Knokke
Knokke-Heist, West Flanders, Belgium
Sports: Kitesurfing, Wingfoiling, Windsurfing, Parawing
Best time to go: March–May, September–November
Knokke is the easternmost resort on the Belgian coast, close to the Dutch border and the Zwin nature reserve. The wide sandy beach faces north-west into the North Sea and is divided by groynes. Kitesurfing and windsurfing are allowed in designated zones, and south-westerly and north-easterly winds blow side-shore here, which gives the most comfortable conditions; westerly and north-westerly winds are onshore and bring short, choppy waves.
The tidal range is large, around four metres, so the beach and the riding area change a lot through the day. At low tide the beach is very wide and the water shallow, which suits learners in the zone, while at high tide the water reaches the groynes and tidal currents along the coast become stronger. Spring and autumn are usually the windiest and least crowded periods. In summer the beach is very busy, and wind sports are restricted to set zones and times, so check local rules and follow the lifeguards' flags. The water is cold for much of the year.
Spots near Knokke
- Domburg (27 km)
- Brouwersdam (60 km)
- Scheveningen (108 km)
- Camber Sands (180 km)
- Workum – It Soal (231 km)
More: All spots in Belgium · Kitesurfing in Belgium · Wingfoiling in Belgium · Windsurfing in Belgium · Parawing in Belgium