The Brouwersdam is a dam in Zeeland, in the southwest of the Netherlands, and one of the busiest wind spots in the country. It was built between 1962 and 1971 as part of the Delta Works, and it closes off the Grevelingen, a large saltwater lake, from the North Sea. That gives it its great trick: water on both sides. Flat water on the lake, chop on the sea, and somewhere to ride in most wind directions. For wing foilers in the Netherlands, Belgium and western Germany, it is one of the most useful spots around.
What makes it special
- Two sides, many wind directions. When the wind blows from the sea, the lake side has flat water. When it blows the other way, you can ride the sea side or one of the many corners of the lake.
- Flat water with little tide. The Grevelingen is closed off from the sea, so its level hardly changes, unlike the North Sea next door.
- A real windsports scene. Surf centres, schools, shops, cafés and campsites along the dam, and riders on the water almost every windy day.
Best time to go, month by month
The season shown on Best Time to Ride is April to October. Our numbers (GFS model, 2022–2026) have a twist: the North Sea is windiest in autumn and winter, with 20–21 windy days a month from October to January, against 13–15 in summer.
Windy days: days with at least 2 hours of 15+ knots between 9:00 and 18:00, averaged over recent years. Averages over recent years from weather data; tap a spot for daily detail.
So why is the season April to October? Because winter wind here comes with water at 6–7°C, air under 10°C, storms and short days. Hardy locals ride all winter in thick suits, but for a trip the sweet spots are:
- September and October: the water is still 15–19°C and the autumn wind picks up again. For many riders, this is the best time of year at the dam.
- April and May: good wind (about 15 windy days), long days, but the water is still cold, 11–14°C.
- June to August: the warmest water (19–21°C) and still 13–15 windy days a month, but the dam is at its busiest, especially at weekends.
A "windy day" means at least two daytime hours of 15 knots or more. More in how we count windy days.
The wind and which side to ride
The wind directions that work best here are southwest, west, northwest and northeast. Southwesterlies are the most common, especially in spring and autumn.
- West, southwest and northwest: the wind comes off the sea, across the dam, and the Grevelingen side is flat water with a clean wind. This is the classic Brouwersdam setup.
- Northeast: the wind blows from the land side, so the lake side next to the dam loses its clean wind. Riders move to the North Sea side or to other shores of the lake. Check that the wind isn't offshore where you launch.
- North: riders head to spots around the lake where the wind blows evenly across the water, for example near the Grevelingendam on the far side.
Strong autumn storms can bring big waves on the sea side. Those days are for experienced riders only.
Where to ride
Along the dam there are several areas, each with its own crowd:
- Kabbelaarsbank on the lake side, home to a large surf centre, with free parking and a grassy rigging area by the water. A pool behind a pier is good in west-southwest wind but can be shared with beginner lessons.
- The north end of the dam, known to many riders as the "German Bight", is popular with kiters and motorhomes.
- Port Zélande, the marina halfway along the dam, is surrounded by windsports.
- The North Sea beach along the whole dam, reachable almost anywhere. Kiting on this side is only allowed in a signposted zone, so wingers should also check the signs.
If the dam is too crowded, SURF magazine suggests quieter spots around the Grevelingen, such as the south end of the dam and the Grevelingendam.
Further down the coast, Knokke in Belgium is another North Sea spot with marked zones for wind sports.
Level and who it suits
The Brouwersdam works for all levels. The lake side is a very good place to learn: flat water, steady wind across the dam, and shallow, sandy bottom near shore. Intermediate riders love it for freeriding and practising jibes. The North Sea side, with tidal current along the dam and chop, is for experienced riders.
Hazards and rules
- Shallows. The lake is shallow near shore in many places. Great for standing up, but check your mast length, especially at low lake level in winter.
- Oysters. The lake bottom has sharp oyster shells. Wear neoprene shoes or boots.
- Tidal current on the North Sea side, running along the dam. If you get into trouble it can carry you along the coast.
- Crowds. Windy weekends are very busy, with kiters, windsurfers, wingers and lessons on the same water. Keep your distance and your wing high when passing.
- Zones. Kite zones, swimming beaches and launch areas are signposted. Follow them, and ask at a surf centre if you're not sure where wings can launch.
- Cold. For most of the year the water is cold enough to make a long swim dangerous. Dress for the water, not the air.
Water temperature and what to wear
Our data shows the water at 6–8°C from December to March, 11°C in April, 14°C in May, and 19–21°C from June to September. Outside summer, wear a 5/4 or thicker with boots, gloves and a hood in winter. In spring a 4/3 or 5/4 and boots. In July and August a 3/2 is enough for most people. Bring boots all year because of the oysters. More in which wetsuit for which water temperature.
Getting there and where to stay
Most riders drive. The nearest airport is Rotterdam The Hague. Parking areas sit along the dam, close to the water. There are campsites and holiday parks around Ouddorp, Renesse, Scharendijke and the other villages nearby. Wild camping is not allowed and is fined. Surf centres on the dam offer lessons, rentals and storage.
Tips from riders
- Check the wind direction, then pick the side. Westerlies: lake side. Northeasterlies: sea side or elsewhere on the lake.
- Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends with wind are packed.
- Bring boots, always. The oysters don't care about the season.
- In autumn, keep an eye on the forecast for storms and pick the lake side when the sea gets rough.
FAQ
When is the best time to wing foil at the Brouwersdam? April to October. September and October combine good wind (15–20 windy days in our data) with water that is still 15–19°C. Summer is warmest but busiest.
Is the Brouwersdam good for beginners? Yes, on the lake side. The Grevelingen has flat water, little tide and a shallow, sandy bottom near shore. Learn with one of the schools on the dam.
Which side should I ride, lake or sea? With west, southwest or northwest wind, the lake side for flat water. With northeast wind, the sea side or other parts of the lake. The sea side has tidal current and is for more experienced riders.
How cold is the water at the Brouwersdam? In our data it ranges from about 6°C in winter to 21°C in July and August.
You can see every month for the Brouwersdam, with wind, water, air and rain, on its spot page on Best Time to Ride.
