Rip Curl surfing shop owner and hardcore surfer Markus Hietamäki.

When it comes to surfing, most people think of places such as Hawaii, Australia or Indonesia. However, for a few dedicated people, the surf’s up in Finland.

In a country that gets no natural swell, surfing isn’t an obvious pastime. But that hasn’t stopped Simon MacGregor and Juho Mikkonen from regularly heading for Hanko and Pori to catch waves.

Simon grew up in Torquay, Australia, one of the best surfing locations in the world, and Juho picked up the sport when he lived in California when he was younger.

They estimate that there are about 500 surfers in Finland, and believe there exists a good surf culture – despite being a country without any real waves to speak of.

The first ever surf contest in Finland was held last year and for the last seven years a contest has been held overseas in countries such as Portugal and Morocco to determine the best Finnish surfer.

The best places to surf in Finland are on the south-west corner of the archipelago but the Finnish-Swedish border can also get good waves.

The waves in Finland are only created by the force of the wind, which means they are usually fairly small and choppy.

“There is potential, but only once a year or so is it really good. You can get a few half-decent days though,” says MacGregor. “The waves don’t have a lot of power, but you don’t expect them to be massive. It’s a novelty. But when you go for so long without surfing, anything will do.”

Juho Mikkonen says most Finns who surf get into it when they travel abroad and come home hooked.

“You go surfing a few times and you fall in love with it. Guys here drive 300 kilometres to go surfing, so they’re pretty dedicated,” says Mikkonen.

Would you like ice with that?

The avid surfers don’t find the water temperature, which is often between 1-4 degrees, a big problem.

“The cold doesn’t matter much,” says MacGregor, “You wear a wetsuit, booties, hood and gloves, so you’re pretty much covered. The technology is now there that it’s not too bulky. You’re either paddling or surfing so you don’t get too cold.”

Despite a brave face, they usually only surf when the weather warms up, though there are some more dedicated people who go out even in the depths of winter.

“Some people surf every single month if the water isn’t frozen. Some crew have icicles stuck to their eyebrows when they come out of the water,” says Mikkonen.

Paddle power

One of the main problems with only surfing occasionally is that you lose your “paddling condition”, which has led MacGregor to start up a weekly paddling session near his home in Lauttasari. Those who are keen get together, jump on their surfboards and paddle out to an island, or around the bay, before finishing things off with a Sauna.

The group is usually made up of friends, fellow surfers and those wanting to prepare for an overseas surfing trip.

MacGregor says that he has had some strange looks. “People look at you pretty weird for wearing wetsuits and hoodies and paddling in the middle of the bay on a board. A few boats must have wondered what the hell was going on,” he says.

The pair joke that the paddling group is after some financial backing. “We are looking for a sponsor. A beer sponsor would be great. Surfing is a sport that is important to keep well hydrated,” says Mikkonen.

James Meek - HT
www.ripcurl.fi

History of surfing
Surfing originated in Polynesia, with Europeans observing the phenomenon for the first time in
1767. The sport is estimated to be over 3,000 years old and is known as “The Sport of Kings” due
to it traditionally being practiced by Hawaiian kings of which the chief was the most skilled wave
rider of the community. Boards were heavy, long and made from timber, unlike the sleek, shorter
board we see today.

Where can you go surfing in Finland?
The south west archipelago of Finland gets occasional good waves, along with the coast around the
Finnish-Swedish border. Closest to Helsinki is around Pori and Hanko.

Where can you get your surf gear?
Finland has its own online surf shop now, www.surffikauppa.com

What are the set up costs?
For the full kit, prices vary depending on the quality, brand, type of boards, thickness and flexibility
of wetsuits etc. The minimum you’re going to pay before hitting the water is around a €1000. Buying
second hand gear is also an option but have someone with more experience look it over first.