5 places to surf in Russia. Where to surf in Russia?

Surfing has become a part of people’s lives all over the world and is rapidly developing in Russia. This discipline has already been included in the Olympic list, and at the Tokyo 2020 Games it will already be possible to watch surfers compete.

At the beginning of August the ONEGO SURF PRO Russian Surfing Championship took place, and on August 25 and 26 the Locals Only Festival will be held at the Rowing Channel in Moscow. The Russian Wakesurfing Championship will be held there, which will include a stage of the CWSA (International Wakesurfing Association) World Series and a colorful music show.

In anticipation of this event we talked to Sergey Zhukovsky, the director of Locals Only festival, and found out which places in Russia are the best for surfing and what are the differences between them.

The riding spots can be divided into two types.

According to the optimality of natural conditions (thebest quality waves come there):

Vladivostok
Paramushir Island
Sochi
Sakhalin
Kaliningrad
St. Petersburg

Ocean waves do not come as often, they are more even and of higher quality. Weather conditions there are usually more comfortable, because the waves are not formed because of winds, as, for example, in St. Petersburg. In the Northern Capital, waves come very often, and the riding turns out to be torn.

In terms of availability and popularity

Tabla de conținut

Spot “Hosta” in Sochi

This is one of the most convenient places for surfing, located at the mouth of the Khosta River. Waves here are high-quality, with a wide wall. It is not by chance that one of the stages of the Russian Surfing Championship is held in Khosta.

This spot is more suitable for shortboarding. Waves come mainly in the fall, winter, spring.

Minuses:

Waves last no more than 5-6 hours a day, so you need to know the forecast and get in at the right time.
There are rocks and reefs, so it is better to ride here only experienced surfers.

Avantaje

Weather conditions, temperature.

Spot “Barn” in Zelenogradsk

This picturesque place with a sandy bottom has gained great popularity. Here to try their strength quietly can beginners. The best “Barn” is suitable for longboarding. But it is quite possible to ride on a short board.

Minuses

A lot of vacationers

Spot “Laskovy” in St. Petersburg

This beach is located 40 km from the city. Sandy bottom, frequent waves and accessibility for residents of the middle zone make “Laskovy” an attractive place for amateurs and pros.

Minuses:

As a rule, sharp, uneven waves.

Spot “Patrokl” in Vladivostok

“Patrokl” is perfect not only for experienced wave conquerors, but also for SUP-surfing fans (surfing with a paddle). And what picturesque landscapes and vast spaces there are here!

Contra

Waves are rare, you can wait up to three months for the forecast.
Sea urchins may be waiting for you at the bottom.

Khalaktyrsky spot in Kamchatka

The atmosphere for surfing at Khalaktyrsky beach is perfect. Transparent waves, black volcanic sand, mountains and volcanoes are visible around – this place is definitely worth visiting.

Avantaje

Smooth waves, great for longboarding.
You can ride almost all year round.

For beginners: you can try “Laskovy”, “AmBar” (they are the most affordable for the middle strip), “Khalaktyrsky”.

Master the emerging sports and discover new places. To try something unexplored and to realize: “This is mine” – that seems to be what happiness sounds like.