Guide to kitesurfing in the Netherlands

Guide to kitesurfing in the Netherlands

Spots
51
Best season
All year
Wind in season
15 to 18 kts
Kiteable days
46 %

Overview

In the Netherlands the wind comes from the lows crossing the North Sea, most often from south-west to north-west. The country offers two playgrounds: the beaches of the coast, with chop and waves, and the large inland waters such as the IJsselmeer, flat and shallow.

With so many spots facing different ways, there is almost always one that works for the wind direction.

When to go

You can ride all year, with a good wetsuit or a drysuit for the coldest days.

  • Winter: the windiest period, with North Sea storms. Riders who like strong wind wait for it, well equipped against the cold.
  • Spring and autumn: the best balance between wind and temperature.
  • Summer: the least windy season, but the mildest. Most schools open from April to the end of October.

Best period : all year

In November: 49% kiteable days

Kiteable days
56%
66%
48%
47%
37%
30%
41%
36%
33%
53%
49%
51%
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average windkts · gusts
1221
1424
1120
1120
1018
918
1019
1018
917
1120
1120
1220
When it blowskts
17
18
16
16
15
15
15
15
15
15
16
16
Air °C
5°
6°
7°
9°
13°
17°
18°
19°
17°
13°
9°
6°
Raindays
14
15
13
11
12
11
16
13
12
17
17
17
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Historical monthly averages, not a forecast.

Where to kite in the Netherlands

Brouwersdam, in Zeeland, is the busiest spot: shallow water, flat or choppy, for all levels. Kiting is only allowed on the southern part, marked by yellow buoys. Vrouwenpolder, further south, forms a lagoon at high tide.

Workum, on the IJsselmeer, has flat, shallow water with no tide. The spot rules are posted on site: read them before you rig.

Along the Holland coast, Noordwijk, Zandvoort, IJmuiden and Scheveningen face the North Sea, with tidal current.

Kitesurfing destinations: Netherlands

Beginner-friendly spots

All kitesurfing spots: Netherlands (51)
See all spots on the map →

Practical info

Getting there. Amsterdam is the gateway. Noordwijk is about 45 minutes away by car. Most spots are not served by public transport: a car helps.

Rules. Kiting takes place in official zones, signposted on site. Respect the limits, they are enforced.

Cold water. Even in summer the water is around 18 °C. Bring a wetsuit all year.

Frequently asked questions

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Préparer un trip kite in the Netherlands

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