Pays-Bas
De Cocksdorp, in the north of Texel Island, is a popular spot for experienced kiters due to its large beach near the lighthouse. Located between the beach poles 28.2 and 32, it offers sessions on the North Sea side or on the Wadden Sea depending on the wind direction.
This place attracts advanced riders who enjoy alternating between waves and flat water, in a typical Dutch coastal setting with its fine sand and maritime atmosphere. Locals particularly appreciate its potential when conditions are right.
The Eilander school often operates here, making the spot accessible for guided sessions despite its technicality.
Les données de vent affichées ici proviennent d’ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) sur 4 ans, retraitées pour refléter des conditions réalistes.
👉 Le vent moyen a été calibré pour éviter la sous-estimation habituelle des modèles.
👉 Les rafales ont été corrigées par un ratio médian afin d’éviter des valeurs extrêmes irréalistes.
👉 Chaque jour est résumé par le vent médian (P50) observé pendant les heures utiles (8h–20h), puis classé dans des plages de vent.
👉 Le mode pondéré mélange vent moyen et rafales pour refléter au mieux le vent ressenti.
wave
chopThe spot works on two sides: the North Sea for southwest to north winds that bring ideal waves for wave riding, and the Wadden Sea for opposite winds that create an exceptional flat water but exposed to currents. The launch is on a large sandy beach, with easy take-off near the lighthouse, but you need to aim for the wide areas between the poles 28.2 and 32 to avoid the crowd.
The wind is generally side-shore or side-on on the north face with ENE, NNE, NE directions that work well according to locals, confirmed by schools for consistent power. Be cautious of tides that influence the water surface: choppier at low tide on the Wadden, smoother at high tide. The navigation areas extend far offshore, but stay vigilant on wind shifts that can turn offshore quickly.
Local peculiarity: the spot is tide dependent, with channels forming and sandbanks moving, making navigation technical even for good riders.
The ideal directions are ENE, NNE, E, NE, SE, N, ESE, confirmed by locals and suitable for clean side-shore on the beach. Optimal strength between 18-28 kts to exploit both sides without excessive risk.
Water conditions are wave on the North Sea side with waves of 1-2m in strong wind, and chop to flat on the Wadden depending on the tide. The bottom is sandy everywhere, with banks that emerge at low tide.
Variable but always dynamic conditions, ideal for progressing in wave or advanced freestyle.
Currents are strong and treacherous, particularly on the Wadden Sea where they can reach speeds that prevent returning upwind. Influenced by the region's significant tides, they change direction every 6 hours.
It is essential to check the tide schedules and kite in groups to manage these powerful flows near the channels.
Opt for sizes 9 to 12m² in typical conditions of 20-25 kts, and 7-9m² when it gets strong with waves. Advanced riders go down to 6-8m² for wave.
The dominant wind regime comes from the northwest, typical of the North Sea coasts, with regular sessions at 20-25 kts in season. Cross-shore directions like NNW, NW, SW are the most reliable, often reinforced by thermals in the afternoon.
No specific local name, but northeast winds bring very clean side-on power on the north beach.
Texel enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, with mild summer temperatures around 15-20°C and cool winter temperatures around 5-8°C. The best months for kiting are April, August, July, June, with reliable wind and long days.
Mild winters allow for sessions even in January or February, but with more rain and cold. Spring and autumn offer a good compromise between wind strength and comfort.
Profondeur progressive avec un fond sableux partout, pied possible jusqu'à 50-100m du bord à marée haute sur le Wadden. Attention aux bancs qui sèchent à basse mer.
In summer, the water is around 16-19°C from June to August, comfortable in a 3/2 wetsuit. Cooler winter temperatures of 6-10°C from January to March, requiring a 5/4 fullsuit.
Spring and autumn around 12-15°C.
