Nordmela (Andøy)

KitesurfingSurfing
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Flat, Chop
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Nordmela (Andøy) is a remote, small beach kitesurfing location on the west coast of Andøya, set in cold Arctic conditions with crystal-clear water. The water is commonly described as flat-to-chop, and the launch/landing area is reported to be small, with rocks scattered along the beach and in the water. For wind sports, the wind is typically frontal and best with west winds. Reported on-the-water wind speeds are roughly in the 15–30 knots range, and gusts are described as moderate. Kitesurfing here is generally aimed at intermediate riders, with the setup particularly well matched to west wind systems. Cold-water readiness is non-negotiable: a wetsuit is described as needed at all times due to very cold Arctic water. Additional safety notes emphasize the remote nature of the spot and recommend riding with a buddy, along with protecting against the cold and impact risks from rocks. There is also local surfing interest: a small exposed beach break that can work on western swells, typically described with average quality, short rides, and a tendency to close out on very large swells. West winds can be onshore, so cleaner faces are more likely with lighter winds or with winds from the east.

  • Crystal-clear Arctic water
  • Flat-to-chop conditions for kitesurfing
  • West-wind frontal systems
  • Small launch/landing area with rocks
  • Very cold water—wetsuit required year-round
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Pristine, crystal-clear water.
  • Frontal west-wind conditions suit kitesurfing in a flat-to-choppy setup.
  • Usually very quiet and uncrowded.
Heads up
  • Remote Arctic coast—plan logistics for cold-water sessions.
  • Small, rocky launch/landing area—extra care required near shore.
  • Cold water year-round; wetsuit is essential.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
W
Wind Range
15–30 kts
Wind Type
Frontal — Frontal wind systems are common, driven by North Atlantic low-pressure patterns.
Reliability
Moderate; dependent on low-pressure systems
Gust Factor
Moderate gusts
Best Months
April, May, August, September, October
Recommended Kite Sizes
7–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Flat, Chop
Beach
Sand — Sand beach reported, with some rocky sections.
Beach Size
Small
Waves
Small — Small wave context reported for surfing; kitesurfing is described as flat-and-chop.
Chop Level
Moderate chop — Kite conditions described as flat and chop.
Launch
Small — Small size launching/landing area; sandy beach near the village with some rocky sections.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–13 °C
Water Temperature
-3–15 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 6/5mm + Boots, Gloves, HoodMay, Jun, Jul: 5/4mm possible in high summer + Boots, Gloves, Hood
Crowds by Season

Usually very quiet and uncrowded.

Storm/Rain Season

Autumn and winter see frequent Arctic storms.

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A flat-and-chop kitesurfing spot suited for intermediate riders, working best with west winds in frontal conditions. The launching/landing area is small, and scattered rocks are reported along the beach and in the water.

FreerideWave
Kite Sizes
7–12 m²
SurfingSkill Level

Known as a local exposed beach-break that can work on western swells; exposed conditions can make the face punchy and the break close out on bigger swell.

Beach break
Wave Direction
Both
Optimal Swell
W, WNW
Swell Height
1–2.5 m
Optimal Tide
Mid
Shelter
Exposed — Exposed coastline on the west side of Andøya.
Wind Effect
West winds can be onshore; needs light winds or east winds for cleaner faces.
Bigger Swell
Can close out on very large swells.
Wave Quality
Average
Wave Power
Moderate
Wave Shape
Mixed
Peel Speed
Medium
Ride Length
Short
Ride Length Details
Typical beach break rides that can be punchy in the right conditions.
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Nordmela (Andøy) in the full forecast view.

Nordmela (Andøy) wind and wave forecast summary

Wind
5–14 ktsGusts 25 kts
Direction
SSE167°
Strongest day
Sun, Oct 2514 kts
Windy days
3/712 kts or more
Waves
0.8–2.4 m8s period
Temperature
6–10 °C

Over the next 7 days, Nordmela (Andøy) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.8–2.4 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
  • Cold water
  • Strong winds
  • Remote location
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
WetsuitBootsGlovesHoodImpact vest

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
None — No lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Yes — Sea rescue services are provided by the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue (Redningsselskapet).
Emergency Info
For emergencies dial 112 (police/medical). Nearest major medical facilities are in Andenes.

Rules of the spot

Wetsuit always needed due to cold water.

Local Tips
  • Always wear a thick wetsuit even in summer.
  • The spot is very remote so ride with a buddy if possible.
  • Be cautious around scattered rocks along the beach and in the water.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Andenes
Nearest Town
Andenes
Nearest Airport
Andøya Airport, Andenes (ANX)
Parking
Parking available near the local harbor and village area (Andoya / Nordmela).
Public Transport
limited regional bus services connect Andenes to Nordmela and other villages
Access
From Andenes drive south along the west coast to Nordmela (coastal road 974 along the west side of Andøya).
Cost Level
Expensive
Local Language
Norwegian
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Accommodation
Nearby town — Guesthouses and cabins in Nordmela, plus more formal hotels and a campsite in Andenes.
Food & Drink
Local grocery store in the village.
Equipment Rental:
Surfing and SUP rentals are available locally; kitesurfing equipment typically needs to be brought by visitors.
Gear Storage
Limited gear storage reported via local surf providers; many visitors store gear in vehicles or private accommodation.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

Off the water

Andøya’s Nordmela area is part of a nature-focused tourism region combining dramatic coastal scenery with whale watching and space-research visitor attractions.

Best time to visit: For general tourism: June to August (midnight sun). For whale watching and northern lights: January to March.
Whale Safari Andenes45km

World-renowned boat tours offering high probability of seeing sperm whales, orcas, and humpbacks.

The Whale45km

Iconic architectural landmark and museum dedicated to whale conservation and biology.

Andøya Space48km

Space research center and visitor gallery focused on rocket launches and aurora borealis research.

Måtind Hike25km

Hiking trail with panoramic views of coastal cliffs and the Arctic Ocean.

Marmelkroken15km

Local restaurant in Bø i Vesterålen serving traditional Norwegian dishes and local produce.

Bleikstranda35km

One of Norway’s longest white sand beaches, good for walking and beachcombing.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Nordmela (Andøy)?

The best overall months at Nordmela (Andøy) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, August, September, October.

Which wind directions work at Nordmela (Andøy)?

Nordmela (Andøy) works with W winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Nordmela (Andøy)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Nordmela (Andøy): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.

What skill level is Nordmela (Andøy) suitable for?

Nordmela (Andøy) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.