Got what it takes to tackle the cold waters of Scandinavia to check out some truly divine surf? Well there are some things you are going to want to know ahead of time, so do your homework to make sure you make the most of your surfing adventure.

First, realize due to environmental concerns, it is illegal to surf off the coasts of Norway from October 31 through April 1, and you can get a hefty fine for violating those restrictions. Besides, the water is cold enough in the summertime to challenge even hardy surfers, so tackling the waves in the winter holds little appeal, but early autumn is the best time for the big swells.

Admittedly, the rugged shorelines and raging storms don’t always make for the best conditions, and you won’t find long stretches of white sand beaches like many surfing destinations. For beginners, there is an accommodating beach o­n the coast road from Egersund to Stavanger. For the adventurous surfers who love to reveal in the challenges of the sport, the waters around Scandinavia offer plenty of opportunity to put your skills to the test.

Many die hard surfers head straight to the islands like Lofotenoff Norway to get away from the crowds and experience waters actually inside the Arctic Circle. Known for its relatively straight patches of coastline and sheltered coves amidst a primordial wilderness, Lofotenoff has become a favorite of the exotic surfing crowd.

More traditional surfers feel right at home at Toro, the Swedish surf spot a 12 miles south of Stockholm and home of the first Swedish surf contest in 1991. You will also find that the popularity of the sport in Scandinavia means there are surf shops and magazines that specialize in cold water surfing.