Storvika
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Storvika is a shallow, flat sandy kitesurfing spot accessed directly via road 17, with straightforward beach setup and easy launching from the wide sandy area. Water is described as clean and cold, with minimal tidal currents inside the bay area and sand bottom that helps create an approachable, beginner-friendly entry. Wind is most often expected from West through Northwest (W, WNW, NW). Typical speeds are reported around 15–25 knots, with only light gusting in the provided guidance. Sources also note that the local mountains can create wind shadows or turbulence depending on the wind’s component direction, so kite setup and timing matter. Cold-water preparation is the primary safety theme. Multiple sources emphasize that a wetsuit is always needed, and the more detailed guidance recommends a hooded 5/4mm or 6/5mm wetsuit with boots and gloves year-round. Be aware of hazards near the northern and southern ends of the bay and respect potential offshore conditions if winds shift toward easterly directions. The spot can overlap with summer swimming activity on sunny July days, so keep distance from people on the central beach area. Rescue is not described as dedicated on-site; in an emergency, use Norway’s emergency number 112 and plan ahead for cold exposure.
- Shallow, flat sandy water for easier starts and safer shoreline riding
- Road 17 runs beside the beach for convenient access
- Very cold Arctic conditions; year-round wetsuit guidance
- Shallow, flat sandy water with easy roadside access and ample space for launching.
- Good for beginner kite learning due to the forgiving shallow setup (sources also describe it as very safe).
- Clean wind is most often associated with West to Northwest directions.
- Water stays cold year-round; proper cold-water thermal protection is essential.
- Wind reliability is described as moderate and can depend on Atlantic weather systems.
- No dedicated on-site rescue.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Predominantly frontal wind patterns associated with Atlantic low-pressure systems; sources also note clean W to NW winds when forecast directions align.
- Reliability
- Moderate; conditions can depend on incoming Atlantic weather patterns.
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand — White sand beach described.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small wave conditions are described in the spot guidance.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide, flat beach with ample space; road passes beside the beach for simple access.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Easy access with roadside launch/setting area.
Through the year
Usually quiet, but rest area/beach can be busy with tourists and locals on sunny days in July.
Autumn (September to November) is described as the windiest but also the wettest and coldest period; October–March also noted for frequent frontal storms and high winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Shallow, flat sandy-water kitesurfing spot with easy entry; suitable for all levels (sources especially highlight beginner friendliness due to the flat, shallow conditions).
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for freeride/foil on clean wind and a sandy bottom.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Sandy bottom and generally consistent W/NW winds make it a good wingfoiling location; safe depth is reached quickly a few meters from shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Safe depth is reached quickly a few meters from shore.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Storvika in the full forecast view.
Storvika wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 2–20 ktsGusts 53 kts
- Direction
- SSE158°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 4/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–1.5 m9s period
- Temperature
- 6–12 °C
Over the next 7 days, Storvika is forecast for daytime winds of 2–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 53 kts. The prevailing direction is SSE. Waves run 0.5–1.5 m with a period of about 9s. 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
- Cold water
- Offshore wind on easterly directions
- Occasional rocks near the northern and southern ends of the bay
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated on-site rescue.
- Emergency Info
- Use Norway emergency number 112. Nearest major medical facilities are in Ørnes or Bodø.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — Sources indicate no specific localism/access friction.
Rules of the spot
Check whether kitesurfing is permitted at the spot; you may need a special permit or membership with the local kite organization.
- May require a special permit or local kite organization membership.
- Check the forecast specifically for West or Northwest directions; these provide the cleanest wind.
- The spot can be busy on sunny July days because it’s also a popular swimming area—stay clear of the central beach area when crowded.
- Confirm local access/permission before riding.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Bodø
- Nearest Town
- Storvik
- Nearest Airport
- Bodø Airport (BOO)
- Parking
- Dedicated parking available at the Storvik rest area next to the sand.
- Public Transport
- Limited local bus service from Bodø; access is generally easier by car.
- Access
- Take road 17 (Kystriksveien) to Storvika; the road runs beside the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Norwegian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Camping options and small cabins are available in the wider Gildeskål area.
- Food & Drink
- Limited options nearby; bring your own supplies from Ørnes or Bodø.
- Equipment Rental:
- Very limited local availability; most visitors bring their own gear or rent from shops in Bodø.
- Gear Storage
- Generally not available as a standalone service.
- Gear Repair
- No specialized kite or windsurf repair in the immediate vicinity; minor repairs are usually self-managed.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The Storvik (Gildeskål) coastal area is known for dramatic Arctic scenery and major nature highlights nearby.
The world’s strongest tidal maelstrom where the Skjerstad Fjord meets the Salten Fjord.
Norway’s second-largest glacier, offering hiking and spectacular views.
Large, scenic sandy beach for hiking, picnics, and exploring tidal pools.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Storvika?
The best overall months at Storvika are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Storvika?
Storvika works with W, WNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Storvika?
Recommended equipment sizes at Storvika: Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Storvika suitable for?
Storvika suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.