Extra-Academic Programs

They said it wasn’t possible, they thought we were mad, maybe it was a joke but it wasn’t we weren’t and it was. Surfing in the winter is not only possible but with the right equipment it’s positively enjoyable.

Leaving after lunch on Saturday we didn’t quite know what to expect, we had been keeping an eye on the surf forecast for the past month so knew we would have waves but would we be warm enough to appreciate them? Five hours later having driven through snowy mountains we arrived at Hoddevik where we took collected the college’s new equipment, 6 boards and 8 wetsuits, loaded them onto the minibus and drove back across the mountain to Ervik.

Next morning we were up early to prepare the boards and get into the suits. A short drive and we arrived at the beach to be greeted by medium size surf and sunshine, 4 hours later we had our answer; it is possible to stay toasty warm even when immersed in water that is only 5⁰C. The miracle wetsuits did not however stop everyone’s arms falling off with fatigue so we quickly removed the suits in the car park and drove back to the cabin. This turned out to be the only time we felt the cold but after three days we all became masters of the quick change.

Monday was more of the same then on Tuesday the wind dropped and we got a chance to paddle beyond the break and experience taking off on clean waves; it couldn’t have been planned better.

The whole time we were there snow fell in abundance making the drive home rather interesting but again modern technology, this time in the form of a 4 wheel drive Toyota, got us home safely.

Snow cave PBL March 2010

After watching the rain for a week we were amazingly lucky to be leaving the college on a Sunday morning in brilliant sunshine. After a short drive to Steiestølen we started our trip by crossing the river on a row of stepping stones. Only one ski got wet, and we could all happily continue skiing up into the mountains. Without too much trouble we reached the area where we had planned to build a snow cave, but had to spend quite a while searching for a god spot. However, when we did find the spot, it was perfect; lots of snow, sheltered location and water.

Daniel and Simon quickly volunteered to start digging the cave and were later helped and relieved by the rest of the group. We also built a toilet and a small kitchen area. The cave became a nice and large one – though with a sloping floor the first night…

On Monday we woke up to lovely weather and could enjoy porridge while looking at the sun and snow. We made the cave slightly larger and the floor level for a better nights sleep and then set out for a nice ski trip. The ski trip took us to Taket where we had a great lunch in the sunshine, then as the clouds started to gather in the distance, we continued our trip to Styggeheia. On our way back we had some snow and wind, but by the time we were back at Taket again, the sun had come out again and we could go back to our cave for a nice oriental stew.

Being fairly cold in the evening everyone was in the cave by 6 pm and all was quiet by 7.

Tuesday morning was grey, but still fine. We had breakfast and packed our bags before heading towards the road and our ride home. The light making all contours disappear it was a bit of a challenge at the start, but everyone helped each other and we made it down to the road well in advance of our pick up time. Deciding that we had time and that the road would be hard to get up with the van, we skied down the steepest bits of road. At the bottom we met a driver who was very pleased not to have to drive up the steep hills we had come down.

I think we all had a great trip. Everyone was incredibly good at helping out and being team players, and all but Sibusiso, who can’t get much more tanned, have bright red faces to prove that we had some nice sunny weather!