At the beginning of 2009, at the height of the a scorching bushfire ravaged Victorian summer, my Norwegian born wife Marianne and I, with our two grommets, Archie (4) and Terge (2) in tow, boardered a flight to a destination that was the extreme opposite to the climate we were experiencing at the time.
After more than 30 hours flying we were high above the Arctic Circle in Norway, near the Lofoten Island chain and plunged deep into a Norwegian Arctic winter. At that moment in time it seemed like a crazy decision to leave behind a lifestyle and a job with Rip Curl where I had the opportunity to travel and surf exotic tropical locations around the world as national team and sponsorship manager, but change and life experiences are good for the soul.
After spending three months of quality time with Marianne’s parents, we moved on and have now settled in our own house near Norway’s capital, Oslo, close to Marianne’s brother and his young family. The grommets are having a blast with their new Viking mates, as all good Vikings do. Marianne, being a qualified nurse, slotted into the work force effortlessly. I’ve tried my hand at corporate catering and getting my head around the language. At the moment I’m on assignment for Rip Curl International, travelling on the European leg of the WQS with chargers Owen Wright, Wilko and Stu Kennedy as team manager. A good opportunity to surf in boardies again!
We plan to stay in Norway for a couple years then head back to Oz and good old Barwon Heads. Until then I’ll be hitting the slopes snowboarding and rely on my H-Bomb, 6mm gloves, hood and boots when I surf.
QUICK FACTS
• Winter water temp about 3.5 degrees.
• Summer water temp up to 14 degrees.
• Low light in winter, minus air temp.
• The surf is consistent from October through April, similar to Surf Coast through Spring, Winter &Autumn. Summer pretty much goes dead flat.
• Be prepared to surf on your own.
• Keep an eye out for killer whales.
Wes
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment