Kitesurfing in the Netherlands
The Netherlands has 39 kitesurfing spots on Kitemap, from beginner-friendly flat water to wave spots for experts. Browse them all below.
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Bataviastrand
Located on the eastern shore of the Markermeer near Lelystad along the Hoekipadijk. Features deep waters suitable for foiling with minimal waves. A designated swimming zone is marked with yellow buoys from April to October. Best suited for intermediate riders and foilers.
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Muiderzand
Located on the IJmeer in Almere Poort, suitable for intermediate riders and foilers due to its deep waters. South winds are not recommended because of surrounding buildings causing wind shadows. The spot offers flat to choppy conditions depending on wind strength.
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Trintelhaven
IJsselmeer dike launch between Enkhuizen and Lelystad. Flat to choppy water and reliable winds; some areas are seasonal.
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Hindeloopen
Hindeloopen is another excellent spot on the IJsselmeer, known for its shallow water and consistent winds. The spot is suitable for all levels, with a large standing area for beginners and good chop for more advanced riders. The historic town nearby adds charm to this kitesurfing destination.
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Kornwerderzand
Located on the IJsselmeer, known for reliable wind and challenging conditions suitable for experienced kitesurfers. Perfect for freeriders looking for more advanced terrain. The spot offers year-round conditions with particularly good morning sessions.
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Mirns
Mirns is a spot on the IJsselmeer with shallow water and consistent winds. It's less crowded than other popular spots, making it a hidden gem for those in the know. The location offers flat water conditions ideal for freestyle and learning, with a friendly local community.
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Workum
Workum is a popular spot on the IJsselmeer with shallow water extending far from the shore. It's ideal for beginners and freestyle riders, with consistent winds and flat water conditions. The beach has good facilities and is easily accessible, making it a favorite among Dutch kiters.
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Elburg
A small spot on the Veluwemeer suitable for intermediate riders. Launching is done from the water, and riding is within the yellow buoys. Wind can be gusty, especially with westerlies. Visitors should check in at Veluwestrandbad reception before launching.
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Strand Horst
One of the Netherlands' most popular kitesurfing spots on the Wolderwijd near Ermelo. Offers expansive shallow waters with flat to slightly choppy conditions, making it ideal for beginners, freeriders, and freestylers alike. The large standing area and consistent conditions make it perfect for learning and progression.
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Bergen aan Zee
Classic dune-backed beach. Side-onshore winds bring clean waves; ample space but watch shorebreak and swimmers in summer.
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Den Helder
The Den Helder kitespot is actually located in Huisduinen (Badhuisstraat 2, 1789 Huisduinen). This is an advanced kitesurf spot with strong currents and waves. Keep this in mind if you need to go upwind. Between the breakwaters the water is flatter, outside of them it can be very choppy. About 2 km off the coast lies the sandbank Noorderhaaks (Razende Bol). At low tide, this sandbank can be as large as 700 hectares. Under certain conditions, you are allowed to kite on the west side of the sandbank. The Razende Bol is an important breeding and resting area for birds and seals. Kiting on the Razende Bol is discouraged to protect the area.
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Edam
Kitespot Edam is a spot on the Markermeer where you can kitesurf with an easterly wind. Because you can hardly kite anywhere else with this wind direction, it is often very busy. There is a narrow strip to launch your kite. There are rocks on the shore and you can stand for the first 50 meters. Still, this is not the most ideal spot for beginners. The narrow launch zone and the rocks at the edge of the water make it difficult for novice kitesurfers. The flat to choppy water, as you are used to from the IJsselmeer, is otherwise very nice for kiting.
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Egmond aan Zee
Egmond aan Zee is a lively North Sea beach town with a dedicated kitesurf zone. Kiting is allowed south of beach pavilion De Zilvermeeuw (Dokter Helleboulevard) and in the orange zone marked by orange beach poles near Boulevard Noord. As with most North Sea spots, expect currents and quickly deep water with occasional sandbanks. Paid parking from March to October. Always check local information boards at the beach entrances for up-to-date rules.
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IJmuiden
Wide North Sea beach near the canal entrance. Works well with westerlies; wave spot with plenty of space. Beginners should mind currents and shorebreak.
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Medemblik
Medemblik is a historic harbor town on the IJsselmeer that offers excellent kitesurfing conditions. The spot features flat to choppy water depending on wind strength, making it versatile for different styles. It's popular for its reliable thermal winds during summer and has good facilities nearby.
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Monnickendam
Kitesurfing in Monnickendam is possible from April to September at Hemmeland. There is a watersports beach where you can windsurf and kitesurf. The beach is located on the Gouwzee, making it a spot that works with easterly winds. Suitable for beginners to advanced riders.
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Muiderberg
Shallow IJmeer spot with a large standing area, great for learning and freestyle. Works best with northerly winds.
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Schellinkhout
Schellinkhout is a popular spot on the IJsselmeer with shallow water and good wind conditions. It's ideal for freestyle and freeride, with a large standing area making it perfect for beginners. The spot works best with westerly winds and offers consistent conditions throughout the year.
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Warder Kitespot
Warder is a kitespot on the Markermeer, just north of Edam. It works with easterly winds and offers flat to choppy water. The spot can get busy when the wind is right, since there aren't many spots around Amsterdam that work with Easterly wind.
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Wijk aan Zee
Wijk aan Zee is a coastal village near IJmuiden offering good wave conditions for kitesurfing. The spot works best with westerly winds and can handle decent-sized swells. It's popular among intermediate and advanced riders looking for wave action, though the beach can get crowded during summer weekends.
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Zandvoort
Busy seaside resort with broad beaches and consistent wind. Side-on westerlies create manageable waves; avoid peak crowds.
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's-Gravenzande
A wave spot located between The Hague and Hoek van Holland. This relatively hidden gem offers fewer crowds compared to other coastal spots. Best with northwest winds, providing good wave conditions for intermediate to advanced riders seeking a more secluded experience.
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Hoek van Holland
Hoek van Holland is a popular kitesurfing spot on the North Sea. It offers good wave conditions with side-onshore winds and works best during spring and autumn. The spot is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, with facilities nearby and a vibrant beach atmosphere.
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Kijkduin
Located southwest of The Hague, extending along the Dutch coastline. Offers unique conditions with shallow, flat-water lagoons close to shore making it beginner-friendly, while the ocean side provides wind chop and small waves for more experienced riders. Close to the Zandmotor area.
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Maasvlakte 2
Slufter, or Maasvlakte 2 is a man-made beach near Rotterdam offering excellent kitesurfing conditions. The spot features both flat water and wave sections depending on the wind direction. It's popular among intermediate and advanced riders for its consistent strong winds and spacious setup.
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Noordwijk aan Zee
Long, open beach with reliable westerlies and full facilities. Classic North Sea wave spot; best for intermediate riders and up.
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Rockanje
A large flat water spot about an hour from Rotterdam, less crowded than other popular locations. Protected from the ocean by large sandbanks which can be reached for even flatter water conditions. Above 25 knots, the water becomes slightly choppy but remains manageable for all levels.
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Scheveningen
Scheveningen is The Hague's beach and a prime kitesurfing location. It offers good wave conditions with side-onshore winds and works best during spring and autumn. The spot is suitable for intermediate to advanced riders, with facilities nearby and a vibrant beach atmosphere.
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Zandmotor
Zandmotor is an artificial lagoon on the beach between The Hague and Hook of Holland, created for coastal protection. It offers excellent flat water conditions with side and onshore winds (offshore gets gusty). Gets busy on the weekends!
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Ameland - Hollum
Hollum on the west side of Ameland offers excellent wave conditions with powerful swells. The spot is suitable for advanced riders and can handle big waves during storms. Wide beaches provide plenty of space. The area is less developed, offering a more natural experience. Strong currents require good upwind skills.
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Ameland - Nes
The beach near Nes, Ameland's main village, offers more moderate conditions than Hollum. Suitable for intermediate riders with consistent wave conditions. Good facilities and easy access make it popular among visitors. Works well with westerly winds and provides a comfortable setting for progression.
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Schiermonnikoog - Willemsduin
Schiermonnikoog offers remote and pristine kitesurfing conditions. Willemsduin on the western side provides excellent wave riding with consistent swells. The island is car-free and less crowded, offering a unique kitesurfing experience. Best for self-sufficient riders as facilities are limited. Strong currents and changing conditions require experience.
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Terschelling - Midsland aan Zee
Midsland aan Zee is a more accessible spot on Terschelling with good facilities. The beach offers wave conditions suitable for intermediate riders. Village amenities are nearby, making it convenient for day trips. Works well with westerly winds and provides a good mix of wave sizes throughout the year.
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Terschelling - West aan Zee
West aan Zee on Terschelling offers excellent wave conditions on the North Sea side. The spot features wide beaches with powerful waves, suitable for experienced riders. Less crowded than mainland spots. The western tip of the island provides consistent winds and good wave quality. Currents can be strong, especially near the lighthouse.
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Texel - De Cocksdorp (Paal 31)
De Cocksdorp at the northern tip of Texel is one of the best wave spots in the Netherlands. Paal 31 offers powerful North Sea waves with side-onshore winds. The spot can handle large swells and is popular among advanced riders. The wide beach provides plenty of space, but currents can be strong. Best conditions are with westerly to northwesterly winds.
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Texel - Paal 17
Paal 17 on Texel's west coast is a versatile spot suitable for all levels. The beach offers both wave riding in the North Sea and flatter water in the sheltered areas. Good facilities nearby including kite schools. Less crowded than De Cocksdorp. Works well with westerly winds and offers a great mix of conditions.
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Texel - Paal 9 (De Koog)
Located near the village of De Koog, Paal 9 is a popular spot with good facilities. The beach offers consistent wave conditions with westerly winds. Suitable for intermediate riders, with kite schools available. Can get busy during summer weekends. The nearby village provides restaurants and accommodations.
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Vlieland - Vliehors
Vliehors is a massive sandbank on the west side of Vlieland, accessible by bike or on foot. This unique spot offers extremely wide beaches with both wave and flat water options depending on tide and wind. It's a paradise for kiters seeking space and solitude. Best with westerly winds. Note: check tide times and weather as conditions can change quickly.
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Brouwersdam
Brouwersdam is one of the most popular kitesurfing spots in the Netherlands. Located in Zeeland, it offers consistent winds and a large, shallow lagoon perfect for beginners. The spot is known for its flat water conditions and is suitable for all levels. The best conditions are during spring and summer with westerly winds.
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