Iceland

Iceland, the hidden gem of surf, one of the outposts of Europe rises up from the North-Atlantic Sea half way between the continents of Europe and America.

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Iceland, the hidden gem of surf, one of the outposts of Europe rises up from the North-Atlantic Sea half way between the continents of Europe and America. Most commonly known for its unspoiled nature, massive glacier ice caps, natural hot springs, geysers and volcanic activity, world-class surf has just been added to the list of things to do in Iceland.

While the country’s northerly location makes it somewhat colder than the more popular surf spots in Europe (e.g. Spain, Portugal), it sure has its benefits. Iceland gets its fair share of warm wind with the Gulf Stream, which originates in the Gulf of Mexico, but its location and proximity to the North Pole guarantees regular cold winds and makes sure that the island in the north will never be a popular destination for sunbathing or warm weekend getaways.

For the surfer, these facts guarantee two things that some of us like. Constant wind, meaning constant swell and consistent surf. Colder than average conditions, meaning no people. Empty line ups and frequent swell pretty much says it all. With population of app. 300,000 and no more then 30 surfers (10-15 active on day-to-day basis), empty line ups is one thing you can take for granted when surfing in Iceland.

Like with most of Europe swell size is at minimum in June, July and August, although there are some good waves to be had and occasionally great waves. Winter (Late December, January and February) can become really cold (both wind and water) with strong winds and massive waves making surf only possible for the selected few.

This makes spring (from March to the End of May) and autumn (Late August to Mid December) the perfect seasons for surf in Iceland. Water temperature ranges from 10-14 degrees celcius and during early autumn Iceland has an unprecedented 80% or more surf reliability, in simpler terms, massive surf almost every day.

For most months of the year a 6 mm wetsuit, gloves, hood and boots are recommended (e.g. 6/5/4 mm) but when water temperature reaches its maximum in autumn you can easily surf without the hood and gloves and a 5 mm suit will do just fine (4 mm for those who are used to the cold). Although 6 mm wetsuits will keep you warm all year, surfers have to keep in mind that when dressing and undressing on the beach in winter in minus 5 degrees celcius is not for the faint hearted. Add the wind chill factor to those minus 5 degrees and we have some serious cold conditions. Therefore spring and autumn is recommended as water, weather and wind are warmer.
One major benefit this island has, other than what has been previously mentioned is its size, or lack there off. Driving around the whole island takes you some 24 hours, so going from coast to coast is not undoable if surf forecast is more promising for certain parts of the island.

The capital city of Reykjavik is where most fun is to be had when surf is down. Reykjavik is located near the Reykjanes peninsula where some of the best spots in Iceland are located, all less then an hours drive from the city center. Most breaks are point breaks and there are quite a few to select from depending on both wind and ground swell direction. There are two decent sand breaks near the city with volcanic black sand beaches but not as reliable and consistent as the point breaks. Discover why the surf media is calling Iceland the new Morocco (the place where everyone´s going because no one´s going there).