Upleward / Campen
Germany · Kitesurf · Wingfoil · SUP
- Best winds W, NW, SW
- Level Beginner · Intermediate
- Water Flat water
- Best months Apr–Oct
About this spot
The Trockenstrand Upleward in the Krummhörn is one of the few spots in the Ems estuary where kiting is explicitly permitted. In W and NW winds the breeze comes in cleanly across open sea, and behind it stands one of the largest standing-depth flatwater areas in western East Frisia – ideal for beginners in both kiting and windsurfing. You rig and launch on the beach next to the campsite and ride out on the flooded Watt.
The spot is tide-dependent: you get on the water roughly three hours before to three hours after high water, and on the falling tide the surface is often mirror-smooth. There is a kiosk and toilets on site, with access via the local surf and kite school or a day pass. When is Upleward best? In the tidal window around high water with W/SW wind. Season April to October.
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 (21 %). In the warmer season (water from 15 °C), July brings the most wind days (31 %). 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 |
33 %
| 11 kn | SW | 5 °C | 4 °C |
| March |
21 %
| 10 kn | SW | 7 °C | 6 °C |
| April |
26 %
| 10 kn | SW | 10 °C | 11 °C |
| May |
26 %
| 9 kn | NW | 14 °C | 16 °C |
| June |
21 %
| 9 kn | W | 18 °C | 19 °C |
| July |
31 %
| 9 kn | SW | 19 °C | 21 °C |
| August |
22 %
| 9 kn | W | 20 °C | 21 °C |
| September |
21 %
| 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 (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
Access via the surf and kite school at the Trockenstrand or a day pass on site. Best tidal window roughly three hours around high water, smoothest on the ebb.
⚠︎ Hazards
Tide-dependent, with long Wadden walks and drying flats at low water. Mind the current in the tidal channels of the Ems estuary.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Is Upleward / Campen suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Upleward / Campen suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate (water: Flat water).
Which wind works at Upleward / Campen?
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 Upleward / Campen?
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, 31 %); overall January is the windiest (36 %), but the water is cold then.
How warm is the water at Upleward / Campen?
Over the year about 4 °C in January to 21 °C in August (model data).
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