Netherlands
Cadzand-Bad beach, located in Cadzand in Zeeland near the Belgian border, is a popular kitesurfing spot known for its beautiful waves that break regularly. It is a lively place in summer with a lovely seaside promenade and a friendly atmosphere.
Surrounded by dunes and close to the Zwin nature reserve, this spot attracts riders for its location in the south of the Netherlands. There are kitesurfing schools like the one integrated into the De Zeemeeuw pavilion.
The fine sandy beach stretches widely, ideal for walks or sessions, with a rhythm marked by the changing tides that renew the landscape with each cycle.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
wave
flatThe Cadzand-Bad spot works well with winds from southwest to northeast, ideally side-shore from the southwest or west for smooth navigation. Launching is done directly from the sandy beach, but be careful of the jetties that partially block currents while creating choppy areas.
The navigation area extends along the beach, with a dedicated space for beginners marked by a black and white flag near the schools. Prefer low tide for a calmer sea and fewer waves, as at high tide the water becomes more choppy with rolling waves.
Launching is easy on the wide beach, but the spot is crowded on weekends and during high season. The jetties provide some protection from currents but concentrate activity in the center; always navigate upwind to avoid swimming areas and respect the indicator signs on the beach.
Ideal conditions are a side-shore wind from southwest to west between 15-25 kts, stable and thermal during the day. Avoid pure onshore from the north which makes the water too chaotic with waves.
The water offers beautiful waves rolling in from the North Sea, making the spot fun for wave riding. At low tide, the beach dries out significantly and the water is more calm near the shore; at high tide, it becomes choppy with waves. Sandy bottom scattered with sharp oyster shells.
The tides are significant here, with a current that mainly pushes from the southwest and can be strong near the channels and jetties. It is mitigated by the offshore structures but should be monitored, especially during low tide when the sea calms down. Always check the tide schedules to anticipate the flows.
Opt for kite sizes of 9 to 12 m² in moderate winds of 12-20 kts, and 7-9 m² when it picks up beyond 20 kts to manage the waves. Advanced riders go down to 6-8 m² in wave sessions.
The prevailing wind comes from the west to northwest, often consistent due to the open exposure of the coast. In typical conditions, we measure 10-20 kts in side-shore, with ideal sessions when it picks up from the southwest. The regime is reliable year-round, boosted by Atlantic depressions.
The climate in Zeeland is oceanic, with moderate temperatures year-round. The mild summers reach around 20-25°C, while winters remain mild around 5-10°C. It is an interesting spot for shoulder seasons like spring and autumn, less crowded than in July-August.
The depth is gradual with a sandy bottom mixed with shells. You can stand for a good distance at low tide, but it rises quickly to 2-3 m beyond.
Water temperatures range from 8-12°C in winter to 18-22°C in summer. A full wetsuit is essential year-round, with 5/4 mm neoprene off-season.
