Surfing just seems like such a cool sport right? The people who go surfing always seem ultra cool and laid back, and the best surf spots are always in the most exotic locations. So really, what’s not to like? Surfing is on my Forty by Forty bucketlist so when I heard that one of the best surf spots in Europe was located right here in Denmark, the way I jumped at the opportunity to go…
Cold Hawaii Surf Camp is located in Klitmøller, a tranquil beach paradise in the North-West of Denmark. Klitmøller is also referred to as “Cold Hawaii” apparently because of the waves and optimal conditions for surfing. I had been wondering what I wanted to do for my birthday and this seemed like the perfect gift to myself! I opted for the surf camp weekend package which involved three two-hour sessions of surfing or stand up paddling and accommodation in the beach camp house. That’s when the nerves kicked in. I mean…I’m not a strong swimmer…I was going by myself…I didn’t actually know exactly how I was going to get there or get home…Yadda yadda yadda. I ended up getting a ride via Gomore (a lift-sharing app here in Denmark) and making a friend who incidentally was also going to the surf camp as well with two of her friends. I couldn’t have planned it better. We arrived, and immediately went for our stand up paddle class, no time for dropping stuff off at the beachcamp house, just straight to the beach and into the water. Straight in, no chaser.
Stand up paddling also know as SUP, is really great fun but hell on your lower body if you stayed seated for a long time as I did. My thighs and booty were so sore the next day but it was so much fun I really couldn’t be upset. Unfortunately the next day, the conditions of the water were deemed too dangerous for us to surf and after getting pulled way out by the current twice, our SUP session was also called off. So instead, we went hiking in Thy National Park which is an absolute gem. Yes, we were disappointed not to be surfing but what a fantastic alternative the national park was. It was a serene drive and there was next to no one around so we had this incredible expanse of land all to ourselves. Amazing.
We got to finally get our surf on the last day. After missing out on some action the day before because of weather conditions, I was seriously worried we wouldn’t get any board surfing action but as soon as we arrived at the surf school and saw people putting on their wetsuits, I knew it was on like Kong! Yaaaaaaaassssssssssssssssssss girl!!!!!!!!! Cue 4 hours of pure joy and amazement. You need to have strong arms for the paddling involved and the rocks were determined to cut up my feet even through my surf boots, but nothing could take away from the bliss of the moment. I’m not the strongest of swimmers but I did my thing out there, yes I will toot my own horn, and even managed to stand up on my board. Fine, for a matter of seconds, but look, haters are not welcome here! Ha!
In summary, things to do in Klitmøller – surf, surf, SURF! Otherwise, go a bit further afield and discover Thy National Park, you won’t regret it. Klitmøller is not very big, a typical seaside town but there are so many cute restaurants and cafes, you’ll want to try them all. Give the Garden Café a whirl (which by the way, also doubles as easily one of the most Instagrammable spots ever!), or try some cold crabs at the Crabs Food Truck close to the Cold Hawaii Beach Shop. Stop off for a beer at Café Stalden, a cute little pub that seems to be hidden away in the woods (then again maybe it was just the way we walked there ha!).
It’s so easy to get sucked into the sleepy pace of life there. I can almost see why people are flocking to the spot in their droves and buying up summer homes there. What was once a quaint fishing spot is now a haven to surfers and creatives alike. The fishermen are still there though I’m sure they must wonder what the fuss is all about. Well, now that I’ve got a little surfer experience, I can tell them all about it.
Have you ever tried surfing? Do you love it too? Share your experience in the comments!
