Netherlands

Brouwersdam

Brouwersdam is a world-famous watersports spot on the North Sea coast of Zeeland, in the southwest Netherlands. The 6.5 km long dam connects Goeree with Schouwen-Duiveland, separating the North Sea from the inland Grevelingenmeer. The beach is exceptionally wide and sandy, offering a large standing area close to shore; at low tide conditions are flat water/choppy, while high tide with strong westerly to north-westerly winds can produce small waves — though offshore sandbars limit swell to rarely more than a metre. Best wind directions are SW, W, NW, N, and NE (all onshore or side-onshore); S to SE is offshore and should be avoided by all but expert riders. There are three distinct launch zones: the main (official kite) zone in the middle of the dam, a windsurfing-only zone at the north end of the main beach, and a sheltered bay at the northern tip of the dam. On-site infrastructure is extensive: **Natural High** operates directly at the spot as a VDWS-certified kite school, surf shop, and beach club; **KBC Brouwersdam** is an IKO-certified kite and wingfoil school (F-ONE equipment rental); further schools operating here include Kitesurfcentrum Brouwersdam, Beware Beach, Beyond the Horizon, and Vertigo Sports. Several beach bars and bistros are located directly on the beach, and parking is free along the dam.