The Surf Window

Stadlandet

Vestland, Norway

Beach breakAdvanced

On Norway's most exposed Atlantic peninsula, Stadlandet (the "Cape of Storms") is where the North Sea meets the Norwegian Sea, one of Europe's stormiest headlands and home to raw, powerful reef and point breaks that challenge even the most experienced surfers.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)
Size–W 2–4m at 14–20s

Wind

SE

Light to E under 15 knots (rare here)

Tide

Mid to high

LowMidHigh

Season

Oct–Mar

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Reef and point break

Bottom

Rock

Shape

Rights and lefts around the exposed headland

Length

80–200m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Expert surfers
  • •Why: One of Europe's most exposed and storm-swept coastlines, for experienced experts only

Hazards

  • •Extremely cold water, 5–9°C
  • •One of Europe's windiest headlands, conditions change rapidly and violently
  • •Very remote with very limited assistance

Local Tips

  • •Stad skipstunnel (a planned ship tunnel through the peninsula) will change the geography when built
  • •The area is famous for its extraordinary Norse mythology connections, Thor's territory
  • •Plan for bad weather, Stad has some of Europe's highest storm frequencies

Location

Map showing the location of Stadlandet in Vestland, Norway

62.1667, 5.1333