Top 3 Coldest Waves in the World

Winter is coming. Soon, much of the world’s northern hemisphere will be subject to howling winds, frigid temperatures, and longer nights. In order to help the brave wintertime surfers get in the cold water spirit, or to spark an unconventional holiday break surf trip, here are the three coldest waves in the world that will make you grateful to surf at any temperature above freezing.

#3 – Alaska

Alaska is a haven for those looking for the solitude of nature with a chance to surf if you learn where to look. If watching grizzlies and searching for gold aren’t your favorite things, simply hop into a 7-millimeter suit, gloves, and boots to go find some waves! With over 6,600 miles of coastline, there are sure to be enough breaks in the land of the midnight sun for everyone. Furthermore, check out this link here for more information on where to find waves and gear in the great American frontier.

#2 – Iceland

This volcanic island in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean is home to world-class hiking, whale watching, and the infamous northern lights. Iceland is at the top of the gulf stream so gnarly swells are known to be pushed up against the coastline and fjords. These waves break for local surfers upon rocky shores covered in black sand and white ice on Iceland’s endless miles of coastline all year. For those who would rather not travel to the Arctic for chilly water waves, you aren’t out of luck! Chris Burkard’s film, Under an Arctic Sky, captures the magnitude of conditions surfers here endure for these frigid, polar waves. It is highly worth viewing.

#1 – The Great Lakes

These lakes might as well be known as the Great Freshwater Seas. Extreme currents, waves, and temperature changes are frequent occurrences in these bodies of water with approximately 10,500 miles of shoreline. In the fall and winter, polar winds howl across the water from Canada. These gusts have the ability to create monster-sized waves among these dangerously cold lakes. Brave midwesterners with their full wetsuits and proudly displayed icebeards aren’t afraid to let a little “chill” stop them. Sometimes, the surfers even report wipeouts due to hitting an underwater iceberg. In February it is also not uncommon to experience these lakes becoming complete covered in ice. This barely above-freezing water, North American water system hosts arguably the coldest surfable waves in the entire world.

In actuality, most surfers prefer to not be in water that is truly dangerous in temperature. Lazy Surfer is designed to help remind users when the surf near them is firing, which is usually a little warmer. Swells arrive on all breaks year-round so grab a wetsuit and find the spot you love. Don’t forget to remind yourself, that no matter how crummy of a day you had, at least you didn’t hit an iceberg and bust your fin.