Grossenbrode West / Schleswig-Holstein / Germany

Grossenbrode is located on the Baltic coast of northern Germany and is a pouplar spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers due to the winds that are generated from the Baltic. Although this beach is suited for all abilities, great care needs to be exercised at this spot because there are some potential hazards. The season is mainly from April to November although off season is possible if you are fully booted and suited.

There is a fairly small beach which is part grass and part sand and behind that is a large, free, parking lot. Between the beach and the parking lot there is a small dyke and under no circumstance must you attempt to launch from the dam as it is very dangerous. Kiters must always launch from the beach. The parking lot, dunes and beach are all part of a nature reserve, so take care to only use the existing pathways and access. You can get here by driving towards Fehmarn and taking the last exit marked Grossenbrode, before the bridge and then head towards the beach whre you will easily see the parking lot.

The winds are mainly frontal westerlies with NNW being the best direction for the area. The winds are best during fall and spring and tend to be quite light during the summer. The spot works well from north to south west. The water is always choppy, although small waves of up to 1 meter form as the wind gets stronger. There is a large expanse of flat water right at the front of the beach which is ideal for beginners. There are some rocks in the water which the locals will happily point out to you, as they can't be seen from the beach and can be very dangerous. During the summer months there is a swimmers' zone, marked with 4 buoys, in front of the beach to the left.

There are only toilet facilities and parking here. For a choice of shops, restaurants and bars it is best to take a 10 km drive into Burg on Fehmarn. The nightlife is pretty good there too.

Do not launch from the dyke as there have been some bad accidents there. Keep out of the swimmers' zone. Do not kite here in gusty conditions. Also since the road is close by always use a leash. Beginners should not kite here if there is an onshore north west/west wind and some serious accidents have occurred in these conditions. Finally, keep the parking lot, beach and dunes very clean as it is a nature reserve and will be closed to surfers if this is not respected.