Aruba

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Arashi Beach occasionally offers small, fun beach-break waves during the winter months when northern swells reach the island. While primarily a recreational beach, it is a known spot for local surfers to catch waves when conditions align.

Access. Located at the northern tip of the island, accessible by car or public bus. There are no dedicated surf schools here, so it is a spot for travelers with their own boards.

Notes. Waves are inconsistent and highly dependent on seasonal swells. Watch for rocky patches in the water.

North Holland

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A lively beach town adjacent to Zandvoort with energetic beach clubs and reliable shifting sandbars. Highly popular for both summer surfing and vibrant beach culture.

Access. Reachable by car with large parking lots, or by bus from Haarlem station.

Notes. Extremely lively and party-oriented during summer weekends.

Aruba

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Boca Grandi is a rugged, wave-exposed beach known for its reliable, strong winds and consistent swell. It is a favorite spot for experienced kitesurfers looking for a more challenging, open-ocean environment compared to the island's lagoons.

Access. Located on the southeastern tip of Aruba, it is best accessed by rental car. While there are fewer facilities directly on the beach, local kite schools from the main tourist areas offer guided trips and support for riders heading to this spot.

Notes. Strong currents and offshore winds can be hazardous; recommended for intermediate to advanced riders only. No lifeguard service is present.

South Holland

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A world-renowned mecca for flat-water and choppy wind-powered board sports, sitting between the North Sea and the Grevelingenmeer. Ideal for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and advanced wingfoiling.

Access. Easily accessible by car via the N57 highway which runs directly across the dam.

Notes. Can get extremely crowded with kites and wings on windy days; separate zones exist for safety.

Zeeland

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A charming historical coastal town in Zeeland featuring unique wooden breakwaters that shape clean, peeling surf peaks. It is one of the premier surf spots in the southern Netherlands.

Access. Accessible by car through Zeeland, or via train to Middelburg and a connecting bus.

Notes. Wooden groynes create specific hazards; respect local surfers and the relaxed Zeeland pace.

Aruba

David Stanley from Nanaimo, Canada / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Hadicurari Beach is the premier hub for wind-powered sports in Aruba, offering consistent trade winds and a shallow, sandy-bottomed bay. It serves as the primary launch point for kiteboarders and wingfoilers of all levels looking for reliable conditions.

Access. Located just north of Palm Beach, the area is easily accessible by car or taxi. Several professional kite and wingfoil schools operate directly on the beach, providing equipment rentals and lessons.

Notes. The area can get busy with schools during peak season; respect the designated launch zones and keep clear of swimmers.

Netherlands

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Lac Bay is a world-renowned shallow, turquoise lagoon offering perfect conditions for wind-powered sports. It is a premier destination for both beginners and professionals to practice wingfoiling and windsurfing in consistent trade winds.

Access. Located on the windward side of Bonaire, the bay is easily accessible by car from Kralendijk. Several dedicated windsurf and wingfoil centers operate directly on the beach, offering high-end equipment rentals and professional instruction.

Notes. The bay is a protected marine park; stay within designated zones to avoid damaging seagrass beds. The water is shallow and flat, making it exceptionally safe for learning.

Curacao

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While Curaçao is primarily known for its wind sports, Playa Kenepa occasionally offers surfable waves during the winter months when northern swells reach the island. It is a scenic beach-break environment that attracts local surfers when conditions align.

Access. Accessible by car on the western side of the island. Travelers should check local surf reports and bring their own gear, as dedicated surf shops are scarce on the island.

Notes. Surfing is highly seasonal and dependent on specific swell directions; crowds are minimal.

North Holland

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A premier inland shallow-water spot on the Markermeer lake, legendary among Dutch kitesurfers and wingfoilers. The vast standing-depth area makes it exceptionally safe for learning and progressing.

Access. Drive north from Amsterdam towards Hoorn, then follow local roads to Schellinkhout dyke.

Notes. Shallow water means hitting the bottom is possible; busy on any southwest wind forecast.

South Holland

Paul van de Velde from Netherlands / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Scheveningen is the Netherlands' most famous urban surf beach, offering consistent beach breaks right next to the city. The iconic pier and multiple surf schools make it a bustling hub for both beginner and advanced surfers.

Access. Easily accessible by tram or car from downtown The Hague, with various surf rentals right on the boulevard.

Notes. Can get very crowded on weekends and summer swells; watch out for strong local currents around the groynes.

Curacao

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St. Joris Baai is the premier destination for wind-powered sports on the island, featuring a large, shallow saltwater lagoon with consistent trade winds. It is a hub for both kitesurfing and wingfoiling, offering flat to choppy water conditions suitable for all skill levels.

Access. Located on the northeast coast, it is accessible by car. Several dedicated kite and wingfoil schools operate directly on the shore, offering equipment rentals and lessons.

Notes. The area is rocky and shallow; booties are recommended. The wind is most reliable from January through August.

North Holland

Paul van de Velde / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

The northernmost Dutch Wadden island features rugged, uncrowded North Sea beaches that catch heavy swells. It is a fantastic destination for surfers and kiters seeking wide-open spaces and raw nature.

Access. Take the public passenger and car ferry from Den Helder to the island of Texel, then drive or bike to the west coast beaches.

Notes. Chilly waters and strong remote currents; check ferry schedules ahead of time.

North Holland

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Widely regarded as one of the best and most powerful surf spots on the Dutch coast. It picks up a lot of swell and offers punchy A-frame beach breaks favored by local core surfers.

Access. Accessible by car with parking close to the main beach pavilions, or via train to Beverwijk followed by a bus or bike ride.

Notes. Heavy industrial backdrop to the north (Hoogovens), but excellent wave quality when conditions align.