Spotlight: Wijk aan Zee
by Wavers SC Ambassador Arthur Staal
Spot of the month: Wijk aan Zee (Noordpier)
We all know it, most of us love it, one of the most popular spots on the Dutch coast and one of the best places to be when southwesterly storms roll in!
Wijk is home to many of the Wavers Events and Sessions, keep reading to find out why.
Spot Card:
Wind: SW, W, NW, N
Waves: Swell, chop
Disciplines: Big air, wave, freeride
Parking: Free
Shower: Yes - cold for free or warm for 1 euro
Beachclubs: Aloha, Timboektoe
Surf Rentals & Shop: Ozlines Surf
Conditions
When the conditions are right (Southwest 25+ knots) you can get massive left foot forwards kickers and go sky high. Beware tho, the current can be strong so be sure your upwind riding is on point! When the wind is blowing strong from the south there is also a turbulent area behind the pier and along the coast to where the launch spot is: going downwind a bit (direction Hangout) or further away from the beach usually helps getting out of the gusty area.
West and North winds can also work but often bring chop and rain clouds with them, so bear that in mind.
Spot
The beach is wide and there’s tons of space to set up your gear, a wooden pole on the beach delimits the different watersports areas: wave surfing and wing foiling from the pier to the pole, kite and windsurfing to the north of it.
Be aware of said pole when setting up! If you're nearby, avoid positioning yourself upwind of it when your kite is powered.
Parking
Parking is super easy, free and usually a 5 minute walk from the beach, but it can get crowded on the weekends when it's windy, so be early to avoid longer walks!
Facilities
When the session is done, you can rinse your gear with the free (cold) shower and water hoses at the back of Aloha and enjoy a delicious pizza or a beer by their bonfire to warm up. You can also have a warm shower at Timboektoe for €1, and rent wave surfing gear at Ozlines Surf (mention Wavers Social Club for a 10% discount on all their rentals and shop!).
Winter Hacks
After a fun and chilly session, indulge yourself in a Sauna thanks to KUUMA, a nordic sauna overlooking the sea that will chase away the cold in seconds.
You can book it online and unlock it directly from your phone.