Netherlands
Strand Slag Beukel in 's-Gravenzande, South Holland, is a family-friendly spot close to the city. It is easily accessible by following the signs from the road, with parking not far away. It is a popular place for sports activities, like at Wato Events, and for its proximity to a riding school.
The spot is marked for kitesurfing, with a dedicated area indicated by a sign. Walking along the beach to the left, you will find the space to set up and store the kite, about 300 meters from the main access. The atmosphere is calm, ideal for a session without too much crowd.
Near Hoek van Holland, the spot benefits from the influence of the dikes on the waves, especially with a southwest wind.
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.
chopchopThe beach faces northwest, making W and NW winds side-on perfect for kitesurfing, while SW is also side-shore but with a notable influence from the mussels of Hoek van Holland that organize the wave area. The kite zone is clearly marked to the left of the access, about 300m: this is where you set up the kite, store it, and launch.
Launching is done directly on the wide sand, with plenty of space for beginners and advanced riders. The water surface is generally deep quickly, with no overly shallow areas. At low tide, the shore remains navigable, but check the signs for navigation times. Freeride and freestyle sessions work well here year-round.
No obstructive structures on the beach, but stay in the kitezone to avoid family bathers to the right of the access. The wind is consistent due to the proximity of the North Sea, with a score of 73/100 and all months good for riding.
Ideal conditions are with W to NW side-on winds, between 15 and 25 kts. This provides a clean and consistent water surface for freeride and freestyle.
The water surface is generally choppy with small waves, organized by the mussels in a SW wind. The bottom is deep sandy, with no reported rocks.
Currents are moderate, typical of the Dutch coast, influenced by the tides of the North Sea. They remain manageable for experienced riders, but be cautious of the flows near the dikes of Hoek van Holland.
Opt for 9 to 12m² sizes in moderate winds, and 7 to 9m² when it picks up. Adjust according to your weight and local wind level.
The wind regime is reliable due to exposure to the North Sea. The prevailing directions are W and NW, with average strengths of 15-25 kts in season. There is no specific local name, but the wind blows regularly every month, as indicated by the best months from January to December.
The climate in South Holland is oceanic, with mild temperatures year-round. Summers are cool around 18-22°C, and winters are mild around 5-8°C. Rainfall is frequent, but windy days dominate.
The depth is significant right from the shore, with a completely sandy bottom. No walkable areas after a few meters, perfect for jumps.
Water temperatures range from 6-10°C in winter to 16-20°C in summer. A full wetsuit is recommended year-round.
