Destination guide

Kitesurfing in Dutch Delta Coast

Dams, sea inlets and shallow lakes in the Dutch south-west, with wind most of the year and rules worth reading first.

About Dutch Delta Coast

The Zeeland and South Holland delta is where Dutch kitesurfing lives: a coastline rebuilt after 1953 into dams, inlets and sheltered lakes, each of which happens to make excellent riding water.

Brouwersdam is the centrepiece, with a lake side on the Grevelingen and a sea side on the North Sea, joined by the dam itself. The lake side is flat, shallow and largely free of tide; the sea side gives waves, and currents of two to three knots on a spring tide. It works best on south-westerly to westerly wind at 15 to 28 knots and above — and not at all in an easterly, when both sides blow offshore. April to June and September to October are the best months; July and August are crowded and often windless.

Rockanje, further north on Voorne, is the other main spot: shallow water shelving gradually, suitable for beginners and freestyle alike. Note that kiting there is permitted only from October through April.

The water is cold. Winter here means a 5/4 wetsuit as a minimum, and the reward is strong, reliable wind on a coast an hour from Rotterdam.

When to go

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December.

Plan your kitesurfing holiday

Use the local kite area guides to check riding conditions and access, then match your travel month and accommodation to your experience and travel companions.

Explore the region

Kite areas

2 distinct riding areas documented within this destination.

  • Brouwersdam

    Best months: April, May, June, September, October.

  • Rockanje

    Best months: October, November, December, January, February, March, April.