Surfing the Northern Lights: Chasing the Shot

Australian surfer Fanning ventured to the Arctic Circle, diving into freezing water as opposed to the balmy waves he’s more accustomed to. While the moves Fanning pulled off in the water are a spectacle themselves, Norway’s Northern Lights, dazzling above in the night sky, were always going to take center stage.

The images were captured in Lofoten, Norway, on camera by Mats Andreassen Grimsæth and Emil Kjos Sollie, and while the original results were spectacular, the behind-the-scenes pictures are just as mesmerizing. As well as seeing Fanning off the board, there are beautiful pictures of the surrounding the environment — in the day and night — as well as Fanning, trying out a frozen hot tub, trying a spot of fishing and, of course, getting in some time on the waves when the sun’s actually up in the sky.

Lofoten is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway. Known for its distinctive scenery, full of dramatic mountains and peaks, it also features open sea and sheltered bays, with plenty of beaches and untouched land. All perfect for thrill-seeking adventurers who want to discover somewhere off the beaten track. Its terrain makes it perfect for rock climbers and hikers, but the area Unstad is a brilliant surfing spot.