strong-willed, passionate, and maybe a bit crazy. However, it is time to ditch the daydreams of palm trees, board shorts, and warm turquoise water because these cold water surf spots are home to uncrowded world-class waves.

Tofino - Canada

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On the West Coast of Vancouver Island in British Colombia, Canada, a small surf town named Torfino is home to an up-and-coming cold water surf scene. With consistent surf year-round, brave surfers from all over are adding it to their surf-vacation checklist. There are plenty of scenic, snowy mountain-backed breaks to explore like Cox Bay, Chestermans, Longbeach, and more. However, most spots are only accessible by boat, 4WD, and with some local knowledge. Furthermore, the water temperature in this neck of the woods is bone-chilling... all puns intended. It calls for at least a 5 mm hooded wetsuit, booties, and gloves. The prominent swell direction is from the West, and most breaks take well to a Southwest swell. Those willing to brave the cold are rewarded with uncrowded, consistent waves.

Thurso – Scotland

Located in North Scotland, Thurso is home to the best reef breaks in the country. Despite the brutal and ever-present elements, this spot converts frigid Northwest Arctic swells into world-class waves. Wintertime is impossibly cold with temperatures consistently hanging around freezing, and even in summer, a 4/3 hooded wetsuit, booties, and gloves are recommended. The wave's popularity has grown, so unlike some of these other cold water gems, expect to share the icy water with some fellow bundled-up buds.

Reykjavik – Iceland

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At the top of the Atlantic Ocean, the Icelandic coastline is home to a new and growing surf community. Beyond the freezing arctic temperatures, relentless ever-changing weather, and sharp rocks that hide under waves, brave souls are surfing uncrowded gems. The best months to surf are from October to March, and a 5, or even 6 mm hooded wetsuit, booties, and gloves are a must. If sub-freezing ocean temperatures don't stand in the way, this is one of the most unique surf destinations in the world.

Lofoten – Norway

lofoten, norway

Home to vast, unexplored coastlines, Norway has incredible surf potential for those who don't mind arctic temperatures. Unstad in the Lofoten Islands is the most popular surf break in the country. It has reliable waves and scenery that bring a frozen tear to your eyes. It works best with a NorthWest swell and the best time of year for surf is Winter, so a 5 - 6 mm hooded wetsuit, gloves, and booties are essential.

Kodiak – Alaska

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Kodiak sits off the South coast of Alaska and is the most popular and easily accessible surf spot in the state. The waves are consistent year-round, however, in Winter, when ocean temperatures are almost freezing, and air temperatures are beyond, the surf is best. A proper 5 - 6 mm wetsuit get-up is necessary to face the icy waves, but once past the initial polar plunge, there is plenty of fun to be had. Kodiak is one of the most scenic, and up-and-coming surf spots in the US.

Looking for a wetsuit warm enough for a cold-water surf trip? Check out Jamie’s favorites here.

Does reading about the best cold water surf spots inspire you to hit the waves? Remember to check out the Jamie O’Brien Surf App here for anytime, anywhere surf coaching.