Nestled just below the 71st parallel in northern Norway, Finnmark is a place where nature reigns supreme. The landscape is dramatic, with towering mountains giving way to vast plateaus, sheltered fjords, and winding river valleys. For Tim Latte, surfer and adventurer, this region held a deep, personal connection to his roots. One day, his dream of visiting Finnmark finally came true.

Finnmark has the Barents Sea crashing along its coast, wild and untamed. The weather here is unpredictable, the days often harsh, and the people resilient. It’s a place where reindeer roam freely, the distance between villages stretches, and modernity feels distant. Few people live here, and even fewer surf the remote shores of this far northern frontier.

For Tim Latte – acclaimed surfer, adventurer, and friend of KnowledgeCotton Apparel – the allure of Finnmark began long before he ever picked up a surfboard. From childhood, he felt a deep connection to the region, a bond rooted in his family’s history.

– My mother spent her childhood summers there and always spoke of Finnmark with such reverence. She would always share stories about the house her grandfather built after the war, and the family that still lives up there. It’s part of who I am, Tim explains.

In 2012, when he came across a photograph of a wave breaking along the wild coastline of Finnmark, his sense of longing was reignited. This time with a new purpose.

– It was a perfect wave, rolling across untouched land. In that moment, I knew the Barents Sea had untapped potential for surfing, and it became a top destination on my bucket list.

Gnarly land, gnarly man

At the time, Tim didn’t know anyone who had surfed the region, but that would soon change. Over the next few years, he began to see images surfacing on social media from a Canarian surfer named Carlos, who had moved with his family to Finnmark and was exploring its waves. Known on Instagram as Finmmarksurf, or Gnarly Charly, he was the only surfer living in the area.

– I realized that surfing in Finnmark was already happening. Charly was living in a place where most people wouldn’t dream of staying, especially if they’d grown up under the warm Canarian sun. That lit a fire in me. I just knew I had to go, Tim recalls.

Such a trip naturally requires a travel companion. But who would be crazy enough to join him, driving 20-plus hours into the Arctic, battling freezing temperatures and unpredictable elements, in search of waves? Enter Max Riton, vagabond photographer and long-time friend of Knowledge.

– Max was the first person who came to mind. He’s always ready to chase the unknown, making him the perfect partner for an adventure like this. It required no convincing, and he also understood instinctively that a surf adventure in a place like Finnmark demands total freedom. In that kind of environment, flexibility is everything.

Heading for the edge of the world

The two set off, their car packed with surf gear and excitement. Along the way, they decided to detour to Lofoten to visit old friends. A 15-hour diversion that turned out to be a refreshing pause before they pressed on toward the colder, more remote areas of Northern Norway.

– The cold, long days in the car, the remoteness of Finnmark… it can take a toll, so we needed that break. Those little detours help to recharge your batteries before you head into the wild and are sometimes the best parts of the trip.

As they traveled further north, the landscape shifted with each passing kilometer. Mountains slowly gave way to vast plateaus and sheltered fjords. Reindeer sightings outnumbered those of cars, and the gaps between villages widened. Phone reception dwindled, and the winds began to howl.

– You can feel it when you enter Finnmark. The landscape changes, the weather gets wilder, and you realize you’re heading into a place that feels completely different. It’s like you’re driving to the edge of the world. You truly feel the remoteness, and there’s something primal about it.

From sauna sessions to surfing action

When they finally reached their destination, a small fishing town on the edge of the Barents Sea, Tim and Max were immediately greeted by the biting cold. After a sleepless night, they knew the first order of business was to find warmth. Tim’s trick? The local sauna.

– Iceland teaches you a thing or two about how to survive the cold. I’ve spent enough time there to know that a sauna is always the way to go. It’s a big part of the culture in Finnmark too, and it’s the best place to warm up and connect with the locals. Luckily, we found one, and the elderly fishermen we met there were more than happy to share their stories.

These fishermen, who gathered there regularly for their sauna club, were quick to notice that Tim and Max were strangers. When they explained their mission – surfing Finnmark and reconnecting with Tim’s family roots – they were met with a warm reception. The older men shared their knowledge of the area’s rich history, the vibrant culture, and the deep sense of community that holds the region together despite its harsh conditions.

– Their stories were remarkable. They spoke of the hard life at sea and about the summer festivals when people from all over Finnmark, and even neighboring countries, come together to celebrate. Although this is one of the poorest regions in Norway, they still manage to support one another. That deep camaraderie is truly something special.

Chasing the waves

For Tim and Max, the trip wasn’t just about the surf. It was about experiencing the land, the people, and the history of the place. Out of the three weeks spent on the road, they only managed to surf a handful of times. There were days when storms kept them holed up, playing cards and reading about the region’s fascinating history, waiting for a break in the weather. But when the conditions allowed, the surf was unforgettable.

– Catching a wave here is an unforgettable experience. You're surfing in a hidden spot, where the waves may not always be perfect, but the thrill of discovery makes it all worthwhile. If you want flawless conditions every day, this isn't the place. But when the weather clears and the waves align, it's worth the wait. The patience and uncertainty make those moments when everything clicks feel truly magical.

One of Tim’s most memorable moments came during one of their last days in Finnmark. They hiked 45 minutes to a spot they’d briefly tried out just before sunset a week earlier. This time, the waves were even better.

– That session was the highlight of the trip. It’s rare to score waves that good in such a remote spot, especially alone. Surfing above the Arctic Circle, with no crowds, was incredible. That’s the beauty of one of Europe’s last surf frontiers. It’s hard to reach, but totally worth it when you do.

Ready for the next chapter

For Tim, this journey was just the first chapter in a larger story. The connection to his family, the adventure of surfing in such an unexplored place, and the people he met along the way all left an indelible mark on him.

– There’s so much more to explore in Finnmark. It’s not just a place to surf, it’s a place to experience. I can’t wait to return, explore, and uncover even more stories waiting to be told.

Finnmark may be remote, challenging, and unforgiving, but for those willing to embrace the wild, it offers an unforgettable adventure. If you’re brave enough to go there, Tim and Max recommend getting in touch with Charly, the local surf expert who still resides there.

– He’s not only mastered these waves but knows the area inside and out. Under his guidance, you will experience Finnmark at its rawest and catch the authentic vibe of what this region has to offer. And it doesn’t matter what surf level you’re at!