BRAVE surfers battled sub-zero temperatures and KILLER WHALES in Unstad Bay’s Lofoten Masters competition, in northern Norway this weekend.
The competitors took to the most northerly surf school in the world, with water temperatures a teeth-chatteringly cold seven degrees, to do battle in a simply incredible-looking spectacle.
Despite the cold, some incredible surfing was on display as Swedish star Maria Petersson won the ladies’ event, while Edi Siswanto of Bali took the top spot in the “open” competition.
However, it wasn’t just high winds and freezing cold temperatures the surfers had to contend with… as killer whales were seen terrifyingly close to the competitors in the water.
Two of the enormous creatures were seen during the Norwegian competition, as one surfer frantically waves his arms in order to draw attention to the black fins.
He then paddled back to shore as quickly as he could to escape the approaching mammals.
Despite the minor scare, the event in the Arctic Circle did manage to be completed.
The world’s most northerly surf school is owned by Marion Frantzen, who has been working tirelessly to bring more people to the area.
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Frantzen believes many are afraid of the cold, but in reality it’s not half as bad as you would believe.
She said: “I used to joke that if you get cold, I’ll give you your money back.
“That’s one of the biggest fears. People think it will be super cold but it’s not a problem.
“The technology of the new wetsuits is just so good. But I should probably offer a guarantee.
“Back in the beginning, people thought we were crazy. Now we get families coming here to surf.
“At first it was just the more extreme people coming but now it’s completely different.
“We believe surfing is for everybody and have been trying to make it more accessible.”
With the summer months that north meaning the sun NEVER sets, Frantzen added: “You can go for a midnight surf.”
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