Bylehamn (Skäret Coast)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) is a small kitesurfing spot on the east coast of the Swedish archipelago area near Norrtälje. The water is reported as clean and the beach/launch area is small, so on-water skills and careful setup matter—especially around the harbour-side launch zone. Wind activity is generally driven by frontal systems, with the coast most active during low-pressure situations bringing Northeast to Southeast winds. Reported typical conditions fall around roughly 12–25 knots, with moderate gustiness. For riders, the key constraint is wind direction: western winds (W/NW) are considered offshore and should be avoided regardless of level, and you should also avoid side-off conditions. Water and conditions are cold for most of the year. Sources emphasize that a wetsuit is always needed, with a high summer shorty only as a limited option; otherwise, a thick 5 mm wetsuit plus drysuit guidance is given. Expect shallow depth near the shore with depth increasing quickly, and take special care because rocks and trees are present around/near the launch area. A buddy is recommended for cold-water riding. Facilities are minimal (primarily parking). The spot is described as low-profile and generally quiet, though it may get busier on sunny weekends when easterly winds are favorable. Emergency response relies on general national services (112), with rescue described as limited and not dedicated on-site.
- Clean water in a small, harbour-area launch
- Easterly wind range suited to freeride and small-wave kitesurfing
- Low-profile local scene in the Roslagen/Norrtälje area
- Clean water and small-wave conditions suitable for kitesurfing
- Easterly winds can produce enjoyable freeride/wave/foil sessions
- Generally quiet scene with minimal international coverage
- Small launch area with limited space and nearby rocks/obstacles
- Cold water year-round; wetsuit/drysuit typically required
- Offshore western winds (W, NW) should be avoided
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, SE
- No-go directions
- W, NW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal wind systems; coast most active during low-pressure systems bringing Northeast to Southeast winds.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gustiness reported.
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Mixed beach composition reported; another source specifies sand.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave conditions reported.
- Launch
- Small — Small grassy and rocky area near the harbour (also described as a small beach with clean water).
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — One source rates launch as easy (small beach); another describes it as moderate due to harbour-side rocks/space.
Through the year
Generally quiet, but can get busy on sunny weekends with good easterly wind.
Autumn can bring heavy storms and strong winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Small-beach spot with clean water; can offer fun small waves with strong easterly winds. Cold Baltic Sea conditions require proper thermal protection.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Popular with local windsurfers who enjoy cross-onshore conditions in easterly winds.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Possible, but caution is advised due to rocky bottom near the launch and fast depth changes for foil use.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Limited foil-friendly conditions due to rocky bottom and depth near launch.
- Min Depth
- 1.2m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) in the full forecast view.
Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–23 ktsGusts 41 kts
- Direction
- SSW202°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2523 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.2 m4s period
- Temperature
- 7–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 41 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.2–2.2 m with a period of about 4s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks in the water
- Limited launch space
- Offshore winds (W, NW)
- Private property proximity
- Trees surrounding the launch area
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue; regional context notes rescue services nearby via Swedish Sea Rescue Society (SSRS).
- Emergency Info
- Emergency services available via 112.
Rules of the spot
Never kitesurf in offshore winds regardless of level; avoid side-off and offshore winds. Avoid launching or landing too close to local boats in the harbour. Respect private property signs.
- Do not kite in offshore conditions (including W and NW winds).
- Do not launch/land near local boats in the harbour.
- Do not ignore private property signage.
- Check for rocks just below the surface near the shore.
- Always have a buddy when riding in cold water.
- Western winds are completely offshore and should be avoided.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Norrtälje
- Nearest Town
- Älmsta
- Parking
- Limited parking available near the harbor area; do not block access roads.
- Public Transport
- Limited bus service from Norrtälje to the Väddö area; a private vehicle is highly recommended.
- Access
- From Norrtälje north on road 76, then road 283 to Älmsta and Sälnö. Continue toward Arholma and follow signs to Bylehamn before the final destination.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Swedish
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Mostly seasonal summer house rentals and small guesthouses in the Väddö and Älmsta areas.
- Food & Drink
- Local shops and cafes in Älmsta.
- Equipment Rental:
- No dedicated rental shops on this stretch of coast; riders typically bring their own equipment or rent from shops in Stockholm.
- Gear Storage
- Not available; most visitors use their vehicles for storage.
- Gear Repair
- Specialized repair services are located in Stockholm (about 1.5 hours away).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A quiet, nature-focused destination known for a rugged coastline, traditional red wooden cottages, and extensive hiking paths (regional to Skäret Coast).
Long-distance hiking trail passing through scenic coastal landscapes.
Artificial canal separating Väddö from the mainland, with historic bridges and boat traffic.
Archipelago surrounding Väddö offers kayaking through thousands of small islands.
Local eateries and bakeries in the nearby village of Älmsta.
A historical children’s island known for summer camps and outdoor activities for youth.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Bylehamn (Skäret Coast)?
The best overall months at Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) are May, June, September, October. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Bylehamn (Skäret Coast)?
Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) works with NE, E, SE winds. No-go directions are W, NW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Bylehamn (Skäret Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Bylehamn (Skäret Coast): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) suitable for?
Bylehamn (Skäret Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.