Borkum – West Side
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds W, NW, SW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
Borkum is the westernmost and largest of the East Frisian islands. An offshore sandbank takes the bite out of the North Sea swell and creates comparatively easy conditions – beginners find their place here too. The wide, gently shelving beach makes the spot surfable in almost any wind direction; southeast, however, comes through gusty and turbulent off the dunes and buildings.
Reliable summer wind runs April to October, the stronger southwest and northwest systems with the lows more from autumn to spring. Several kite zones are signposted, plus schools and rentals – logistically one of the easiest island spots. Which corner is off-limits? The western part of the beach is a nature reserve and belongs to the seals – kiting is not allowed there.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, January is the windiest month: on 62 % of days the wind blows at 12 knots or more from a direction that works at this spot for at least three daytime hours. It then mostly blows from the south-west. The most reliable period runs from October to February. The least wind is in April (34 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (62 %). The water ranges from about 4 to 20 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
62 %
| 18 kn | SW | 5 °C | 4 °C |
| February |
48 %
| 17 kn | SW | 5 °C | 5 °C |
| March |
40 %
| 14 kn | SW | 6 °C | 6 °C |
| April |
34 %
| 14 kn | NW | 8 °C | 10 °C |
| May |
39 %
| 13 kn | W | 12 °C | 15 °C |
| June |
43 %
| 13 kn | W | 16 °C | 18 °C |
| July |
62 %
| 13 kn | W | 18 °C | 20 °C |
| August |
45 %
| 13 kn | W | 18 °C | 20 °C |
| September |
39 %
| 13 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
57 %
| 16 kn | SW | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
53 %
| 17 kn | SW | 9 °C | 9 °C |
| December |
51 %
| 17 kn | SW | 6 °C | 6 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, NW, SW (usable according to the spot info) are counted. Model data (ECMWF IFS, approx. 9 km grid) – local venturi and thermal effects can be stronger. Weather data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Insider tips
Kite zones are signposted – please respect them. Expect gusty, turbulent wind in southeast. The lagoon is usable at low tide but is shallow and partly muddy.
⚠︎ Hazards
The western beach section is a nature reserve (seals) – kiting banned. Wadden Sea tide: watch water levels and tidal channels on a rising tide. Southeast is gusty.
All information without guarantee. Please check locally whether kiting, windsurfing, winging or surfing is currently allowed here – protected areas, swimming zones and seasonal closures change. You go on the water at your own risk.
Nearby surf schools
Frequently asked questions
Is Borkum – West Side suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Borkum – West Side suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Chop). There is one surf school nearby.
Which wind works at Borkum – West Side?
Best with wind from W, NW, SW. In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.
When is the best time for Borkum – West Side?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days in the warmer season (water from 15 °C, 62 %); overall January is the windiest (62 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at Borkum – West Side?
Over the year about 4 °C in January to 20 °C in July (model data).
Something missing or wrong? Suggest a change
Your note goes to the editors and is not shown publicly. We only need an email address if we have questions.
Comments
No comments yet. Be the first.