Middelkerke / West Flanders / Belgium

This spot is ocean facing, and takes advantage of the fact that there a variety of conditions possible.  It has something to everybody, whether they are here to windsurf, kitesurf or surf and regardless of experience or ability. 

The beach consists of hard sand, it is very clean and is a good size, but it can get busy with sunbathers and swimmers in July and August.  Climate varies, in summer it is warm enough to manage with a shorty while spring and autumn need a wetsuit and if you come here in winter a drysuit is probably necessary. 

March to May and September to October provide the best conditions, though surfers can also pick up good waves in winter if they don’t mind getting cold and if it is very warm in summer a sea breeze can provide usable wind.  The main wind directions are from the southwest or west, and speeds vary from almost nothing to 25 knots or more.  The water depends on the wind strength and direction, and may be flat, choppy, or have waves between 1 and 3m high.   

This is a well appointed spot with good facilities.  Rooms are available close by, and if you’d rather get right up to the shore you can camp instead.  There is a gear shop which offers sales, hire and repair of gear, and food is also available.  You can park close to the shore, or if you don’t want to drive yourself the place is only a short taxi ride from Ostende Airport.

Watch out for swimmers in summer.  There are also regular wave breakers along the shore, and buoys close by them.  On the beach, watch out for the odd sharp shell.