Flanders
Belgium
Why Visit?
The Belgian coastline (North sea) is only 60km long and consists of sandy beaches - no cliffs, rocks, or reef. There are over 15 spots all spread out along the coastline, so no matter where you are, there’s always a spot to kitesurf nearby.
Even though the coastline is full of buildings, there are beautiful sandy beaches. Some of the spots are quite far from these buildings while others are right in front of them. But since the overall distance of the promenades, dunes, beaches are thousands of meters from the premises, most of the spots have constant wind.
Apart from surfing, Belgium offers lots of other must-see site’s. Brussels with the Atomium and “Manneken Pis”. Ghent is 50 km from the coast and has it’s famous “Gentse Feesten” in the middle of summer, ten days non-stop music and street art festivals, in the heart of the city. Of course, if you are here in July, why need to visit Tomorrowland in Boom, people come from all over the world for this massive dance festival! (Make sure you book beforehand is it's difficult to get tickets)
Wind and Weather
Belgium depends on the Atlantic depressions coming in from SW to NW. The best conditions come with changeable weather. Now and then, on average, once every two months, we get a good storm, +40 kt is not unusual on these days. Usually, it will be strong for the first one or two days, and then it will become more moderate. Summer brings SE winds, lovely hot air but no waves because as it's usually offshore. The air temperature will range between 25°C and 30°C, it's incredible!
Winter brings icy NE winds, along with the beautiful sunny weather (sometimes) with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 10°C and rain. During the winter months, overall, we get really good conditions but is very cold! Only locals who know the conditions well usually go out on a winter day.
Please make sure you check the safety rules before you head out and signing up at a school/centre is mandatory.
Getting Around
I would recommend a car to explore the coast, and the city at it’s best. However public transport is an excellent second choice.
Food and Drink
At the beach, kitesurfing schools/centres or nearby there are many restaurants and snack bars.
Nightlife
Nightlife is very diverse, there many bars and restaurants along the promenades and in the cities. During the summer months, many beach clubs offer unforgettable evenings! When the weather is nice, all the beach villages will offer great beach bars and terraces where it is good to chill and have a bite!
Keep in mind that Belgium has over 1600 different beers, so you better get started!
No Wind?
I would recommend you check out the Zwin Plain; it is a unique nature reserve with an extraordinary world of plants and animals. Planning a "no wind" will depend on the season you are in, each season and every day is different! There is always something to see or to experience! Day trips to the historical cities Gent, Brugge, Brussels are also a lot of fun!
Internet
Internet Belgium has a high standard 3G-4G internet network. In Beach Clubs, bars, restaurants, shops, you find a good connection
Accommodation
Lots of hotels, apartments for the more extended stay, campsites are available along the coastline in different cities such as Knokke, Blankenberge, Oostende, De Panne, or more inland: Bruges and Ghent.
Flights
Rating 4.5
Map
Belgium
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By Patrick Deeporter
I’m a Belgian windsurfer, first 20 years I’ve been windsurfing here in Belgium at sea, mostly @Zeebrugge, Oostende & Heist.
Been to Flanders? What did you think?
Where are the Best Kitesurfing Beaches in Flanders?
Heist is a spot just next to the large east jetty of the Zeebrugge harbor. There’s a real beach life atmosphere from April till October it is full of water sports of all kind. Depending on wind and water conditions, you can kitesurfing, windsurf, or sail. Heist has some really nice clubs and beach facilities.
You can park “Anemos Beach Club” Parking here is no problem, as long as you don’t forget to put some money in the parking meter. Heist can give some shelter in those days when storms come through and Zeebrugge is too rough. From April to October, a rescue service is available.
- Wind: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Yes
Zeebrugge is just at the other end of the harbor next to large west jetty of the harbor.
Zeebrugge is the famous SW-NW wave spot on the Belgian coastline and when it's +25kt, you know it's going to be a good day! Waves are easily +3m on good days +4m waves are common. There’s a massive surf here. Be cautious of the strong current direction towards the big concrete wall stones. From April to October, a rescue service is available.
There is a super trendy surf club (Icarus) at the beach just next to the dune belt between the beaches of Zeebrugge and Blankenberge. There is enough parking but this is the spot which is the best option.
The train station is pretty much at the beach, and the surf center is within walking distance.
- Wind: N, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Yes
Blankenberge just next to Zeebrugge and it'sa famous surf spot known for its clean waves after a W-NW storm out at the north sea. There’s a kitesurfing center here; O'Neill beach club.
- Wind: N, NNE, NE, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Waves: Small chop and medium waves
- Shorebreak: None
“Surfers Paradise” is the surfing center in Knokke. This famous surf center is famous for hosting the American band “The Beach Boys” in 1987, they gave a great concert here at the beach! In May 2017, the Beach Boys returned to Knokke to pay a visit to the same spot for a reunion!
- Wind: Sideshore ENE or WSW.
- Waves: Small waves
- Shorebreak: None
Just a few minutes from the airport, Oostende offers a great safe spot with great sandy beaches and wave riding spot!
- Wind: SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW
- Waves: Small waves
- Shorebreak: None
When is the Best Time to go Kitesurfing in Flanders?
The windy months to go kitesurfing in Flanders are March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
Statistics
Map
Belgium
0 ()
11,319,511
B
UTC+01:00