All Dutch Spots, Netherlands, EUROPE

Scheveningen, Ray Max

The Surf

Nearly a quarter of The Netherlands sits below sea level, so the population, who rely on dykes to defend the country from the worst North Sea swells, may not consider waves a blessing. Much of the seabed is shallow, continental shelf, bordered by a predominantly soft coastline of sand dunes, saltmarsh and the world’s largest stretch of uninterrupted mudflats at Waddensea. The surf favours the in-between seasons of autumn and spring when strong lows send NNW swells to endless flat beaches, where conditions improve in the vicinity of huge boulder jetties. The Netherlands is certainly not a prime surfing destination, but it’s rumoured that Jan Nederveen started surfing in the 30s, making him one of the first surfers in Europe! During the ‘80s trend for windsurfing, the first wave of regular surfers hit the waves and it has been growing in popularity ever since. There are 3 surfing regions: the Wadden Islands, Westkust and Zeeland to the south. Scheveningen is by far the most popular surf area as well as the major seaside resort.

The Low Countries of The Netherlands and Belgium have long been wary of the North Sea, hiding behind the large dykes, seawalls and jetties that protect the below sea level countryside. Perfectly situated to pick up the NW-N swells created by low pressure systems off Norway and also able to catch SW windswell, these two nations do have some surfable corners. Like Denmark and Germany, the key is whether the wind will co-operate and switch offshore after producing a swell, but there are many jetties to find some protection behind. Tides exceed 2m, which are magnified by the flat beach slope. Starting in the north of the Netherlands, Waddeneilanden are an arc of sandy barrier islands that face almost due north at the German border, before curving round to west-facing on Texel, the southern and most popular island. This aspect translates to maximum swell size and longevity, but the long, unstabilised strands do people know that a strand is a beach? are swept by vicious currents and there are few people around to help. A boat would open up the potential for discovery. The northern beaches of the Netherlands are flat and unremarkable but a few key spots like Petten and Hargen work in SW and NW swells respectively. The huge harbour jetty at Nordpier is the focus for Amsterdam surfers, but the queen of the coast is undoubtedly Scheveningen where crowds flock to the choice of breaks around the incredibly long inlet jetties. Past the gargantuan Europoort are the shifty peaks of Maasvlakte where construction has destroyed the famed Maasexpress but there are still some good waves in N swells at Blokken and Slufter. Shallow, offshore sandbanks destroy the surf to the south, but things improve around Domburg in Zeeland. Summer is usually flat but winter often sees a mixture of short-lived SW swells from lows crossing the UK and NW-N swells coming down from Norway. A split jet in autumn or spring will also liven up the North Sea, but the most important factor is how quickly a swell disappears after the wind stops. Water drops to a chilly 5ºC in February and snowy sand is always a possibility.

When to Go

Once North Atlantic low pressure cells have crossed the ocean, they traverse the UK within 12 hours and resume their wave generation process in the North Sea. Summer is usually pretty flat but winter brings regular 1-2 day swells. Most spots on the Dutch coast are best with NW swells and to a lesser degree W, N, and sometimes SW short period windswell. Thus, Holland mostly receives 2-8ft (0.6-2.5m) windswell and occasionally a clean 2-5ft (0.6-1.5m) N swell kicks in. In the land of windmills, winds are pretty steady, though rarely very strong with SW dominance, tending S in winter and W in summer. There is a brief N-NE wind quadrant before summer in May-June. Beware, in summer, beach crowds hit the coast and many beaches have surfing bans. Spring tidal range can reach 7ft (2.2m), affecting the flat slope on these coastal lowlands (polders), so pick up a tide chart for variation. Breaks usually favour low to mid-tide although some high tide spots can deliver shorebreak power.

Population


Coastline
451km (280mi)

Timezone

Travel Information

Weather There is a moderate coastal climate with cool summers and mild winters. The average temperature in January is 2°C (35ºF) and 21°C (70ºF) in August. Feb to May are the driest months. June and October are typically wet months and the coast enjoys more sunny hours than inland. In the land of windmills, the SW-W wind can add a chill factor coming off the cold North Sea. Hardcore waveriders will have to handle 5°C (41ºF) water or less and freezing air temps. Winter is the best season but it’s said to be late autumn-early winter for a good combo of frequent swells and 4/3mm wetsuit. The heart of the winter requires 6/5/4 mm and all the other bits of rubber.

Nature Festivals include the North Sea Jazz Festival and the National Sea Life. Beach cafés and coffee shops are central to the vibe! There is a flowrider at De Eemhof.

Hazards Hazards include surfing bans, jetties, jellyfish, lifeguards tickets, cold winter water and pollution (every rivermouth hosts a harbour). There is no unpaid parking available and expensive wheel clamping is enforced.

Hints Dutch, Belgian and German surfers mostly frequent this surf zone, as it isn’t really on the main European surf trail. Surfboards are available for rent ($10/d) at the Hart Beach Shop. Go Klap, run a long established surf school.

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