Surf CampHoddevik, Norway
Surfing in Hoddevik, Norway - The ultimate surf guide
Can you hear the North calling? Experience a Nordic surf adventure in the magical bay of Hoddevik. Here is the guide to everything you’ll need to know to have an amazing surf holiday in Norway.
Hoddevik truly is a surf destination out of the ordinary. Our surf camp is emerged in the stunning Norwegian nature that almost feels magical. You’ll feel an instant sense of calm when you arrive at the beautiful bay.
Hoddevik is the location of our most remote camp, so how do you get there and what do you need to prepare before the trip? Here’s our big guide to help you out!
Quick Norway facts: Things to know before you go
Official languages: Norwegian (the two main dialects of Norwegian are Bokmål and Nynorsk) and Sami.
Time zone: GMT+2
Currency: Norwegian Krone (NOK)
Capital: Oslo
Population: Around 5.4 million people.
Religion: The biggest religion in Norway is Lutheran Christianity, although the religious practice in the country is low and many people are members for cultural reasons.
Electricity: 230 V is the voltage in Norway. The standard Euro plug sockets, C and F plugs, are used here.
Flag: 🇳🇴
Surfing in Hoddevik: Everything you need to know
Surfing in Norway is nothing short of epic! Picture this: you're carving through cool, glassy waves with towering mountains as your backdrop and not a crowded lineup in sight. Hoddevik, with its jaw-dropping coastal cliffs and consistently fun waves, is the ultimate hidden treasure for surfers craving a wild adventure in Norway’s untamed beauty.
Read more about our surf courses in Hoddevik here
Seasons and surf conditions: When is the best time to surf in Hoddevik?
Hoddevik’s weather can be a bit of a mixed bag. You might catch a beautiful sunny summer day, but be ready for sudden rain and strong winds on the next. Let’s break down the surfing conditions in Hoddevik into the four seasons.
Spring: March to June
Summer: July to September
Autumn: October
Winter: November to February
From November to March, you can expect bigger waves, windier days, and colder conditions—perfect for surfers seeking a challenge. From April to October, the conditions mellow out, offering nice, manageable waves suitable for all levels of surfers. Each season brings its own unique surf experience, so here's roughly what you can expect:
Spring surf conditions: The calmer waves return
As the weather starts warming up, spring brings a mix of conditions. You'll find fun, smaller waves—perfect for returning to the swing of things after the winter chill.
Summer surf conditions: Surf in the midnight sun
Long days and the stunning midnight sun make summer a magical time in Hoddevik. Waves tend to be smaller and gentler, great for laid-back sessions, but they can get too flat for more advanced surfers.
Autumn surf conditions: Bigger swells are coming in
This is when things get interesting! Autumn brings bigger swells, perfect for intermediate surfers. The weather starts cooling down, but the waves are often worth braving the cooler temperatures.
During the colder months, you’ll experience cold water surfing (maybe you’ll even see some snow on the ground and northern lights in the sky!).
Winter surf conditions: Powerful winter waves
If you’re up for an adventure, winter surfing in Hoddevik is an experience like no other. The swells get powerful, and you’ll need a thick wetsuit, but the cold-water surfing vibe is truly special.
When is the best time to surf in Hoddevik for my level?
Nestled among stunning fjords, Hoddevik offers surfable waves in all seasons. Summer is perfect for mellow, beginner-friendly conditions, while the colder months bring bigger waves and a truly unique surf experience. Whether chasing thrills or taking it slow, Hoddevik is always worth the trip.
What’s the vibe like in the water?
The vibe in the water is friendly, with surfers sharing waves and good energy. The best part? There’s almost no crowd, so you’ll have plenty of space to catch waves without the hustle of busier surf spots. It’s the perfect place to enjoy peaceful, uncrowded sessions in one of Norway’s most scenic surf destinations.
Surfboard recommendations: Which surfboard should I bring to Hoddevik?
While we’ve got a selection of boards in our camp quiver, if you're bringing your own, here’s what we recommend:
Longboard: A longboard is perfect for cruising those mellow, rolling waves. Hoddevik's gentle swells offer plenty of opportunities for long, smooth rides!
Midlength: A midlength board strikes the perfect balance between maneuverability and stability. It’s a great choice to handle Hoddevik’s changing conditions, especially when you want more control without sacrificing glide.
Fish: A fish board is ideal if you’re looking for something playful. It’s perfect for getting the most out of those smaller waves and makes for a fun session when the conditions are a bit softer.
Local weather: "There's no bad weather, only bad clothing”
The famous expression “there's no bad weather, only bad clothing” perfectly fits the Norwegian attitude about the weather—it can be unpredictable! In the summer, temperatures can reach around 25°C (77°F), but don't be surprised if you run into some rainy or windy days, so make sure to pack accordingly.
Air temperature: During summer, it generally ranges from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F), while in winter, it can drop to around 2°C to 10°C (36°F to 50°F).
Water temperature: In the warmer months, the water stays between 13°C to 17°C (55°F to 63°F), but in winter, expect it to dip to a chilly 5°C to 9°C (41°F to 48°F). You’ll definitely want a thick wetsuit, especially in the winter!
Regarding wetsuits and swimwear: What should I wear while surfing in Hoddevik, Norway?
