Knock – Dollart
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds W, NW, SW, N
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
The Knock near Emden lies on the northern shore of the Ems estuary, at the entrance to the Dollart, where the Ems narrows between Dollart and North Sea. Behind the dyke a small reservoir, in front enormous space and reliable wind – one of the most consistent kite spots in East Frisia, used almost year-round. Best directions W, NW, SW and N. You rig and launch at the dyke; depending on the tide the water runs flat to choppy, and with more wind a decent wave too.
What makes the Knock demanding? The jet effect of the Ems estuary: on the ebb the Ems pulls towards the North Sea at up to around 8 knots, churning the water – not for beginners. Best season April to October, but for experienced riders almost the whole year.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, January is the windiest month: on 36 % 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 January to February. The least wind is in March (22 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (33 %). The water ranges from about 4 to 21 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
36 %
| 10 kn | SW | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| February |
35 %
| 11 kn | SW | 5 °C | 4 °C |
| March |
22 %
| 10 kn | SW | 7 °C | 6 °C |
| April |
29 %
| 10 kn | SW | 10 °C | 11 °C |
| May |
29 %
| 9 kn | NW | 14 °C | 16 °C |
| June |
22 %
| 9 kn | W | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| July |
33 %
| 9 kn | SW | 19 °C | 21 °C |
| August |
26 %
| 9 kn | W | 20 °C | 21 °C |
| September |
23 %
| 9 kn | SW | 17 °C | 19 °C |
| October |
34 %
| 10 kn | SW | 13 °C | 14 °C |
| November |
25 %
| 10 kn | SW | 8 °C | 9 °C |
| December |
23 %
| 10 kn | SW | 5 °C | 5 °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, N (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
Large gravel car park right at the dyke, schools on site. Plan sessions around the tide – on the ebb the current in the main channel gets fierce. Experienced riders find wave when it blows harder.
⚠︎ Hazards
Jet effect of the Ems: ebbing water flows towards the North Sea at up to around 8 knots with strong eddies – not for beginners. Keep an eye on shipping.
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.
Trips & camps
No trips right at this spot yet.
Community at the spot
Who is here right now and what is happening on the water? Spot chat, check-ins and shared sessions from riders who were here.
Members only. No links, no ads, be respectful. Reported messages are hidden and reviewed; messages are deleted after 48 hours.
…
Shared sessions
No shared sessions at this spot yet. Share your session →
Frequently asked questions
Is Knock – Dollart suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Knock – Dollart suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Chop).
Which wind works at Knock – Dollart?
Best with wind from W, NW, SW, N. In the windiest month (January), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the south-west.
When is the best time for Knock – Dollart?
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, 33 %); overall January is the windiest (36 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at Knock – Dollart?
Over the year about 4 °C in January to 21 °C in August (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.