• This is no Bondi Beach, board shorts are definitely not an option and instead of sand there is snow, lots of it.
    This is no Bondi Beach, board shorts are definitely not an option and instead of sand there is snow, lots of it.
  • Unstad is located above the Arctic Circle.
    Unstad is located above the Arctic Circle.
  • Novice surfers go surfing in the Norwegian Sea on March 12, 2017.
    Novice surfers go surfing in the Norwegian Sea on March 12, 2017.
  • “It’s a big change coming from a Sydney summer to winter here,” says Carroll, a former two-time world surfing champion.
    “It’s a big change coming from a Sydney summer to winter here,” says Carroll, a former two-time world surfing champion.
  • Tom Carroll credits advancements in wetsuit technology for keeping him alive in the frigid waters: “This is an exotic experience for me.”
    Tom Carroll credits advancements in wetsuit technology for keeping him alive in the frigid waters: “This is an exotic experience for me.”
  • Australian surf legend Tom Carroll, 55, and Norwegian surfer Tommy Olsen keep warm in a hot bath after surfing the Arctic waves.
    Australian surf legend Tom Carroll, 55, and Norwegian surfer Tommy Olsen keep warm in a hot bath after surfing the Arctic waves.
  • The water temperature is at 5°C and the air temperature is a chilly -2°C.
    The water temperature is at 5°C and the air temperature is a chilly -2°C.
  • Unstad is also a good place to watch the Aurora borealis.
    Unstad is also a good place to watch the Aurora borealis.
  • Surfers rest in front of a camp fire after an evening of surfing.
    Surfers rest in front of a camp fire after an evening of surfing.
  • Surfers wait for the right moment to enter the water.
    Surfers wait for the right moment to enter the water.
  • Norwegian surfer Tommy Olsen is seen in the water as he gives a surfing lesson to beginners in Flakstad.
    Norwegian surfer Tommy Olsen is seen in the water as he gives a surfing lesson to beginners in Flakstad.

World

Surf’s up, in the Arctic Circle — in pictures

Jake Badger

March 19, 2017

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Unstad, Norway is far from the surf scence of Bondi Beach, and with water temperatures at a chilly 5°C, board shorts in this school are definitely not an option. All photos by Olivier Morin / AFP Photo

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