And most importantly – it’s compatible! Yes, this is not a travel oxymoron, and the logic is not broken. Everything fits: in Kaliningrad, May is the peak of the wave season; in Kamchatka, surfing does not end (and in variable manifestations), and in Sochi you can actually hit the triple in one day, that is, carry out that same Triple Threat (literally “triple blow”) and ride three boards of different types at once – snowboard, surf and skateboard.
Kamchatka: from classics to survival paddle surfing
Kamchatka with its endless black sands, lava valleys, in one of the caves of which Sauron himself clearly hid, poisonous green grass, volcanoes and elven landscapes – the edge of the Earth, where everyone should definitely visit. Including self-respecting surfers, both beginners and those experienced in more than one swell (disturbance in the ocean that creates waves). In summer, the ocean temperature is no different from the Atlantic coast of Morocco and ranges from +15 °C to +18 °C; in May the water warms up to +4-5 °C. For such conditions, a wetsuit with a thickness of 3-4 mm is suitable; in spring it is better to wear gloves and surf boots, but in winter 7 mm wetsuits, gloves, boots and a helmet are used. There are two warring varieties available on the peninsula: stand-up paddleboarding and classic surfing. Despite the traditional confrontation, Kamchatka locales surf in symbiosis.
For starters, about paddle surfing (SUP – stand up paddle) or the same surfing, only standing and with a paddle. We are used to seeing its calm modification, when the “rower” stands on the board (it’s different here, more stable) and impressively cuts through the calm water surface. But it’s more interesting to add extreme sports. And then you’re off to Kamchatka! There are many routes available to fans of stand-up paddle boarding: from wave and winding ones, right along the snags and turns of Khalaktyrka, to a relaxed excursion route. Going along the second route, you can look at the Three Brothers (the rocky symbol of Avacha Bay), sail past forgotten ships or simply take a relaxing stroll along the river.
Stanislav Ivanov (founder of the school and community SUP FAMILY KAMCHATKA) is responsible for the SUP surfing movement in Petropavlovsk:
“Describing the routes? It’s difficult. We have a lot of options, we constantly find something new. The main thing is to decide on the level of extreme sports and wishes based on the “pictures”. We ride along the rivers, lakes and sea areas of the Kamchatka Territory. For tranquil excursions, rafting along the Pinachevo River in the Elizovo region is suitable, and you can tickle your nerves on the descent to the ocean along the Khalaktyrka. The top destinations are the same Khalaktyrka, an extremely picturesque hike around the Zavoiko Peninsula (including tasting freshly caught and immediately prepared seafood). The signature route of Kamchatka is the Three Brothers rocks, the secret “trails” of the grottoes of Tikhaya Bay and rafting along the Pinachevo River, leading to a horse farm with a panoramic view of the “home” volcanoes (Koryaksky, Avachinsky and Kozelsky – editor’s note). If you haven’t seen a SUP board before, don’t worry. We provide initial training on international starts ISA (International Standard Atmosphere – editor’s note). And after the briefing, we confidently set off on a journey. Active season – from May to October.”
Cost of lessons, routes and equipment rental:
From 2000 rubles for a two-hour walk and an initial training course to 6000 rubles for a day yacht tour to Starichkov Island. Rental cost (SUP board with paddle, life jacket and wetsuit) 2500 rubles*.
For classic surfing The entire ocean is open. The place where the lineup or conditional “line” is located along which surfers are based in anticipation of the “rolling” wave is called a spot. Here they are scattered throughout the Khalaktyrsky beach – overlooking the volcanic sand the color of wet asphalt and the green neon of the local nature. There is always a wave season here; it is divided into winter and summer. Winter, more powerful and cold waves are more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Anton Morozov (founder of the SNOWAVE school) tells in detail about Kamchatka surfing:
“We surf all year round, but the most comfortable season is from mid-May to mid-October. In spring and summer these are the same “universal” waves. If in winter the offshore wind blows more often and “pipes” form, then in spring and summer everything is calmer. The goal is to get on the board? Easy! Conditions allow. There is a place to ride both a longboard and a shortboard, at any level of skill. People regularly come to us with their children and study with their families. What is the special advantage? Empty lineups! The main locations are located along the beach (and this is very convenient – just 20 minutes from the city), but we go to volcanoes (there is an excellent spot in the bay near Vilyuchinsky) and to distant spots – on yachts, boats or as part of an expedition. The latter are popular among foreigners; they are also interested in seeing nature.”
Cost of lessons and equipment rental:
From 4000 rubles group lesson for adults and 2500 rubles per day for children. There are options for individual training, lesson packages and full-fledged surfcamp programs*.
Where to stay in Kamchatka
In Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky you have a choice in a completely different price range:
Bay House – from 5500 rubles per night per person*;
Yu Hotel – from 8000 rubles per night per person*.
