A word of mouth recommendation from a Norwegian guest who stayed at the Tailwind Jungle Lodge several years ago lead me to connect with the Raw Ocean Lodge. This place was clearly created by wild ideas and passion. The surfing here is chilly but sweet and definitely unique! Whether you’re a surfer or not, put this on your list of destinations as a place to disconnect, unwind and just be.

This remarkable lodge has to come life in the last few years as a multi-facted project and they’re just getting started. “Our primary motivation is to get people outside into the elements and connect with nature.” says co-founder JT Rantaniitty. “This is a place to log off, and just be. We want to make an impact on people. For many of our guests, their visit has been a turning point. A reminder of what life can be. Life out by the North Sea is raw and fueled by the energy from the elements. We see this project as a catalyst for our local community, with close collaboration with other local small businesses. With focus on sustainability, quality and craftmanship. Besides getting people out to nature, we arrange concerts, art exhibitions and have our own café/restaurant on site.”

Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge is located on the south west part of Karmøy, only a few meters away from the harsh North Sea. Perched on a peninsula, this wild place offers all the moods of the ocean, from roaring storms to glassy mornings.

Here’s more wild inspiration from JT:

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?
The future is now.

Describe your perfect day surfing at the Raw Ocean Lodge. Do you have a favorite break?
Clean, cold, winter morning, 6 feet swell, no wind, and just a few friends out in the lineup to share the stoke. We have six beaches with good surfing conditions on the island. There is also a few point breaks and some reef slabs for the adventurous. My “ground zero” is Sandvesanden. A punchy beach break that picks up most swell in the area.

Where are you originally from? How did you arrive at Raw Ocean Lodge?
I live with my family, 5 minutes away from the lodge. We are four friends who founded Raw Ocean Lodge, and I’m the one who lives furthest away J After living 12 years in the city, I came home to my childhood island, and saw its calmness and beauty with fresh eyes.

Any favorite notes that surfers have left in your guestbook?
I will be back!