The water you see is called the Oosterschelde. It's connected to the sea, so it's salty, but there is no relevant current. The water is shallow. At low tide you'll have a shallow area for some kilometers. Actually it is so shallow that you'll feel ground when you miss your landing. Only at the top of high tide, you'll have the water between breast and hip. Cause of this shallow water the shoreline moves pretty fast with the tide. At very low tide you'll not even see the water. When the tide is high or coming up, there is 'chop' in the direction of the wind. When the tide is low or getting back, it's pretty flat.
The dry beach with soft sand has a triangle form +/- 100x150x180 m. Normally people launch on the soft sand to keep their kite dry. When the tide gets low, the beach will soon change into a very wide plain. Take care of some sharp shells that also might occur in the shallow waters. So wear booties! Especially when you stand more than being on your board. Out of the season, there is enough place on the concrete and grass to park your car for free, and pack your kite without 2kg of fine sand. Depending the season and circumstances there are heaps of seaweed. It might sound stupid, but when you do the walk to the water with a powered up kite, it's damn slippery! Also when winding your lines, keep it out of the seaweed.
Due to the shallow water, it warms up quicker as the sea. During summer the water can be 20+°C. But off course it also cools down faster. So in fall 10°C and winter not more than 5°C. The advantage of the shallow water is that you'll not freeze dead when having a problem. The season doesn't stop, only thing you need to check is, good wind, more than 5°C air temperature, and no top low tide.
- March - April - May - September - October - November
Wind Type:
- Frontal Winds
Best Direction:
- N - NE - E - NW
Main Direction:
- SW - WSW - W - WNW - NW
Best directions are NW, N, NE, E. Unfortunately we don't have strong local winds, you'll have to check the internet! Generally the winds are less strong during summer, and stronger in spring and fall. During summer, in the afternoon, you might have a small enforcing thermal effect.
When on the autoway A58 direction Vlissingen, take exit 31. At the end of the exit go right, take the long turn, and at the end take again right. Follow for 3km, take the 2nd on your right after you crossed the railway. Go straight and cross the railway again and after 300m straight to the beach.
When cruising after some kilometers with winds from the East you'll find some sticks in the water for oyster banks. Go further if you want to fight with the local oyster and mussel fishermen! If you come with a camping car, you are not allowed to "overnight" on the parking between "sunrise" and "sunset". On a good day there are 25+ kiters. For general peace and safety, look out for downwind people, kites, spectators, and other objects like trees, cars. And please don't cross your lines too much with others.
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