Otterndorf
Germany · Kitesurf · Windsurf · SUP
- Best winds W, NW, SW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Chop
- Best months Apr–Oct
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 →
About this spot
On the Elbe estuary about 15 km east of Cuxhaven. The seaside resort of Otterndorf has a separated bathing lake plus the classic Wadden Sea – the kite spot sits on the Elbe shore and works at any water level, with high water ±3 hours as the best phase. A big plus: there is still water here when the Cuxhaven spots have long dried out. You rig and launch on a wide, mown grass strip and ride out on the Elbe; mostly flat chop in W/NW to easterly winds.
Is Otterndorf suitable for beginners? Not really: the standing area is small, the bottom drops into the shipping channel after about 100 metres, plus tidal current and busy ship traffic. A spot for advanced riders who don't go too far out. It is around 800 m to the water – a longboard or scooter helps. Season April to October, often pleasantly empty in strong wind.
Last updated:
Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, July is the windiest month: on 52 % 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 north-west. The least wind is in September (27 %). The water ranges from about 3 to 20 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
44 %
| 13 kn | SW | 4 °C | 3 °C |
| February |
37 %
| 12 kn | W | 4 °C | 4 °C |
| March |
30 %
| 10 kn | W | 6 °C | 6 °C |
| April |
38 %
| 11 kn | NW | 9 °C | 10 °C |
| May |
34 %
| 11 kn | NW | 13 °C | 15 °C |
| June |
37 %
| 10 kn | W | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| July |
52 %
| 11 kn | NW | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| August |
32 %
| 10 kn | W | 19 °C | 20 °C |
| September |
27 %
| 10 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
39 %
| 12 kn | SW | 13 °C | 13 °C |
| November |
35 %
| 11 kn | SW | 8 °C | 9 °C |
| December |
36 %
| 12 kn | SW | 5 °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
Rig on the wide grass strip; around 800 m to the water, bring a longboard/scooter. Don't go too far out – avoid the shipping channel. Cuxkite school nearby.
⚠︎ Hazards
Busy ship traffic and strong tidal current in the Elbe estuary; standing area only ~100 m, then the channel. Do not go too far out.
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
Trips & camps
No trips right at this spot yet.
Frequently asked questions
Is Otterndorf suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Otterndorf suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Chop). There is one surf school nearby.
Which wind works at Otterndorf?
Best with wind from W, NW, SW. In the windiest month (July), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the north-west.
When is the best time for Otterndorf?
The best months are considered to be Apr–Oct. According to the wind statistics, July has the most wind days (52 % of days).
How warm is the water at Otterndorf?
Over the year about 3 °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.