Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Skogvollvannet is a small, clean, flat freshwater lake on Andøya used for kitesurfing in the westerly wind window and for snowkiting once it freezes. The riding environment is typically described as butter-flat when the wind comes from the west, which makes it well-suited to freestyle, freeride, speed, and (with appropriate depth) foil sessions. Wind access is oriented toward the SW to NNW sector (including SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, and NNW). Reported typical wind speeds are around 15–25 knots, with moderate gusts. Best kite months are given as March, April, August, September, and October, while summer and autumn are described as the practical kitesurfing season; winter conditions favor snowkiting. Safety is heavily focused on self-management: a wetsuit is always needed due to the cold water, and there is no dedicated on-site rescue or lifeguards. Hazards noted specifically for this spot include the road being very close to the launch area (along with an access hazard near the parking area), nearby power lines, cold conditions, and submerged rocks near parts of the shoreline. For snowkiting, the guidance emphasizes checking for ice cracks and avoiding restricted areas where ice may be thinner. Access is described as a short drive from Andenes along the west coast toward Nordmela, with parking near the lake and a short walk/ride to the launch. Facilities are limited; there is no local gear rental or gear storage/repair indicated, so riders should arrive self-sufficient with full cold-weather protection.
- Flat-water kitesurfing with clean westerly wind sector
- Small sandy launch with easy self-launch
- Winter snowkiting on frozen lake surface
- Self-sufficient Arctic riding conditions with limited infrastructure
- Flat-water conditions for freeride, freestyle, speed, and foil
- Clean, small sandy launch area
- Consistent westerly wind sector reported
- Also offers snowkiting in winter when the lake freezes
- Very cold water/air temperatures year-round
- No on-site rescue or lifeguards
- Launch area has significant road/traffic proximity and nearby power lines
- Spot is remote with limited facilities
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind is dominated by frontal/gradient weather systems; westerly winds are reported to produce the cleanest kite conditions.
- Reliability
- Consistent oceanic winds due to the exposed coastal location
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy shoreline.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Very flat water/lake conditions reported for kitesurfing; surfing not described.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach with gentle slope; grassy and sandy areas along the western shore near the road.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Usually very quiet; rarely more than a few local riders
Autumn and winter see frequent Atlantic storms
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water lake for freestyle and learning, with butter-flat conditions when wind is from the west; also suitable for speed/foil when conditions allow.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for flat-water blasting and slalom, though the spot is predominantly used by kiters.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Generally suitable; riders should check depth near the edges.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Variable; deeper in the middle section
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Winter ice lake with a massive flat arena suitable for freeride and touring; packed snow layer reported. Check ice cracks and avoid restricted zones.
- Snow Conditions
- Packed
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) in the full forecast view.
Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–14 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- SSE167°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2514 kts
- Windy days
- 3/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–2.3 m8s period
- Temperature
- 6–10 °C
Over the next 7 days, Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–14 kts, peaking around 14 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.7–2.3 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
- Road proximity
- Road is very close to the launch area
- Power lines present nearby
- Submerged rocks near certain parts of the shoreline
- Cold water/air temperatures
- Road access hazard near parking area
- Cracks in ice during snowkiting
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated on-site rescue for the inland lake.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest major medical facilities are in Andenes.
Rules of the spot
Respect bird nesting periods in nearby nature reserves if applicable.
- Avoid restricted areas with less ice (winter snowkiting).
- A wetsuit is always needed.
- Road access hazard near the parking area—be mindful at launch and when moving gear.
- Always use a thick wetsuit even in summer.
- When snowkiting, take care of cracks in ice and avoid restricted areas with less ice.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Andenes
- Nearest Town
- Nordmela
- Parking
- Roadside parking is available near the lake shore; park near the lake and walk/ride to the launch area.
- Access
- From Andenes, drive south along the west coast toward Nordmela. About 7 km before Nordmela you will see a large lake on the left; park and ride to the water.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping and cabins available in Nordmela and Andenes.
- Food & Drink
- Small shops in Nordmela; more options in Andenes.
- Equipment Rental:
- No local rental facilities on-site; riders must bring their own gear.
- Gear Storage
- No gear storage indicated.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or sail repair shops indicated nearby.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Andøya offers a raw, untouched Arctic landscape with midnight sun in summer and northern-lights viewing in winter.
World-renowned safaris to see sperm whales, orcas, and humpback whales.
A spaceport and educational center focusing on the aurora borealis and space research.
A picturesque traditional fishing village with one of Norway’s longest white sand beaches.
A stunning coastal drive between Andenes and Bjørnskinn.
A local shop and cafe famous for its cinnamon rolls and cloudberry products.
An interactive visitor center at Andøya Space designed for children and families.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll)?
The best overall months at Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are March, April, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll)?
Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) works with SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) suitable for?
Skogvollvannet (Skogvoll) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Snowkiting: Beginner.