The Ultimate Guide to Surfing in Antartica

We’ve all heard of pro surfers traveling to crazy parts of the world like Antarctica to surf the most obscure waves.

The everyday surfer tends to be absent from these types of adventures.

Have you ever felt the urge to leave everything behind for a few weeks and spend your days sailing in the southernmost continent searching for an uncrowded, frost-touched, majestical wave?

Let’s make this trip possible.  

Can You Actually Surf in Antarctica?

Surfing Antarctica is no easy feat.

There’s a reason why Antarctica isn’t known as a top surf destination or why we only see pros sponsored by RedBull accessing these waves.

Getting there is extremely challenging as well as expensive. Weather can be unpredictable, sailors may refuse passage and you may even get cold feet.

That being said, it can be possible for the everyday surfer to catch waves here too, it’s only a matter of making it happen. You must be dedicated to the adventure and extremely flexible to whatever comes your way. 

How to Get to Antartica

In order to reach the icy shores of Antarctica there are two options; fly and cruise over or solely fly.

The latter option is much more expensive as no commercial flights will land you in the continent itself so you must find a private pilot willing to fly you and your gear.

For the budget, the fly and cruise ship will be your best option. Mind you, this is no budget friendly trip. On average a cruise ship to Antarctica will run you into the ground with prices hovering around $10,000. 

Most ships offering passage to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. Unless you or someone you know owns a sturdy, massive yacht with a reinforced hull and the knowledge to sail the unforgiving Drakes Passage, unfortunately you will be stuck on a cruise ship.

The journey lasts about 11 days so be prepared for some long days at sea! You’ll traverse the Chilean fjords, navigate the infamous Drakes Passage and anchor in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Once you reach the continent you will have to find a private company willing to provide passage to one of the Islands pumping surfable waves.

Keep in mind there are no tour companies offering surf expeditions as surfing creates too much of a liability — like most surf trips off the beaten path, you'll have to get creative.

Gear Needed to Surf Antartica

Alright the fun stuff! You have survived the 11 days at sea, secured transportation to one of the islands and are stoked to get in the water! There are several items of paraphernalia required to keep you safe while riding.

The surface water runs around 28 degrees fahrenheit, deeper water actually runs slightly warmer than the surface water due to the frosty outside temperatures.

A 7 mm wetsuit will keep your blood pumping but don’t expect the warmest surf.

Most of the big brand companies don’t make 7mm wetsuits so a custom suit may be the best option. You will need a hoodie, booties and gloves the same thickness as your wetsuit, a quiver of boards to surf varying conditions, and wax applicable to the freezing water. You will also need a multitude of layers to keep you warm outside of the water. 

Waves to Surf in Antartica

There are three main areas in Antarctica where you will be most likely to score some peelers. Your best bet will be surfing coves and bays around the Peninsula.

Less travel is required to reach these spots as the cruise ships dump off at the Peninsula.

The multitude of bays and coves catch southern swells where you may score a few rideable waves.

Deception Island is located in the southern part of the continent and home to an active volcano.

Here you will find slightly warmer water with left and right hand points but also much more of a journey.

King George Island provides easier access from the main continent with a mix of beach breaks.

All these areas are highly susceptible to unpredictable weather changes, demanding patience from the surfer taking on this adventure. 

What Can You do if you hit a Flatspell in Antartica

Due to the unpredictable weather changes Antarctica is prone to, there is a chance you may hit a flatspell.

This can be disappointing, but at the end of the day you are in an area few have the opportunity to travel to with an abundance of wildlife and adventuring.

Go see penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula, embark on a kayak tour, or view the stars in the most remote area.

While on the hunt for waves, dangle a fishing pole off the side of the boat. Take the scenery in and patiently wait for your next catch as you slurp on a hot cup of noodles. 

Surfing Antarctica: Conclusion

In all honesty, executing a surf trip to Antarctica will take some heavy planning, connections, and intense will power.

Access is restricted, temperatures are cold, and there is a chance you may not run into waves while there. That being said, this is an experience of a lifetime.

To surf where few humans have been before is arguably worth the work it will take to get this trip underway.