With 5000 km of coastline to explore, Iceland presents a rare opportunity to surf virgin territory, yet most Icelandic surfers only ride around Reykjanes peninsula, close to Reykjavik in the southwest. The Reykjanes peninsula is covered in old lava flows, so most of the waves break over volcanic reef or basalt rocks, sharp substances that take their toll on booties. American army troops started surfing in the '80s followed by local Icelanders in the early '90s. The local surf community is not very big as it is difficult to learn surfing in heavy conditions. All the Reykjanes spots are manageable with a normal car but a 4 WD will prove very helpful if traveling north of the Snaefellsness peninsula or down south to Vik and beyond.