Kaliningrad: a great reason to get on the board and learn to “read” the waves
In addition to visiting Kant Island (be sure to listen to one of the most beautiful organs in Europe), an esoteric walk through the Dancing Forest and a deep study of local cuisine (oh, this bonito stroganina, bugs, smoked eel, apple pie with cinnamon & #8230;) – there will be skating! Sea surfing is different from ocean surfing: it is a mandatory storm-forming wind, an irregular surf forecast and “ragged”, often more difficult conditions. But for newcomers and the first waves, paradoxically, Kaliningrad will become a motivational location.
Let’s talk with Evgeniy Isakov (founder of the König Surf Club surf school):
“The conditions are suitable for longboarding, which suits the needs of beginners. For shortboarding, the forecast is difficult to catch, and the level of local surfers is not yet that high. And for those who are just starting to catch waves, there is a lot of space in Kaliningrad. For example, I don’t always go out under the same conditions as the students – it’s simply boring. But the Curonian and Baltic spits are very curved, so the direction of the incoming waves is different, you can choose based on preferences and weather conditions. The main spots are located in the Zelenogradsk area (there is a developed surfing infrastructure here, it is convenient to get there both from the center of Kaliningrad and from the city itself), Svetlogorsk, in the vicinity of Pionersky, Baltiysky, Donskoy, Yantarny.
The best time for surfing is spring and autumn. The season changes, storms come and, accordingly, waves. But in summer the water temperature is very comfortable, you don’t need gloves, a helmet or boots. From June to the end of August, a full set of equipment (including a board and wetsuit) costs 1,500 rubles, in winter – 1,800*. We do not rent equipment without first assessing your skills. Kaliningrad surfing differs from surfing in other regions in the nature of the waves, bottom topography and many breakwaters. Summer lessons cost 2500 rubles, winter ones – 3000*. If an anticyclone comes and the sea becomes a smooth lake, we go out on sapakhs. We also conduct “land” surfing on carvers. These boards simulate the movements of a surfer while riding a wave – excellent training for maintaining and developing surfing skills. So whenever you come to Kaliningrad – just enjoy it!”.
Where to stay
If you want to be closer to the sea and a surfing school, then definitely in Zelenogradsk. Here are some options:
Boutique hotel PARADOX – from 4300 rubles per night per person*;
Apart-hotel Residence – from 1800 rubles per night per person*.
Sochi: “triple blow”. From the Krasnaya Polyana mountains to the Adler embankment
Due to the peculiarities of the relief and climate, Sochi is unique for a variety of activities. SUP surfing is actively developed; you can find a competent instructor and the necessary equipment in a couple of minutes. The storm season starts in late autumn and lasts until spring, this is the best time for surfers. Summer waves are already rare. The Black Sea does not cool down like the Baltic Sea in St. Petersburg (they surf there on the Gulf of Finland) or Kaliningrad, which means a prolonged surf session even in the cold season. In winter, a 5mm thick wetsuit with gloves, boots and a helmet is suitable, while in summer you can get by with a 2mm thick one.
Having lived a couple of years in Sri Lanka (having previously mastered the waves of Kaliningrad), Ivan Blokhin got involved in the Sochi movement:
“The infrastructure (specifically for surfing) is not developed. There is no place to leave things and change clothes, equipment and equipment rental is meager. There are a couple of surf schools that provide wetsuits, but usually you take everything with you. This is the special charm – the surfing here is wild, isolated. The azure-colored sea is very reminiscent of the ocean. Locals will warmly share the pleasure of skiing and share their knowledge if you are a beginner. True, it’s unlikely to be possible to get on the board from scratch – It is difficult to catch waves in summer, and winter storms require a certain level. But there are surf schools that will teach you how to cope with any conditions. The waves are mostly sharp and fast, and the bottom is rocky, so it’s easy to damage or even break the board. By the way, the best board for local surfing is a voluminous “fish” with two fins or a hybrid (large shortboard).
Most spots are located near rivers or breakwaters flowing into the sea. Rivers wash sandy banks of pebbles and sand, creating a sharp drop in depth for the “correct” long waves, but it is difficult to find a flat and soft wave. Sochi surfing did not become widespread ― there are too many vacationers, few potential traffic participants, and the terrain here is difficult. On a good day, up to 20 people gather at the spot.
Main spots: “Mandarin” on the Mzymta River in Adler (suitable even for beginners; “soft” ones come here in spring and summer left waves) and “Hosta” – surfing competitions are held here. Next to “Khosta” there is “Vidny” at the cape of the same name (only for advanced students), and “Riviera” with slow and voluminous waves at the start is also suitable for beginners.”
Where to stay
Various offers:
Portobello Sochi Hotel – from 5200 rubles per night per person*;
Park Inn from Radisson Sochi Center – from 6500 rubles per night per person*.
*Prices valid at time of publication
Photos: unsplash.com/shutterstock.com
