The place that reminds you what surfing is all about
March 13, 2023Casper Steinfath is a Danish surfer, adventure addict and 6X SUP World Champion winner, who recently visited our camp in Norway. Even though he has the opportunity to visit some incredible places all over the world, Hoddvik was really high on his list. By the end of the stay, he said that the bay had reminded him what surfing was all about.
We sat down to have a chat with him about the experience!
VIDEO
Casper Steinfath searches for waves in Norway
![[Thumbnail] Casper Steinfath searches for waves in Norway](https://images.ctfassets.net/xhzuh2up4xai/2TZGxtm1ay4vEuXxlkjizl/76d88fbad2e09dc0640b6fe2b733cc90/maxresdefault.jpeg?fm=jpg&fl=progressive&w=1920&q=75)
What was it about Hoddevik that made you want to visit?
Hoddevik has been on my radar for many years. Living in Denmark, I’ve always fantasized about the Norwegian mountains and the infamous cold-water surf spots up north. When I joined the Lapoint team as an ambassador, I saw it as my chance to finally make that dream come true!
Compared to other surf destinations, what makes our Nordic Hawaii so special?
Even though it’s nice to surf on a tropical beach, sometimes you crave something else. Hoddevik gives you that true sense of adventure – it’s wild and raw, and you can really feel the elements.
Coming from Denmark where we don’t have mountains, having that landscape as the backdrop to your surf sessions is just incredible.
What feeling does this place give you?
It feels like stepping into the Lord of the Rings – like a true fairytale. The majestic mountains surrounding the bay make for a very powerful first impression. I’ve been surfing all my life – I’m 28 years old – and this brought back that pure sense of excitement you have when you’re younger. I was feeling ecstatic and couldn’t wait to get my wetsuit on and get out in the water.
Did Hoddevik live up to the expectations?
It not only exceeded my expectations – it absolutely blew my mind! I had some of my best ever Scandinavian surf sessions in Hoddevik and the nearby spots, and to be honest I didn’t expect to score such amazing waves on my trip.
What is the best memory from your stay in the bay?
That must have been from the first morning - walking out on the terrace of the camp with a coffee in my hand watching the sunrise over the mountains, and seeing these peelers – beautiful little waves – rolling in. The whole bay was illuminated by the sun and the view was just spectacular. I wanna go back right now!
Can you describe the surf there?
You have these big cliffs on each side of the bay, and then the sandbar break in the middle, which makes for a really beautiful spot with a dramatic setting but still sheltered from the wind. It’s a lot of fun waves for beginners and intermediate surfers, and when it gets bigger it has a lot of power for more advanced surfers too.
The nearby towns also have some world-class reefs and breaks, but I would say that Hoddevik is an intermediate surfer’s dream.
How is the surf community and the vibe at the camp?
I loved it! The vibe was very enthusiastic at the camp. There were so many stoked people eager to make the most of the conditions. The team of coaches were very welcoming and gave us some good insight into when and where to go surfing and exploring. It’s also a very strong local surf community in Hoddevik.
I always try to be respectful to the people and the spots when I visit local surf communities like that, and we ended up meeting some incredible people and new friends. In general, it’s just a very good and cosy vibe everywhere - I could have stayed there for months!
You mentioned that Hoddevik had reminded you what surfing was all about, can you go a bit more in-depth on this?
My trip to Hoddevik brought out that pure sense of fun and adventure that I love about surfing. I forgot everything about competing and performing, it was just about playing in the ocean and having fun in the waves, whatever conditions. Hoddevik is the perfect playground where surfing really is the essence of the place, and you get to immerse yourself completely in it all without any distractions.
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