Workum – IJsselmeer
Netherlands · Kitesurf · Windsurf · Wingfoil
- Best winds W, SW, N, NE
- Level Beginner · Intermediate · Pro
- Water Flat water
- Best months Mar–Oct
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About this spot
Workum on the Frisian shore of the IJsselmeer is one of Europe's largest inland kite spots. You launch from the beach at the It Soal campsite; the freshwater stands over a shallow sandy bottom, with around 500 m of standing-depth water and a sandbar beyond which it drops to as much as 5 m.
Wind is stable from south through west to north and runs side-shore in almost every direction; east is gusty and offshore. It blows most reliably in spring and autumn, with a season from March to October. What makes Workum so good for learning? The evenly shelving bottom and the tide-free, shallow freshwater – perfect for water starts and your first runs upwind. Beginners, freeriders, freestylers and foilers all get their money's worth here.
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Location
Wind & weather through the year
According to model data for 2021–2025, June is the windiest month: on 60 % 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 west. The most reliable period runs from April to August. The least wind is in March (37 %). The water ranges from about 5 to 21 °C over the year.
| Month | Wind days ≥ 12 kn | Avg wind | Direction | Air | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January |
59 %
| 15 kn | SW | 5 °C | 5 °C |
| February |
53 %
| 15 kn | SW | 5 °C | 5 °C |
| March |
37 %
| 13 kn | SW | 7 °C | 7 °C |
| April |
57 %
| 13 kn | N | 9 °C | 10 °C |
| May |
57 %
| 12 kn | N | 13 °C | 15 °C |
| June |
60 %
| 12 kn | W | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| July |
59 %
| 13 kn | W | 18 °C | 21 °C |
| August |
57 %
| 12 kn | W | 19 °C | 21 °C |
| September |
39 %
| 12 kn | SW | 17 °C | 18 °C |
| October |
49 %
| 14 kn | SW | 13 °C | 14 °C |
| November |
50 %
| 14 kn | SW | 9 °C | 10 °C |
| December |
48 %
| 15 kn | SW | 6 °C | 7 °C |
Wind day = at least 3 hours at ≥ 12 kn in daylight (09:00–19:00 local time). Only hours with wind from W, SW, N, NE (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
From June to August you must launch and land your kite in the water, with the kite zone then to the north of the beach. Showers and a supermarket are at the campsite.
⚠︎ Hazards
East wind is offshore and gusty – avoid it. In winter the IJsselmeer level is lowered, so it gets very shallow in places.
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
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Frequently asked questions
Is Workum – IJsselmeer suitable for beginners?
Yes. According to the spot info, Workum – IJsselmeer suits these levels: Beginner · Intermediate · Pro (water: Flat water). There are 2 surf schools nearby.
Which wind works at Workum – IJsselmeer?
Best with wind from W, SW, N, NE. In the windiest month (June), model data show the wind mostly blowing from the west.
When is the best time for Workum – IJsselmeer?
The best months are considered to be Mar–Oct. According to the wind statistics, June has the most wind days (60 % of days).
How warm is the water at Workum – IJsselmeer?
Over the year about 5 °C in January to 21 °C in July (model data).
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