Aalsmeer
Westeinderplassen, Aalsmeer, Netherlands
Aalsmeer sits in the flat polder landscape southwest of Amsterdam, its wide lakes offering uninterrupted wind fetch and consistent conditions for wing and kite riders year round. The Westeinderplassen provide shallow flatwater with no swell and no saltwater corrosion, making it a simple local spot for riders from the greater Amsterdam area. Prevailing southwest winds funnel cleanly across the open water. Not glamorous, but reliable and uncrowded on weekday mornings.
Best months: April, May, June, July, August, September
Wind directions: SW, W, S
Water: Flat, Chop
Bottom: Sand
Sports: Wingfoil, Kitesurf
Local tips
Access from the Westeinderplassen shore. Wind can be fluky close to the reed beds so get into open water before starting. Avoid the marked boating channels and stay clear of the sailing traffic near the club areas.