Hillesøy (Skipholmen)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
The spot is centered on kitesurfing (with possible wingfoiling and less-common windsurfing). Riders should expect chop over flat water and small-wave conditions in the southerly wind directions. Safety considerations are significant: rocks are present near the shore/launch, power lines and the bridge/road traffic area are nearby, and there can be tidal/current effects between islands. Because there is no lifeguard presence and rescue is not assured on-site, riding with a buddy and using full cold-water gear is strongly emphasized.
- SSE to SSW is the main wind window for riding
- Exceptionally clear water for spotting underwater rocks
- Remote feel—plan as if you must self-manage
- Very clear water with high visibility
- Often flat to choppy conditions with small waves—good for freeride/foil
- Good prevailing wind directions from SSE to SSW
- Cold Arctic water year-round and no on-site rescue
- Rocks near the shore/launch and nearby hazards around the road/bridge area
- Launch space can be tight at high tide
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SSE, S, SSW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Southerly winds are described as frontal.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- September, October, November, March, April, May
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop, Small waves, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Sand near shore.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small waves; described as small wave with chop.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Flat water with chop.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy/white beach with gentle slope under hills near the causeway/bridge.
Through the year
Low crowd levels; mostly local riders from Tromsø.
Autumn and winter bring the strongest storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat water with chop and small waves; described as suitable for freeride and wave/foil styles in southerly winds. Clear Arctic water makes it easier to spot underwater rocks. Space at the launch can be tight at high tide.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Possible but less common than kitesurfing due to rocky launch and limited rigging space.
Deep water outside the shallows is suitable for foiling; care is needed with rocky bottom near the launch.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil friendly.
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
From the spot
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hillesøy (Skipholmen) in the full forecast view.
Hillesøy (Skipholmen) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–16 ktsGusts 31 kts
- Direction
- SSE158°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2516 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.0 m4s period
- Temperature
- 5–9 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hillesøy (Skipholmen) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–16 kts, peaking around 16 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 31 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.3–1.0 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
- Power lines
- Currents
- Cold water
- Limited landing area at high tide
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No on-site rescue.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital is University Hospital of North Norway (UNN) in Tromsø. General emergency is 112; medical is 113.
Rules of the spot
Respect bird nesting areas on nearby islets during spring; avoid kiting near the bridge and road traffic.
- Rocks are present near the launch/shore—check the launch area carefully.
- Southerly winds are generally the cleanest here.
- Always ride with a buddy due to the extreme water temperature and remote location.
- The water is extremely clear, which helps you spot underwater rocks.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Tromsø
- Nearest Town
- Sommarøy
- Nearest Airport
- Tromsø Airport, Langnes (TOS)
- Parking
- Limited roadside parking or small gravel turnouts near the causeway.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus routes 420 and 421 connect central Tromsø to the Sommarøy and Hillesøy coastal areas, though frequency is limited.
- Access
- Access described as following Fv862 from Tromsø toward Sommarøy; Skipholmen is connected by bridge/causeway to Hillesøy. Launch is from a small sandy/white beach under hills near the causeway/bridge.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Specialized coastal hotels and holiday homes around Sommarøy (e.g., Sommarøy Arctic Hotel).
- Food & Drink
- Local grocery store and hotel restaurant in Sommarøy village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Commercial rental for water-based wind sports is extremely limited; most practitioners bring their own equipment.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Vibrant coastal community known for white sandy beaches and turquoise water.
Historic wooden church serving the outer islands of the Tromsø region.
Popular hike with panoramic views of the outer islands and the open Arctic sea.
Aurora Borealis viewing destination from September to March.
Specializes in local Arctic seafood and traditional Norwegian cuisine.
Arctic-themed aquarium and educational center in Tromsø city.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hillesøy (Skipholmen)?
The best overall months at Hillesøy (Skipholmen) are August, September, October. The best wind months are September, October, November, March, April, May.
Which wind directions work at Hillesøy (Skipholmen)?
Hillesøy (Skipholmen) works with SSE, S, SSW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Hillesøy (Skipholmen)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Hillesøy (Skipholmen): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Hillesøy (Skipholmen) suitable for?
Hillesøy (Skipholmen) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.