“100 percent fun”: A case study of benefits from cold water surfing in Jæren, Norway

Abstract

Norway is steadily progressing towards being a popular cold-water surf destination. The long Norwegian coastline is attracting an increasing number of surfers who surf year round in extreme weather conditions. The aim of this research is to identify the benefits acquired by Norwegian surfers surfing in cold water along the Jæren coast, south the city of Stavanger in Norway. This research adopted a phenomenological approach and qualitative research techniques were implemented. The applied qualitative methods were semi-structured in-depth individual interviews and group interviews with thirteen veteran surfers, observations, and secondary data material, which consisted of written material from online surfing blogs and video material. The interpretation and analysis of qualitative materials showed that participants gain a wide range of benefits by surfing actively year round. Surfers reported advanced skills development and experiencing feelings of freedom, playfulness, inclusion and strong social cohesion with other members in the surfing subculture, a deep connection to nature, physical and mental health benefits, and an overall enhanced quality of life.

Keywords: Surfing, benefits, lifestyle sports, extreme sports, serious leisure, Jæren, Norway