Iceland SW Coast
Iceland is a pretty much undiscovered jewel in the north atlantic. With frequent storms, good size swells and temperatures on the edge, Iceland is one of the most extreme and hardcore locations on the list. According to the locals the best spots are on the south-southwest coast. Not all the options have been windsurfed, which makes this place a true challenge!
The crew has received absolutely crazy wind statistics (very frequent readings above 54 knots / max up to 105 knots!), so there should be plenty of storm options to run the competitions. The Locals were very helpful in the scouting process and provided the crew with top infos about various spot options within 2 hours driving distance, which cover pretty much all wind directions.
Average Temperatures
- Air (Aug-Nov):
- 8°C
- Water (Aug-Nov):
- 9°C
Spot Options
-
Landeyjahöfn
Very exposed and super windy. Good option to sail west (downwind) of the new built harbour in E-SE storm. X-shore, good jumping potential. -
Vík
Beachbreak option for ENE-E direction. -
Eyrarbakki
Good reefbreak for ESE directions (option if Grindavik is too heavy) -
Porlakshöfn
W-SW directions are sideshore here, one of the best surfing spots of the south coast. -
East of Grindavik
Good reefbreak that works on SW’ly directions.
Weather
Iceland's very northerly position give rise to short and cool summers and long cold winters. From September on the daylight period rapidly decreases. In November there are only about 6 hours of daylight. There’s a large preference for gale force winds in September, October and November.
With a strong west circulation on low latitudes, several storm depressions can reach Iceland. However an occasional month occurs without a significant gale. When low pressure passes by south of Iceland E’ly winds occur, sometimes gale force with low temperatures.
Iceland has a very favorable position at the north side of the Atlantic. During a gale waves can build up to 8 meters, sometimes even more at exposed coasts. After a period of strong SW'ly winds significant and sorted swell can run into the region.
