Hey Felicia! Anyone who’s followed Eivy for a while has probably come across your photos somewhere along the way. We feel like we often spot you somewhere along the Norwegian coastline, around the Lofoten area. What’s your connection to that part of the world?
After spending years travelling the world in search of epic places to explore nature, I first found my way to the Lofoten Islands in the summer of 2018. It was love. At first sight. Great people, waves and mountains - what more can a girl ask for? Being at uni then, my time up north was limited but I knew that I wanted to return to the area to experience all seasons. I moved back in 2020 and spent the next four years living there year-round and adventuring in the area. Surfing, hiking and splitboarding in my everyday life opened up a new dimension of work-life balance. Lofoten holds a very special place in my heart as it is the place where I truly deepened my connection to surfing and the ocean. I’m however currently based in Jæren further down south in Norway. The mountains are not as close by and dramatic as up north, but the people and waves are just as amazing.
Surfing and the Nordics aren’t necessarily the first things people put together. How did you end up falling in love with surfing up here?
There’s something about cold-water surf that is very compelling to me, especially in winter. Suiting up in minus 10, ploughing through knee-deep snow to reach the break and having numb toes already before entering the water really makes you feel alive, haha. It creates a whole new level of presence and, having always been a bit all over the place mentally, surfing in the Nordics brought me focus and clarity. It has also sparked a lot of new friendships that I am very grateful for. Some of my closest friends I first met in the line-up in Norway. There are some seriously rad ladies (and gents) up here. And finally, the waves can really be WORLD CLASS.
You’ve spent time surfing in some pretty spectacular places. What is it about Nordic surfing that keeps pulling you back?
The surf community both in Lofoten and in Jæren plays a huge part. There’s such an overall positive energy in the water, and to share the stoke with friends and push each other forward in the sport is really cool. I also cherish the change in seasons. From epic winter swells when everybody in the line-up is fully locked in on shredding and bringing their A-game – to glassy late-summer log sessions when the ocean is gentle and warm enough for a super chilled vibe. I also love that there are empty waves to be found at times. Just the other week, I had an hour of sunset surf all to myself. Full solitude in the water is very special.
From the outside, it looks like you’re constantly finding reasons to be outdoors, no matter the season. What does life look like when you’re not in the water?
Making plans about how to spend more time in the water, haha. But no, I’m trying to work towards a balance between things that bring meaning and joy to my life: relationships with loved ones and nature, mental and physical wellbeing, passion projects, travelling, and having a lot of fun. Maybe a bit of a fuzzy answer, haha. I also work for an income. But currently I’m excited to spend more time on a project that is very special to me, Waves for All, which focuses on adaptive surfing and creating opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to take part in the Norwegian surf community.
Any upcoming surf trips or events you’re especially stoked about?
YES. I am heading down with a bunch of friends to the Salinas International Longboard Festival in July, where I’ll be representing Sweden at the first stop of the European Longboard Tour. Very stoked, humbled and a wee bit nervous to be sharing the line-up with some of the most talented and inspirational women on the global scene. And also, of course — the highlight of the year within longboarding: Surf Fest Scandinavia in Jæren in October.
And finally, after years of adventures all around the year, what are your current Eivy favorites that always seem to make it into the bag?
This is a tough one as I adore all pieces from Eivy and am obsessed with the versatility of them all. But most of my friends know which two pieces of clothing in my closet are my most used of all time: the Icecold Hood top and Pocket Pants in Leopard. Seriously, for almost a decade I’ve used these favourites for everything from snowboarding to pre- and post-surf, travelling, and the occasional pub night. LOVE. I also rarely go many days without throwing on a Lumberjackie sherpa vest — they are just so soft, warm and cozy. A new favourite that is definitely making this list is the Windbreaker utility vest: light, bad-ass looking and with the perfect amount of pockets.