Surfing in Poland

Europe has many world class setups and certainly no one imagines Poland as being an ultimate surfing destination. However the country still provides some fun waves for those who are willing to look for something new. With almost 500 km of coastline, Poland has a good number of beaches that receive windswells generated by the many winter storms on the Baltic Sea. With a small but enthusiastic group of surfers the polish surf scene is starting to grow and better structures are being created to give tourists and locals easier access to the beautiful beaches of the country. The most popular surfing area in Poland is in the Peninsula of Hel. Don’t let the name fool you, this is a place of unique beauty and in the right conditions you can get some sick barrels with no other surfers in sight. That's the best part about surfing in Poland, there is never a crowd and when a long distance swell from the North Baltic hits the coast and you are in the right place at the right time it makes you appreciate those moments even more. Poland is famous for their cultural heritage and history, as well as for a rich local cuisine and for the warm hospitality.  We understand that this will never be a top European surf destination but ignoring the potential and the opportunities to surf in the Baltic Sea would be a huge mistake. After all, traveling and searching for different waves is part of the essence of every true surfer and Poland remains one of surfing’s final frontier.

1. Anything remarkable in the geography of this country (Relevant to surf)? 
   • (ocean, currents, winds, climate, mountain, type of coast, rivers (impact of river mouth) and surfable rivers (tidal waves)?)  
2. When did Surfing start in this place? What’s the (short) story of surfing and board sports here?
3. Famous personalities in surf / surf history in this {country}?
4. Anecdotes (if any) regarding surf / board sports in this country?
5. Popular board activities here (surf, longboard, Kite, Wind ?)
6. Main Surf Areas & why they are unique? (short Summary)
7. Most Remarkable surf spot(s) of {the country}
8. Remarkable Competitions in {Country}?
9. Who should surf there? (budget surfers, luxury surfers, beginners, advanced, pros, people from certain countries or languages, religions… etc.) and Why ?

Climate in Poland 

The climate in Poland is temperate with cold winters and warm summers. The weather patterns suffer great influence from oceanic air currents that come from the west, cold polar air coming from the north and warm subtropical air from the south. In winter temperatures can get below zero with heavy snowfall. Summer and autumn are frequently dry with lots of warm days. The average temperature during summer is 17°C (63°F) and the water temperature is usually around 18°C (64.5°F). In winter the water temperature is around 3°C (37.5°F) and the average air temperature is usually below 0°C (32). This is the best time to surf in the country due to the heavy activity on the Baltic Sea. Make sure you bring the right gear to endure really cold weather. The recommended is a 5/3 wetsuit plus gloves, booties and a hood. 

• How’s the weather, usually?
• What are the types of climates (arid or semiarid, Mediterranean, Tropical etc.) What Will I encounter?
• Does it vary / change a lot? (over time / day by day / per areas and sub areas?)
• How does that affect the Waves and Surfing conditions?

Best surf spots in Poland

The best surf spots in Poland are located in the Peninsula of Hel. This area is known for being ideal for the practice of many water sports. The main surf spots are the capital Chalupy, Władysławowo and Faleza. Other nearby spots are located in between Karwia and Rowy with a highlight for Leba. Lately some of the polish surfers have found out a new river wave on the Bobr River. 

• What should I know about {this area of {country}} regarding surf?
• Where is it (within the country)?
• What are the sub-areas in this area?
• How is this area and those sub-areas special? Why are they well-known?
• What type-of-waves, or conditions, wind…? are unique to this area?
• How many surf spots are in this area? ((NOTE: this datapoint will be automated quickly))
• What are the most remarkable surfspots, and why are they remarkable?
• Which is the best spots of this area for each level / persona of surfer? (if relevant)
• CTA to see the area (detailed) guide and listing

Budget Planning

Meal price range

Simple meals start at $7 USD. Mid-rang meals start at $18 USD. Dining & drinking at high-end restaurants can cost anywhere from $50-80 USD

Equipment rental

There are a few surf schools in Poland where you can probably rent gear from. But it might be best to bring your own. 

Prepaid SIM cards

Orange is a good choice. SIM cards can be purchased from supermarkets, street kiosks, gas (petrol) stations, and official company stores. Prepaid packages start at $8 USD

Public transport

In the larger cities public transportation is well developed; buses, trams, metro and taxi. In smaller towns you’ll find many bus lines to help you get around. 

There are plenty of train services to get you between large cities as well as the smaller regions.  

Taxis are easily available in larger towns and cities and not too expensive.  

Rental cars start at $37 USD.

Gas prices  

$0.97 USD a liter.  

• Price Range for Meals & what to expect for that price
• Price Range for Surf Equipment Rental
• Sim Cards (+ recommendations? )
• Price Range for Public Transport
• Price Range for Gas
• Price Range for Car Rental and who are the main renters

Types of risks

Rips and undertow

• Can it be risky to surf in this country? 
• If yes, when does it become risky? dangerous? deadly?
• Does this country suffer from natural disasters? What are they?
• Are “risky” areas marked as such?
• How is a risky area usually “signaled” for surfers to see?

How to prepare

Visa

Citizens from  62 countries, including the US, and Australia, can enter Poland without a visa for up to 90 days.

• Do I need visa before going there?
• If yes, how do I proceed?
• how long it takes?
• how long it lasts?
• resources to help me?
• other entry documents to prepare ?
• other entry / document rules? (passport validity…) 

Vaccines

Although it's not mandatory, it’s recommended that you have been vaccinated for hepatitis A & B, yellow fever, typhoid, rabies, meningitis, polio, Tdap, chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, measles, mumps and rubella. 

• Which vaccines are mandatory?
• Which vaccines are recommended?
• Any other health rule? (quarantine, ebola…)

Things to know

Language & Currency

Polish is the official language. In major cities and tourist destinations you’ll find many that can speak English. 

The currency is the Polish złoty (zł)

Best time to go

Summer and autumn are frequently dry with lots of warm days and the best time to go for surfing.

Checking Surf forecast 

Checking the forecast about a week before your trip is always a good idea. Understanding what the waves will be like and knowing what gear to pack is essential. You can check the forecast for the waves at:

https://www.surf-forecast.com/breaks/Chalupy/forecasts/latest/six_day

Do I need pack a pharmacy kit

You should bring a basic kit. Including ear drops, eye drops, bandaids, ear plugs, gaze, alcohol, and broad spectrum antibiotic ointment.

Travel/Surf Insurance

World Nomads has great travel insurance packages that are not super expensive and they cover surfing.

Emergency

Dial 112

Check surf pictures of Poland at #surfingpoland.