feminist Surf RETREATS
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FALL? – BUT WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU fly?
Join our mermaizing surf RETREATS in Cold Hawaii, Denmark!
we combine surfing, mental coaching, yoga and Breath Work / apnea training
to build community and resilience.
With a small number of participants we guarantee a familiar and supportive atmosphere, lots of progress and even more fun.
enjoy the magic of cold water surfing and build confidence
in a safe and empowering space!
General Information
Surf Conditions in Cold Hawaii
The beautiful Thy region is located in northwest Denmark. The coastal towns Vorupør, Vangså, Klitmøller and Hanstholm are at the heart of this region, known as Cold Hawaii. You can find here a wide range of surf spots for all levels and in (almost) all conditions.
When is the best time to surf in Denmark?
You can surf in Denmark year-round, but most people come between April and October for milder temperatures and longer daylight hours. In fall and winter, the waves tend to be bigger and more powerful – perfect for those who love cold water surfing!
We are always on the search for more mellow options with fewer crowds and more joy in the water.
What if there are no waves?
Since we can’t control the ocean, we can’t promise perfect waves, but we guarantee to make the most of whatever conditions we get! And if there are no waves at all, we’ll focus on other key elements of our program, like:
- Surf-Skating to improve balance and technique
- SUP Sessions to build strength, stability and ocean security
- Yoga to enhance flexibility and awareness, while reducing anxieties and insecurities
- Apnea Techniques and Breath Work to earn skills and trust in the ocean, especially during longer hold downs and wipe outs
- Theory Sessions on forecast reading, surf her*story, ocean literacy, boards & equipment,…
We believe surfing is a puzzle made up of many pieces – riding waves is just one of them!
Program & Catering – What to expect during your surf RETREAT
Arrival & Schedule
- Arrival: Planned for late afternoon of the first day
- Introduction & Goal Setting: A chance to get to know each other, set personal (surfing) goals, and go through the week’s schedule
- Flexible Planning: Our program is centered around surf conditions – we’ll determine the best times to be in the water based on wave and wind direction, the tide and your personal goals
The program ends on the last evening, so you’re free to leave at your own paste the following day.
Food & Catering
- Welcome Soup: A warm meal awaits you on arrival
- Bold Breakfasts: every morning a hearty breakfast provides you with the energy for the cold water
- Sirens Dinner: delicious shared dinners (vegan / vegetarian) are made for you with love and local ingredients, while there is one night off to discover local eateries
- Basic Kitchen Supplies: Spices, tea, oil and essentials are available
- Self-Catering: everything outside of what we offer and what you wish for can be prepared in the shared and well-equipped kitchen
- Local Options: you can find well-stocked supermarkets in the area and fantastic options for eating out
EVENING HIGHLIGHT – COLD WATER SIRENS FILM NIGHT
A curated selection of inspiring films with a feminist perspective – sometimes featuring exciting guest speakers.
Accommodation
For your surf week in Denmark, you’ll stay in a beautiful traditional house in Vangså, a tiny village in between Klitmøller and Vorupør.
There are four private double bedrooms and a large communal space with a cozy fire place.
The house is 700 meters from the water and located right in the heart of the Thy National Park.
Equipment & Rental options
If you don’t have your own board or wetsuit, we are happy to equip you with a beginner board (soft top) or rent some of our own hard tops to you. We have a fine selection of longboards and mid-length / fun boards in our quiver.
If you don’t have a wetsuit, we will find the best local rental options that offer high-quality gear suited to your needs and the current conditions.
Pricing
OUR GOAL IS TO ACT SUSTAINABLE, FAIR AND ACCESSIBLE
no flights needed – our trips are reachable without flying (if you are situated somewhere in Northern Europe)
fair wages for coaches and facilitators – we reject the (self-) exploitative working conditions common in the surf industry
supporting local businesses – we avoid big chains and prioritize small, community-driven shops and services
SLIDING SCALE PRICING
Not everyone has the same financial means and surfing is a sport that is not easily accessible to everyone. In order to make it possible for as many people as possible to take part in our program, we use a sliding scale system based on the Green Bottle Method, an instrument for economic justice developed by Alexis J. Cunnigfolk. Those with greater financial privilege contribute more, allowing those with less access, to pay according to their means.
HOW MUCH COST THE SURF WEEKS?
Our surf weeks vary in length, content and number of facilitators.
You can find detailed pricing information on each program description.
TEAM RIDER SPOT – FULLY FUNDED PARTICIPATION
We are facing an ongoing climate catastrophe and the rise of fascism. From time to time, we offer fully funded Team Rider Spots for individuals who are disproportionally affected by:
systemic oppression
wars & forced migration
gender-based violence
activism burnout
If this applies to you or someone you know,
please reach out.
How to Get To Cold hawaii
The region of Cold Hawaii is both 450km away from Hamburg or Copenhagen, making it easily reachable by car within about 5 hours. Klitmøller, where most of our surf weeks take place, is a small coastal village with a supermarket, cafés, and surf shops.
External link to Google Maps: Klitmøller Beach
CARPOOLING & LOCAL TRANSPORT
- Carpooling: Before your surf week starts, we’ll set up a chat group so you can arrange shared rides.
- On-site transport: You should be able to carpool to reach the surf spots that are not within walking distance.
TRAIN & SHUTTLE OPTION
Prefer public transport? You can take the train to Thisted, the closest station. From there ,we can arrange a shuttle for a small fee. You can also combine train and bike for a more sustainable journey!
“The concept of a feminist surf trip is great!”
Read more
“Many new impulses were given to rethink surf culture and to think more about yourself, instead of clichés. Furthermore, to encourage and support each other much more and above all to put the fun in the foreground!
The journey with Cold Water Sirens has opened up a lot of new possibilities in terms of my skills and made me braver!”
Anne, 49
Teacher
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