Surfing in Russia

There is a stereotype that it is impossible to surf in Russia, since there are no waves of normal quality and stability. Therefore, surfers prefer to train in exotic countries, where there are waves of different levels. However, experienced surfers claim that this sport can develop perfectly at home.

In Russia, more often ride in places such as Kamchatka, the Black Sea coast, St. Petersburg, Vladivostok, Kaliningrad. The country even has a Surfing Federation. Surf competitions are held annually, and in 2013 our athletes participated in international ISA competitions.

Best Russian surf spots:

• Kamchatka

  The most unusual and extreme surfing in winter in Kamchatka. The air temperature is -14°, the water is warmer, -2°. Getting to the ocean is difficult-the roads are covered with snow, you have to rent a snowmobile. Sometimes athletes in the snow on foot with equipment overcome distances up to 10 km. Difficulties are forgotten when they see an almost lunar landscape. Ahead of the ocean, left and right Snowy Mountains and smoking volcanoes-indescribable beauty.

  Wearing thick wetsuits, gloves and boots, surfers plunge into the cold waves that form Crystal splashes. The coast at this time is deserted, few people want to test their strength in icy water. There are not many such unique places in the world. People living in Kamchatka do not even suspect that there is a world-class surfing place nearby.

  In the summer, when the water temperature in the Pacific Ocean warms up to 15°, surfers come to the 50-kilometer Khalaktyrsky Beach, located near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. At the end of the beach is the tent surf camp Kamshaka Republic, operating in the summer. There is a friendly, friendly atmosphere, surfing classes are held. The price of one lesson lasting three hours, together with the rental of equipment, is 2.5 thousand rubles.renting a board separately will cost 1.2 thousand rubles., the cost of living is 500 rubles. in the camp and 850 rubles. in the hostel. The season for skiing in Kamchatka begins in May and lasts until October. The warmest water is from late June to mid-August.

  Surf School Snowave on the peninsula appeared in 2009. It works in two ways. In winter, snowboard classes are held. There are many snow-covered mountains and hills, so there is where to turn around, besides this sport is very close to surfing. In the summer, the school moves to the coast, where there is an opportunity to ride the wave.

• Black Sea coast (Sochi)

  Beginners and those who prefer comfortable warm waters, the Black Sea coast is perfect. The tradition of surfing in these places is almost two decades old. Here, too, there are quite decent waves, simple and diverse, allowing you to hone your skills in comfortable conditions. To catch good waves, it is better to watch the weather forecast in advance.

  The best spot is in Khost (Sochi). From the airport can be reached in 20 minutes by a comfortable train. Here is a convenient place for skiing, an inexpensive hotel, there is a cafe nearby. In 2013, the Russian Surfing Championship was held in Sochi.

• Crimea

  Since 2014, several more domestic places have opened for Russian surfers, where you can surf to your heart's content. Not allresorts of Crimea are suitable for surfing, but those that are suitable are much better than spots on the mainland of the Black Sea, since the peninsula protrudes far into the sea, and takes on the full power of the waves. The best place for surfing in the Crimea is a section of the West Coast north of Sevastopol up to the village of Nikolaevka. Here are the famous resorts Kacha, Lyubimovka, sandy.

  Another place to surf in Crimea is the area of Feodosia, and especially Primorskiy village nearby. The waves here are very small, perfect for beginners.

• St. Petersburg

  Surfing in St. Petersburg depends on the availability of wind. The main spots are on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the most popular of them are Atlantis and Cape Fleet in the village of Sunny. On Lake Ladoga, the best surf spot is the Lighthouse (Osinovets village), but the waves are not as high-quality as in the Gulf of Finland.

  The skiing season begins in early spring and lasts until the water is covered with ice. The surf school is located 30 km from St. Petersburg, on the shore of the Bay. The cost of the lesson (1.5 hours) – 2500 rubles., 5 lessons – 10 thousand rubles. students are provided with a wetsuit and surf board. Rental of the board separately is 700 rubles., wetsuit – 500 rubles.

• Kaliningrad

  Here the wave conditions for surfing are the most stable in Russia. The Baltic Sea is located close to the Atlantic Ocean, so there are storms and waves usually of good quality. You can ride the board all year round, but it is better in autumn and spring. Sandy beaches are more suitable for beginners. Those who know how to ride, choose places near breakwaters.

  The surf school was founded in 2014. Prices here are slightly lower than in St. Petersburg. So, one lesson costs 2 thousand rubles., seven lessons-11.9 thousand rubles. board rental-500 rubles., wetsuit-300 rubles. In the first days of September 2015 in Zelenogradsk (spot Barn) in stormy conditions, the National Surfing Championship was held, in which professionals and amateurs participated.

• Vladivostok

  You can ride on the islands and in the city itself. Unfortunately, waves here are infrequent. Favorable conditions for surfing-early spring and late summer. On the island of Russian there is a surf camp Swell, where you can take surfing lessons. They come here with their tent or take them to the arena. There are all conditions for comfortable living in the field.