Surf Camp Norway: Week-Long Surf Retreat at H-Bay Surf House in Hoddevik

A typical day starts early — you'll be up, breakfasted and in a wetsuit by mid-morning to catch the best of the swell and the light. Surf sessions run twice a day, usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with lunch back at the house in between. In the evening, people cook together in the shared kitchen or eat at one of the local spots, and there's usually a sauna session or a walk along the beach before bed. The pace is set by the weather and the waves, so schedules shift day to day.

What sets this place apart is the location. Hoddevik is at the end of a single road, surrounded by mountains on three sides and the open Atlantic on the fourth. The beach is a broad, flat strand of dark sand, and the surf breaks on both sides of the bay depending on conditions. It's not a party destination — the village has a handful of houses, a surf shop, and not much else. People come here to surf and to get away from everything.

The surf house itself is a converted building with shared rooms, a communal kitchen and living space, and storage for boards and wetsuits. There's a sauna for warming up after cold-water sessions, which guests use most days. The house is run by a small team of local and visiting surfers who know the breaks and will take you to the right spot for the conditions.

Lessons are taught in groups, but there are options for private, couple and family lessons too. Beginners start on the beach with the basics — board handling, paddling, popping up — before heading into the whitewater. More experienced surfers get guidance on reading the waves, positioning and turning. The instructors are experienced cold-water surfers and are used to teaching in thick wetsuits and gloves.

Beyond surfing, there's not a huge amount to do, which is part of the appeal. Guests hike up the surrounding mountains for views over the bay, fish from the rocks, or just read by the fire. The nearest airport is Ålesund or Sandane, and the drive in takes a few hours through some of the most dramatic scenery in Norway.

What's included

- Accommodation at H-Bay Surf House - Daily surf lessons (group, or private/couple/family on request) - Use of wetsuit, boots, gloves and hood - Use of surfboard from the house quiver (around 60 boards, 7'6" to 9') - Sauna access - Communal kitchen and living areas - Drying room for wetsuits and gear

What's not included

- Flights to Norway - Airport transfers (can be arranged for an extra cost) - Meals (unless specified in your package — self-catering in the communal kitchen) - Travel insurance - Personal expenses - Additional surf equipment rentals beyond the package - Day trips and activities outside the surf programme