Kitesurfing Medemblik

The permitted season runs from April 1st through September 30th. Summer months from May to August tend to offer the most consistent westerly and northerly winds, with longer daylight hours. April and September can be excellent if a good north or east wind sets up, but the water will be colder so a full wetsuit is recommended.

The flat water conditions and uncomplicated launch make Medemblik a reasonable choice for intermediate riders looking to consolidate their skills. True beginners should take lessons at a supervised school before visiting independently. The boat traffic near the marina and the wide open water of the IJsselmeer mean you need solid water relaunching and self-rescue skills before heading out here.

Medemblik's eastern-facing shoreline makes it one of the few Dutch spots that genuinely works with north and easterly winds. These directions provide an offshore-to-cross-shore angle relative to the beach, giving riders open water to work with. Westerly winds can also be usable but check the angle carefully relative to the shoreline and any upwind obstacles.

The IJsselmeer can be gusty and the wind accelerates over open flat water, so it's worth erring on the side of caution with kite sizing. On a typical summer day with 15–20 knots, a 10–12m kite works well for average-weight riders. Bring a smaller kite option if forecasts show 20+ knots — the open fetch means conditions can build quickly.

Yes — boat traffic is the main one. Medemblik has an active marina and hosts regular sailing regattas, so there can be considerable vessel movement in and around the harbour area. Stay well clear of navigation channels and keep checking upwind and downwind during your session. The seasonal closure from October 1st to April 1st is also a hard rule, not a guideline.

By car, approach via the N240 or N302 toward Medemblik town centre and follow signs toward the harbour. Parking is available near the bus stop at De Grote Vliet. From there the eastern shoreline is accessible on foot. Medemblik is also reachable by public transport, including a ferry connection from Enkhuizen across the IJsselmeer, which is a scenic option if you're travelling light.

Medemblik has an established watersports scene given its sailing heritage, so it's worth checking locally for any kite schools or hire options before your trip. The spot itself is not a dedicated kite school beach, so first-time visitors should arrive with their own equipment and a solid level of self-sufficiency.

The IJsselmeer is a freshwater lake with no ocean swell, so conditions at Medemblik are typically flat to lightly choppy. You can expect clean, manageable water for most of the season. The shallows extend roughly 150 metres from the shoreline, giving you a forgiving zone for launching and water starts before the depth increases.

Medemblik has a good range of options for a small town. Café Brakeboer (also known as 't Swarte Woifke) and Café het Zeepaardje are solid bar choices near the harbour. For food, Brasserie MED, De Driemaster, Eetcafé de Babbelaar, and Koekenbier all offer post-session meals. De Brouwerij Medemblik is a local craft brewery worth a visit.

The launch area on the eastern shore has no trees or obstacles, which makes rigging safe and straightforward. The open shoreline gives you space to lay out your lines without snagging. Secure your gear at your car before heading to the water, and be aware that the harbour area can get busy with tourists and marina traffic during summer weekends.