Pays-Bas
't Mirnser Klif in Mirns, Friesland in the Netherlands, is a beach bordered by a cliff overlooking the IJsselmeer. It is a calm spot popular for walks and its natural setting, with a beach pavilion to relax.
The area combines grass and sand, accessible via paths from nearby places like Rijster Bosch. Locals enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and the proximity to shallow water.
Ideal for a kite session in a preserved environment, with parking available and a restaurant on site.
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.
chop
flatThe spot at 't Mirnser Klif works well with winds from the south to west sector (E, ESE, SE, SSE, S, SSW, SW, WSW, W), which come side-shore to side-off relative to the beach facing the IJsselmeer. The launch area is directly on the flat sand, with a take-off zone on the grass at the top of the low cliff.
The navigation area is wide on the IJsselmeer, flat to chop depending on wind strength, with no marked waves due to the lake's protection. Be careful to stay offshore to avoid the cliff during jibes. Tides have little influence on the water surface, but check the timings for space at low tide.
Close to the KBC school in Hindeloopen, 10-15 minutes by car, perfect for combining a session and a break at the 't Mar pavilion. Typical wind at 23 kts gives a score of 51/100, with consistent power.
Ideal conditions with winds E to W at 18-25 kts, side-shore for a clean water surface. Avoid onshore as it is too gusty from the cliff.
Water surface is flat in moderate winds, turning to chop with more power. Few waves due to the lake's configuration, perfect for freestyle or freeride.
Currents are weak on the IJsselmeer, influenced by moderate tides (amplitude 1-2m). More pronounced near channels or outlets, but generally safe offshore from the spot.
Opt for sizes 9 to 12m² in 20-25 kts wind. 10-11m for freeride, smaller in gusts.
The dominant wind comes from the west and southwest, strengthened by Atlantic depressions. Average strength is 15-25 kts in winter, more consistent on the IJsselmeer due to the lake effect.
No specific local name, but reliable in cold season with clean side-shore sessions.
The climate in Friesland is temperate oceanic, with cool temperatures year-round. The best months for kiting are October, November, December, January, February, March, and April, when the wind is more consistent.
Mild summers around 15-20°C, cold winters at 0-5°C, with a risk of freezing on the IJsselmeer in January-February.
Depth is progressive with a sandy bottom. You can stand up to 50-100m from the shore, ideal for schools and waterstarts.
8-12°C in winter (Jan-Feb), 15-18°C in summer. A 5/4mm wetsuit is recommended year-round on the IJsselmeer.
