Surfing generally requires waves and producing waves of a decent size generally requires an ocean.

There are a few exceptions on the planet, and among them is the Mediterranean. If you ignore the small gap between Spain and Morocco, the Med is basically a giant saltwater lake packed with small islands. However, on occasion a storm will push through the sea with just the right variables in place to send swell and favorable winds if you know exactly where to look.

Italy’s coast may not be a surf destination, but when a pulse of swell does pop up, the country’s jutting coastline soaks up plenty of juice.

Here is a 2-day strike mission carried out by Germany’s Marlon Lipke, with Gony Zubizarreta, and Frederico Morais. The trio luck into some incredible waves, chasing the swell along the coast for a few fleeting hours before the sea goes flat once again.