Outer Banks: North Winds

This country has so many spots that have so much potential for winging, and since last year I had had this dream to try winging up in the glacial waters of Meløy. To get to Meløy I jumped on the ferry over to Bodø and drove for a couple of hours further south to get there. I had a mission in mind that I did not manage to complete last summer. I crossed my fingers for wind and sun. Up north, you’re lucky to get them both…

If you are traveling from outside of Norway to Meløy, I recommend flying to Bodø and then rent a car for the 2-hour drive along the Coastal Highway 17 to Meløy. It is known to be one of the most beautiful stretches of road in Norway and I was really looking forward to experiencing it.  There is this super nice spot up in the mountains in the arctic ice-cold glacial water, called Storglomvann, which is overlooked by the glacier as you enter the beautiful, turquoise waters. The water is around 4 to 6 degrees at this time of year, and the wind is always cold, but the view is always amazing up there when the sun is shining.

I drove up there with the camper van. I got there and saw white caps on the water – a good sign. I got changed, rigged my gear, and jumped in. The wind was perfect, and the color of the water was mesmerizing. It was cold at first and I got a bit of a brain freeze, but after some dips in the water it felt ok. It’s funny to wing surf in this lake, because when you are thirsty you can just take a sip of the beautiful, pure waters – and then continue winging. 

It was one of my best sessions this summer. Perfect wind, no people and I was the first person to ever wing surf up there. You feel so clean and nice after a session in the cold, fresh water. After the session all the gear was already clean, so the only thing I had to do was to dry it. It was hanging outside the car in the sun and wind in preparation for the next session. 

I camped up there for the night, alone with only stars above me. When I fell asleep that night, I felt tired and happy about what this day had brought. It is these kinds of moments I am looking for in life. 

KARI’S ARCTIC SUMMER WINGFOILING GUIDE 

Essentials:  

• A good wetsuit or two, with attached hoods. I use an RRD Fahrenheit 6/5/4.
• Good quality wetsuit boots and gloves. 
• Cold cream for the face.

Preparation: 

• You need to be ready for the cold water – it’s colder then  tap water! It’s hard at the beginning but if you have a good wetsuit you should be comfortable. 
• Never take a break for more than five minutes otherwise it’s game over and you’ll need to change.
• A good tip is to have some hot water ready, so you can dip your gloves or boots in to it to get some feeling back before getting changed.
• When you are wingsurfing with all this wetsuit gear and in cold waters, you will lose energy quicker. Be prepared not to stay out there for a long period of time.
• It’s good to have someone with you, even if he or she is on the land, just in case something happens. 
• If you are alone out there, don’t push your limits. Stay within your comfort zone and stay safe.
• Stop before you get too cold. 

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