Gooimeer (Stichtse Brug)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoiling
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

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
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing foilKitesurfing freestyleWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing foilWingfoil freerideBeginnersAdvanced riders
What's great
  • Flat, shallow inland-lake conditions suitable for progression
  • NE winds are repeatedly identified as the best direction
  • Seasonality is strong in spring and autumn
Heads up
  • 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
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Practical spot guide

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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
3–22 °C
Water Temperature
2–23 °C
Air Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
May–Sep: 3/2mm or 4/3mm + Boots, GlovesApr, Oct: 4/3mm to 5/4mm + Boots, GlovesNov–Mar: 5/4mm + Boots, Gloves
Crowds by Season

Can be crowded on windy weekends during spring and summer.

Storm/Rain Season

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.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A flat-to-shallow, learning-friendly inland lake spot with standing-depth conditions and stable NE winds in the spring and autumn.

FreestyleFreerideFoilWaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Shallow water supports freeride and foil windsurfing; fin depth can be limiting very close to shore.

FreerideFoilFreestyleSlalom
Sail Sizes
5–7.5 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

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
Forecast

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.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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
Ability Level: Beginner
Recommended Safety Gear
HelmetWetsuitBootsGlovesHarnessLeash

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.

Restrictions
  • No kitesurfing in offshore winds (South, Southwest, West).
  • Strict compliance with designated kite zone boundaries.
Local Tips
  • 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
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
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.
Learn, rent & more

Schools & services

No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.

The area

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.

Best time to visit: May to September
Naarden-Vesting8 km

A well-preserved star-shaped fortress town with moats and historic architecture.

Muiderslot Castle15 km

A medieval castle in Muiden with tours of historic rooms and gardens.

Cycling the Gooi Nature Reserve5 km

Extensive network of cycling paths through forests and heathlands around the lake.

Huizen Harbor District4 km

Waterfront restaurants and cafes in the old fishing port of Huizen.

Oud Valkeveen10 km

Family-friendly amusement park near the Gooimeer shore.

Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

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.