Windsurfing at Mølen – Power, Motion and Moments Frozen in Time

Written By Roger Hølmen
surfer photographed in silhouette waiting to enter the waves at Saltstein. Fineart photography

The waiting game

On May 1st, I headed out to Mølen after checking the forecast. Strong winds, building waves, and the kind of conditions that turn the coastline into a playground for surfers and windsurfers.

Instead of staying at the main beach, I moved toward Saltstein — a spot known for delivering when the wind picks up.

It quickly became clear this was going to be one of those days.

Minimalist black and white photograph of a surfer watching waves at Saltstein beach in Norway. Capturing atmosphere, movement, and solitude in coastal landscape photography.

A surfer, waiting

Before the action really kicked off, I captured a quieter moment — a surfer standing on the rocks, watching the ocean.

Shot in black and white using my own preset, this image is less about action and more about mood.
The contrast, the silhouette, and the texture of the water all come together into something that feels closer to fine art than sports photography.

Minimalist black and white photograph of a surfer about to enter the water at Saltstein beach in Norway. Capturing atmosphere, movement, and solitude in coastal landscape photography.
Minimalist black and white photograph of a surfer watching waves at Saltstein beach in Norway. Capturing atmosphere, movement, and solitude in coastal landscape photography.
Minimalist black and white photograph of a surfer watching waves at Saltstein beach in Norway. Capturing atmosphere, movement, and solitude in coastal landscape photography.
Minimalist black and white photograph of a surfer watching waves at Saltstein beach in Norway. Capturing atmosphere, movement, and solitude in coastal landscape photography.

When the Wind Picks Up

Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.

Once the wind settled into a steady push, the water came alive.

Windsurfers started working the waves — carving lines, hitting sections, and building speed.
Spray exploded off every turn, catching the light and adding texture to every frame.

This is where the Tamron 150–500mm really proved its value.
It allowed me to isolate the action and capture the intensity from a distance:

  • Tight compositions

  • Clean backgrounds

  • Details in motion

Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.
Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.
Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.

Airborne

The highlight of the day was watching — and capturing — windsurfers launching into the air.

Some of these moments lasted less than a second:

  • Full jumps above breaking waves

  • Rotations and flips mid-air

  • Controlled landings back into chaos

Timing becomes everything in these situations.
You’re not just reacting — you’re anticipating.

Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.
Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.
Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.

Black & White vs Color

This shoot naturally split into two directions.

Color images capture the raw energy:

  • Blue and green tones of the ocean

  • Bright sails cutting through the frame

  • The chaos of movement and spray

Black & white images, on the other hand:

  • Strip everything down

  • Emphasize shape and contrast

  • Turn action into something more timeless

Both approaches tell different parts of the same story.

A Landscape in Motion

Dynamic windsurfing captured in strong coastal waves at Saltstein beach. A powerful moment of balance, motion, and energy in Scandinavian surf conditions.

What makes Saltstein special is the combination of elements:

  • Open sea exposure

  • Rugged coastline

  • Constant interaction between wind, water, and terrain

It’s not just a location — it’s a constantly changing environment.

 
 

Final Thoughts

This day became more than just an action shoot.

It turned into a mix of:

  • Raw sports photography

  • Minimalist black & white work

  • Moments of stillness between the chaos

That balance is something I’m always chasing.

All photos shot with my Sony A7RIII, and Tamron 150-500mm. Edited with my own preset pack.

Location: Saltstein, Norway.

A surfer preparing to enter the ocean during golden hour at Saltstein. Warm light, textures, and motion create a cinematic coastal photography scene.
Roger Hølmen
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