When surfing in Hoddevik, your wetsuit choice will depend on the time of year:
October to April: Expect colder waters and chillier weather, so gear up with a 6.5 mm wetsuit, complete with a hood, 7 mm boots, and gloves. This combo will keep you warm and comfortable in the more frigid conditions.
May to September: The temperatures warm up a bit, so a 5.4 mm wetsuit paired with 5 mm boots should keep you cozy while you enjoy the surf.
Ensure you’re well-equipped to stay warm and enjoy your sessions in Hoddevik!
Surf safety: What should I be aware of?
A few key factors must be considered to ensure a safe and enjoyable surf session in Hoddevik. From weather quirks to local hazards, here's what you need to know to stay safe and maximize your time in the water.
Weather conditions: Hoddevik’s weather can be quite changeable, with strong winds and sudden rain showers. Always check the forecast before heading out to ensure you’re prepared for any surprises.
Water conditions: The waters here can be chilly, especially from October to April, so make sure your wetsuit and gear are suited to the conditions.
Local hazards: Be prepared for powerful winds and watch out for rocks on the right side of the beach. Also, watch for the less experienced surfers in the lineup.
A final note on surfing in Hoddevik: Into the wild
Surfing in Hoddevik offers one of the most beautiful surf experiences you can find. With neverending sun in summer and a winter wonderland in the wintertime. Hoddevik truly is a wild adventure that is well worth the journey.
Lapoint Surf Camp: Our beautiful home in Hoddevik
Our surf camp in Hoddevik is different from our other camps. Here you’ll stay in one of our two villas in the bay and live a more off-the-grid lifestyle. There are no restaurants or bars nearby, you’ll be getting the real outdoorsy Nordic experience!
Connecting by disconnecting
One of our favorite things about Hoddevik is that it’s easy to feel like you’re living in the present. You’ll truly be one with nature during your stay here. With one of the world's most mesmerizing surf spots (at least we think so) right down the street. You can surf during the midnight sun in the summertime and during the colder months, you can jump into the sauna after a chilly surf session! This is one of those places you didn't know your heart had been missing before coming here.
Eating at the camp: Cook all your meals together
There are no restaurants or cafes in Hoddevik, therefore we make all our meals at the camp. There is a supermarket called Bunnpris in Leikanger, a 20-minute car ride away from the camp. There you can go in your own car or together with the camp to get all the groceries that you’ll need. Both of the villas have nice kitchens where you can cook together with your newly found friends and sit outside and enjoy the meal.
Traditional Norwegian food
Do you want inspiration on what to cook together in the kitchen? Try to make traditional Norwegian food!
Do you want to try a different kind of breakfast? Then give grovbrød (whole wheat bread) with brunost (a special Norwegian cheese) a go! This is also a common meal to eat as lunch in Norway.
Rømmegrøt is a sour cream porridge. It can be served together with meat or by itself together with cinnamon and sugar.
Kjøttkaker is Norwegian meatballs, don’t make the mistake of confusing these with Swedish meatballs (you don't want to offend both the Swedes and Norwegians!), you can roll your own or buy them at the grocery store.
Raspeball is a Norwegian dish that can be described as a dumpling potato. Klubb, kompe and potetball are other names for this dish (depending on where in Norway you are) and it’s made out of flour and potatoes.
Vafler, or waffles, is a very popular dish in Norway and simply a must-try.
Packing: What should I bring for my surf trip to Hoddevik?
Since this surf camp is different from our other camps, there are a few important things that you’ll need to add to your packing list:
Hoddevik, Norway: general packing
Passport
Food: It’s a good idea to bring food for the whole stay if you travel to Hoddevik by car, since the food prices are quite expensive in Norway. The closest supermarket (Bunnpris in Leikanger) is a 20-minute car ride away from the camp.
Bedding: You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and bed linen to the camp.
Towels: Bring a towel for the beach and a towel for the shower.
Water bottle: The tap water in Norway is safe to drink, but remember to bring a reusable water bottle to fill it up with.
Sunscreen: The sun in Norway may not be as strong as it is at our tropical destination, but it never hurts to bring one for the sunny days anyway.
Something warm: The weather can be unpredictable around Hoddevik, so bring some warm clothes for the foggy mornings and chilly Norwegian evenings. Some rain gear and a windproof jacket are also good to pack.
Good shoes: There are some really nice hikes around Hoddevik so make sure you bring comfortable hiking shoes.
Motion sickness pills: The roads in Norway may be beautiful, but they are often far from straight! So if you know you get car sick easily, then don't forget to bring some pills for motion sickness!
Hoddevik, Norway: Packing for the surf
Everything that you need for a surf holiday in Hoddevik is included in your surf package when it comes to surfboards, wetsuits and equipment. But if you want to bring your own surfboard and wetsuit you are more than welcome to do so!
Sustainability
The beach is our home. We are leaving it better than we found it.
We have made a commitment to our ocean, beaches and community. They are our playground, our home and our livelihood. We are going to leave them better than we found them. That means that all our employees, friends and guests helps out with recycling and taking other actions for the environment. Each week there are beach cleaning and recycling activities to ensure that our home stays the way it was supposed to be.
Lapoint