Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner
- Skill Level
- Shallow, Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- 6–12 kts
- Wind Range
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) is a freshwater inland lake spot with small beach access and generally calm, learning-oriented conditions, with water reported as flat-to-shallow and cloudy/fair depending on conditions. Wind is most favorable from the NE, and multiple sources point to spring and autumn as the most reliable times—especially March through May and again from September through November. The wind regime is described as frontal/low-pressure driven rather than primarily thermal, and it’s sometimes reported as steady while the bridge area can add turbulence. Kitesurfing is the top recommended sport for this location. The large shallow area is commonly described as helpful for practicing and for progressing, while riders should still be disciplined about staying within the designated kite zone and away from buoys marking the shipping lane. Launch/landing is on a narrow grassy strip near the bridge, which can be tight and slippery. For windsurfing and wingfoiling, shallow water remains the key constraint: it supports freeride/foil sessions, but equipment can struggle near shore where depth drops off. Wingfoiling may require walking out to reach sufficient depth beyond the immediate shallow zone. Off-season and colder months require thermal protection, while summer water can be warm enough that wetsuits may not be necessary. Rescue availability is described as limited, so basic safety planning and adherence to local zone rules are essential.
- NE wind preference with best months in spring and autumn
- Shallow standing-depth area supports learning and progression
- Kite zone rules and shipping-lane separation are critical near the bridge
- Flat, shallow inland-lake conditions suitable for progression
- NE winds are repeatedly identified as the best direction
- Seasonality is strong in spring and autumn
- Bridge pillars and turbulence create a complex wind area near launch
- Shallow water can limit fin/foil use very close to shore
- Shipping lane further out increases the need to stay within zones
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE
- Offshore directions
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- No-go directions
- S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW
- Wind Range
- 6–12 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal/low-pressure driven; frontal winds with prevailing NE preference.
- Reliability
- 12 days/month
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Also described as moderate-gusts near the bridge area; overall reported as steady.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Shallow, Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand reported, with additional description of mixed beach composition near launch.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Wave conditions described as flat/mostly low energy.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Reported as shallow with flat-to-chop conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Narrow grassy strip near the base of the Stichtse Brug bridge; small beach launch near A27.
Through the year
Can be crowded on windy weekends during spring and summer.
Late autumn and winter (October–March) have higher storm activity and stronger frontal winds; rain is possible year-round.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A flat-to-shallow, learning-friendly inland lake spot with standing-depth conditions and stable NE winds in the spring and autumn.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Shallow water supports freeride and foil windsurfing; fin depth can be limiting very close to shore.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Foiling is possible, but riders must be clear of the immediate shallow zone; foil-friendly conditions depend on reaching deeper water.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Possible beyond the immediate shallow zone; foil-friendliness depends on water depth.
- Min Depth
- 75-100cm
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) in the full forecast view.
Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–20 ktsGusts 36 kts
- Direction
- SW228°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2520 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 7–17 °C
Over the next 7 days, Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 36 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Bridge pillars and nearby wind turbulence
- Shipping lane further out
- Occasional driftwood or reeds
- Limited launching/landing space on grass
- Grass launch area can be slippery
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — No lifeguards reported.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — No dedicated coastguard specifically noted for Gooimeer; emergency response via nearby KNRM station in Huizen and local emergency services (112).
- Emergency Info
- Call 112 for general emergencies; KNRM (Royal Netherlands Sea Rescue Institution) handles water rescues on the Gooimeer.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism reported.
Rules of the spot
Kitesurfing is only permitted within the designated kite zone. Stay away from the shipping lane marked by buoys. No kitesurfing in offshore winds (south, southwest, west). Strict zone boundaries to protect nature and shipping.
- No kitesurfing in offshore winds (South, Southwest, West).
- Strict compliance with designated kite zone boundaries.
- Launch carefully as the grass can be slippery and space is tight.
- Be aware of the sudden drop-off near the shipping lane.
- Avoid the shipping lane marked by buoys.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Almere
- Nearest Town
- Blaricum
- Nearest Airport
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Parking
- Free parking is available in the dedicated lot under or adjacent to the Stichtse Brug.
- Public Transport
- Regional bus connections serving nearby towns of Huizen and Blaricum; bus connections from Amsterdam with a connection to Almere and onward bus to the Stichtse Brug area.
- Access
- Near the A27 highway by Almere; take the exit for Huizen/Blaricum and follow signs toward the bridge base.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Dutch
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Ample options around Huizen and Almere, plus holiday parks and campsites in the surrounding Gooi region.
- Food & Drink
- A restaurant is located at the nearby marina in Huizen (short walk/drive).
- Equipment Rental:
- Rental services for windsurfing and wingfoiling equipment are available at schools along the Gooimeer shoreline; kiteboarding rentals available via local schools.
- Gear Storage
- Limited storage facilities are typically offered through local surf clubs and schools.
- Gear Repair
- Specialized repair services for kites and sails are available in nearby industrial zones of Almere or Huizen.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The region blends historic Dutch towns and modern watersports culture, with nearby outdoor recreation such as cycling routes and lake-based activities.
A well-preserved star-shaped fortress town with moats and historic architecture.
A medieval castle in Muiden with tours of historic rooms and gardens.
Extensive network of cycling paths through forests and heathlands around the lake.
Waterfront restaurants and cafes in the old fishing port of Huizen.
Family-friendly amusement park near the Gooimeer shore.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug)?
The best overall months at Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug)?
Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) works with NE winds. Offshore directions are S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW. No-go directions are S, SSW, SW, WSW, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 6–12 kts.
What skill level is Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) suitable for?
Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Beginner · Wingfoiling: Beginner to Intermediate.