List Hafen (Sylt)
- Freeride, Freestyle
- Best for
- Intermediate to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Chop, Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- 12–25 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
List Hafen (northern tip of Sylt) is a well-established kitesurfing launch where easterly wind directions frequently bring reliable 12–25 knot sessions across April through October. Winds are often cross-onshore or cross-offshore, giving a broad range of riding options for freeride and freestyle, with wave-oriented setups possible depending on conditions outside the immediate shore zone. Conditions include small, sandy beach access with shallow water close to launch that drops off quickly into deeper water toward the shipping/channel areas. The water can be choppy, and water quality is reported as cloudy/fair by different sources. Because the surrounding harbor and channel influence currents, riders need to plan for strong tidal movement—especially in the Lister Tief channel—and keep strict awareness of where the ferry/harbor traffic and wake zones are. Safety planning is central here: kitesurfing is restricted to designated zones to avoid interference with the ferry harbor and to respect nature conservation areas, and riders should stay well clear of the shipping lane and the harbor entrance. Practical local timing guidance centers on riding roughly 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide, along with checking ferry schedules due to wake and proximity hazards. The spot also supports other progression routes. Intermediate riders can find suitable opportunities for windsurfing (freeride/freestyle/slalom styles reported) and wingfoiling, taking advantage of the relatively quick depth transition—while still respecting the strong currents in the main channel.
- Easterly wind options with consistent 12–25 knot sessions in April to October
- Shallow-to-deep depth transition can suit freeride, freestyle, and progression to deeper-water riding
- Designated riding zones near the harbor help manage ferry and nature conservation conflicts
- Consistent 12–25 knot winds in spring and autumn windows.
- Good cross-onshore/cross-offshore options for kitesurfers in easterly directions.
- Shallow near-shore area can support freeride/freestyle, with deeper water reachable quickly for advanced riding.
- Strong tidal currents (Lister Tief) can pull riders away from the launch area.
- Ferry traffic and wakes near the shipping/fairway area increase risk.
- High tide can reduce space on the beach for safe launching/landing.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S
- Wind Range
- 12–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Wind described as constant and cross-onshore/cross-offshore for this launch, with providers also characterizing the broader pattern as frontal.
- Reliability
- consistent
- Gust Factor
- Steady — One source describes steady conditions; another describes moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- April, May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Small — Small wave conditions are reported.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Choppy water is reported.
- Launch
- Small — Launch from a small sandy beach area just north of the harbor mole/harbor area.
Through the year
Spot can be crowded during summer school holidays, especially with east winds.
Autumn (October-November) is the peak season for heavy storms.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Easterly/wide easterly wind options with flat-to-choppy riding. Water can transition quickly from shallow near shore to deeper water; space for launching/landing is limited at high tide. Strong currents require zone awareness and keeping clear of the shipping lane.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–14 m²
Suitable for freeride and freestyle; slalom/free-ride performance is reported when depth is sufficient away from the immediate shoreline.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Quick drop into deeper water can make the area suitable for wingfoiling, but riders should be wary of strong currents in the main channel.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated.
- Min Depth
- 1.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for List Hafen (Sylt) in the full forecast view.
List Hafen (Sylt) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–31 ktsGusts 49 kts
- Direction
- WSW244°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2531 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–1.4 m5s period
- Temperature
- 9–14 °C
Over the next 7 days, List Hafen (Sylt) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 49 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.2–1.4 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- Strong tidal currents (notably in the Lister Tief channel)
- Commercial ferry traffic and wakes near the fairway/shipping lane
- Harbor moles/breakwaters
- Submerged stones and harbor/wooden structures
- Wave breaker
- Mole
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — DGzRS provides sea rescue with a rescue cruiser station in List harbor.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in List; DGzRS has a station in the harbor. (Universal emergency number: 112.)
Rules of the spot
Stay within designated kitesurfing zones to avoid interference with the ferry harbor and to respect nature conservation borders (including Wadden Sea National Park).
- Kitesurfing is restricted to designated zones (to avoid interference with the ferry harbor and nature conservation areas).
- No riding in the harbor entrance.
- Be aware of strong currents—don’t go too far out into the channel when the tide is going out.
- Best enjoyed about 2 hours before to 2 hours after high tide.
- Always check the ferry schedule because large vessels can be dangerous (wake/proximity).
- Stay within the designated kitesurfing zone.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- List auf Sylt
- Nearest Town
- List auf Sylt
- Parking
- Free parking at the harbor.
- Access
- Drive to the north of Sylt island; List is sign-posted. Get to the north of the harbor. Launch is on the northern side of the harbor area. Free parking at the harbor (paid parking can also be available nearby).
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels, holiday apartments, and a youth hostel are within walking distance in List.
- Food & Drink
- Harbor area has fish bistros, cafes, and restaurants.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental for kiteboarding/wingfoiling is available via schools near the harbor; rental gear also mentioned generally near the harbor area.
- Gear Storage
- Seasonal storage is available through local schools on a seasonal basis.
- Gear Repair
- Basic/minor repairs can be handled by local kite schools; more extensive repairs are handled by workshops in Westerland.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
The northern tip of Sylt is a prestigious destination combining North Sea nature with luxury tourism, with the Ellenbogen nature reserve and the harbor area as key landmarks for visitors.
An interactive exhibition focusing on the forces of nature, coastal protection, and the island's unique ecosystem.
The northernmost harbor in Germany, featuring traditional fish bistros, small boutiques, and the ferry terminal to Denmark.
A scenic protected area ideal for hiking and cycling, offering views of the Danish coast.
The original location of Germany's famous seafood chain, located directly at the harbor.
Educational walks on the seabed during low tide to discover the local marine flora and fauna.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at List Hafen (Sylt)?
The best overall months at List Hafen (Sylt) are April, May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at List Hafen (Sylt)?
List Hafen (Sylt) works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, SSE, S winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at List Hafen (Sylt)?
Recommended equipment sizes at List Hafen (Sylt): Kitesurfing: 9–14 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–25 kts.
What skill level is List Hafen (Sylt) suitable for?
List Hafen (Sylt) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.