Nordmela (Andøy)
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
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
- Pristine, crystal-clear water.
- Frontal west-wind conditions suit kitesurfing in a flat-to-choppy setup.
- Usually very quiet and uncrowded.
- 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.
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
Usually very quiet and uncrowded.
Autumn and winter see frequent Arctic storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
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.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
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.
- 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.
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.
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
- Cold water
- Strong winds
- Remote location
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.
- 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
What's on the beach
- 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.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
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.
World-renowned boat tours offering high probability of seeing sperm whales, orcas, and humpbacks.
Iconic architectural landmark and museum dedicated to whale conservation and biology.
Space research center and visitor gallery focused on rocket launches and aurora borealis research.
Hiking trail with panoramic views of coastal cliffs and the Arctic Ocean.
Local restaurant in Bø i Vesterålen serving traditional Norwegian dishes and local produce.
One of Norway’s longest white sand beaches, good for walking and beachcombing.
From riders who've been here
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.