By Ingjerd Haarstad, Champion of the Jæren Coast Hope Spot. Featured image by Willy Miljeteig
The Jæren Coast Hope Spot is located just next to Stavanger, the “oil capital” of Norway. The country is ranked as having among the highest living standards in the world, but unfortunately, also has the third highest rate of climate change deniers. I have to admit, the idea of advocating for the ocean here – using all means (and swim strokes!) felt somehow a bit naïve, but not unimportant.
This coast is also considered one of the most notorious coastlines of Norway, and one of the roughest ocean areas in the world rolls along these shores. As a lifeguard, freediver and instructor having spent hundreds of hours in these waters, I felt experienced and focused, but also quite humbled by its roughness. …