Larkollen
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Crowded
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Larkollen is a well-known kitesurfing area in the Oslofjord near Moss, focused on shallow, mostly flat water with small waves and generally good water quality. The beach is typically described as medium-sized with sandy areas for launch, while the seabed/edges can be rocky in parts of the bay and near the point. Depth changes quickly from the nearshore shallows to deeper water farther out, so riders should plan lines and footwork accordingly. Wind is commonly associated with a thermal sea-breeze pattern, with south to southwest influence. The most consistent direction for riding is described as south-west, and typical wind ranges are reported around 12–25 knots. Thermal development is often strongest in the afternoon in warmer months, supporting sessions when the gradient wind is boosted. Gustiness is generally described as light, but if the flow becomes too southerly the wind can be a bit gustier near the launch. Safety is a key consideration for this spot: there are swimming zones and swimmers are present during summer. Multiple sources emphasize that it can be hard to remain outside the swimming area if you drift downwind, and no-kite zones may be marked in summer. Because the water is shallow and the bottom can be rocky near edges, riders also need to manage exits and avoid getting pulled into hazards while repositioning. For equipment and season planning, wetsuits are typically needed for most of the season, with some warm August days potentially allowing lighter gear. The local setup is centered around a camping area with practical amenities such as showers and toilets, plus food and drink options on-site. Parking is paid at the camping and can be expensive during high season, while summer days—especially July and windy weekends in May and September—can be very crowded.
- Thermal south/southwest-influenced wind with good afternoon support
- Shallow, flat-to-choppy conditions for a range of riding
- Swimming-zone awareness is essential in summer
- Clean, shallow-water riding with generally small waves and a sandy launch area
- Good to reliable wind with thermal sea-breeze influence and prevailing south/southwest component
- Camping-centred access with showers/toilets and on-site food/drink
- Not reliably beginner-friendly due to the need to stay outside the swimming zone when drifting downwind
- Shallow/rocky seabed close to shore can create additional risk near edges and during drift
- Crowding is high in July and on windy weekends in May and September
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Thermal — Thermal sea-breeze influence with prevailing south/southwest input; develops especially on sunny spring/summer afternoons and can boost gradient wind.
- Reliability
- Good
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts — South/ southwest can be the cleanest and most stable, but very southerly flow may become a bit gusty near launch.
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Golden sands / sandy bottom for launch.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small-wave conditions, described alongside shallow chop and occasional medium-wave character.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Choppy/outer chop suitable for freeride beyond the immediate shallows.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy launch area near the camping site; can become narrow during high tide or when crowded in summer.
Through the year
Very crowded with sunbathers and families in July; busiest kite days are windy weekends in May and September.
Autumn (October-November) brings the strongest storms but also more rain.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat-to-choppy conditions with small waves; the spot is centered around a sheltered sandy launch area. Riders may have to manage depth and avoid swimmers; downwind drift can make it hard to stay outside the swimming zone. Flat shallow water supports a mix of freeride and beginner practice in the shallows, while the outer chop suits freeriders and wave-focused sessions.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Very popular for slalom and freeride; the shallow water helps with water starts. Riders should consider that depth changes from nearshore into deeper water further out.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Suitable once beyond the shallow shore area; foilers should mind depth during low tide and be prepared to walk out from the beach.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foiling is supported after clearing the shallow edge.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.0m to 1.5m required (walking out may be needed).
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Larkollen in the full forecast view.
Larkollen wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–23 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- SSW192°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2523 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.0 m5s period
- Temperature
- 6–13 °C
Over the next 7 days, Larkollen is forecast for daytime winds of 5–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is SSW. Waves run 0.2–2.0 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- Swimmers
- Rocky bottom/rocks
- Cold water
- Offshore wind
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited at the spot level, while the wider Moss Coast area is served by sea rescue across the Oslofjord.
- Emergency Info
- For emergencies in Norway call 113 for medical. Nearest hospital is in Moss. (Regional emergency numbers also include 112 police and 110 fire.)
Rules of the spot
Stay well clear of the designated swimming zone during peak summer; avoid drifting downwind into swimmers. Respect marked no-kite areas and camping site boundaries.
- No-kite zones apply in marked swimming areas during summer.
- The area near the water can be difficult to stay outside of the swimming zone if you drift downwind—plan your drift path before launching.
- South-west wind is usually the cleanest and most stable here.
- Parking at the camping site can be expensive during high season; paid parking is available.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Moss
- Nearest Town
- Larkollen
- Parking
- Paid parking is available at Larkollen Camping; some nearby public parking exists but can fill up quickly. Parking is also described as sometimes expensive during high season.
- Public Transport
- Rail connections via the Vy line from Oslo plus local bus services around Moss; limited public transport directly to some coastal spots.
- Access
- From Oslo, drive toward Moss and follow signs/turn west toward Larkollen and later Larkollen Camping; described as easy to find.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Larkollen Camping offers cabins and tent spaces right at the spot; additional accommodation is available in the wider area.
- Food & Drink
- Food is available on the spot; the camping site includes a restaurant and a small shop, plus local cafes in the nearby village.
- Equipment Rental:
- No permanent rental shop on the beach; some schools bring gear during courses. Equipment rental is described as available through local seasonal schools and the regional community.
- Gear Storage
- Not available for public use.
- Gear Repair
- No repair services on-site (repairs are described as very limited).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Larkollen?
The best overall months at Larkollen are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Larkollen?
Larkollen works with SW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Larkollen?
Recommended equipment sizes at Larkollen: Kitesurfing: 9–15 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is Larkollen suitable for?
Larkollen suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.