Markermeer (Monnickendam)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat, Chop
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Markermeer (Monnickendam) is an inland-lake spot offering flat-to-choppy conditions for wind and water sports. Access is via the Hemmeland recreation area, where you can find on-site amenities and a defined area used by riders and park visitors. Depending on where you launch, the first section can be shallow before dropping into deeper water, which influences both start technique and safety. Wind is dominated by frontal systems, and workable sessions are most often linked to east to southeast directions (NE through SE). Multiple sources also note that conditions are best when the wind is coming from the west/“frontal” pattern for some disciplines, while kitesurfing specifically is commonly described as stronger with NW frontal wind. In practice, always confirm the direction at the exact launch and be cautious with westerly wind components, which can increase offshore/drift risk. For kitesurfing, reports are mixed: one view describes the sandy, shallow-water nature as beginner-friendly for freestyle and progression, while another emphasizes technical constraints around a narrow grassy launch and stony hazards at the water’s edge, suggesting a more advanced approach. In all cases, respect designated kite zones, keep clear of swimming areas during summer, and be extra careful during peak season when swimmers and bystanders increase. Windsurfing and wingfoiling are repeatedly highlighted as strong options when the wind is easterly. Deep water access beyond the shallow shelf supports foiling, but you still need to account for the shallow first stretch (short walk out) and the hazards around the water’s edge. Rescue services are available regionally (112 for emergencies), and it’s strongly recommended to talk to a local before going out.
- Inland-lake riding north of Amsterdam with straightforward access from Hemmeland.
- Shallow-to-deep transition that can suit foiling once past the initial shelf.
- Easterly winds are commonly preferred for windsurfing and wingfoiling.
- On-site basics: parking, toilets, showers, and food/drink access.
- Open inland-lake riding with relatively accessible water depth for progression (shallow shelf then deep water).
- A frontal wind regime can provide workable sessions, especially in spring and autumn.
- Good potential for wingfoiling and windsurfing when winds are easterly.
- Amenities are available on-site (food/drinks, toilets, showers, parking).
- Crowded conditions can increase the risk of conflicts with swimmers and bystanders in July–August.
- Some launch areas can be challenging (narrow grassy launch, slippery areas).
- Stony/rocky edges and a sudden drop-off into deep water require careful launch and handling.
- Easterly winds work well, but westerly components can create offshore/edge drift risk.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, N
- Offshore directions
- W, WNW, NW, WSW
- No-go directions
- W, WNW, NW, WSW
- Wind Range
- 7–11 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Frontal wind regime on the Markermeer; kite wind often a few knots weaker than at some coastal spots.
- Reliability
- moderate
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- April, May, September, October, November
- Shadow Zones
- Southwesterly winds can be shielded by nearby trees/park infrastructure.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Chop
- Beach
- Sand — Some reports describe mixed shoreline composition, but sandy bottom is cited for shallow riding.
- Waves
- Small — Can range from flat to chop depending on wind and frontal activity.
- Chop Level
- Light chop
- Launch
- Medium — Kitesurfing launch/entry can be shallow and sandy; windsport launch may involve a narrow grassy field within Hemmeland.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Can be easy when launching from shallow sandy entry, but other access points are described as difficult due to narrow/possibly slippery launch terrain.
Through the year
Usually quiet, but busy on sunny summer days; crowded in July–August.
Late October through February; storm systems and frontal passages are most common in October–November.
By sport
What to expect for each.
A flat-to-choppy inland-lake option. Some sources describe it as beginner-friendly due to waist-deep water and a sandy bottom, while others emphasize technical challenges (narrow grassy launch, stones at the water edge) and use by locals in easterly wind.
Works best when comfortable with a deep-water start after the shallow shelf; deeper access beyond the initial shallow area supports freeride/slalom/foil use.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–8 m²
Good for wingfoiling because riders can quickly access deeper water past the shallow shelf, which supports cleaner foiling in easterly winds.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes
- Min Depth
- Shallow for the first ~50 meters, then a sudden drop into deep water (short walk out to deep water).
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Markermeer (Monnickendam) in the full forecast view.
Markermeer (Monnickendam) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–23 ktsGusts 39 kts
- Direction
- SW234°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2523 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Temperature
- 8–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Markermeer (Monnickendam) is forecast for daytime winds of 5–23 kts, peaking around 23 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 39 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
- trees
- swimmers
- bystanders
- slippery basalt stones and boulders at the water’s edge
- deep water drop-off beyond a shallow shelf
- offshore wind risk in westerly directions (can push you toward open water)
- nearby shipping lanes
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Regional rescue coverage is provided by KNRM (major station nearby in Marken).
- Emergency Info
- National emergency number is 112. Nearest hospital is in Purmerend or Amsterdam.
Rules of the spot
Respect local rules; use designated kite/boarding zones and avoid conflict with other park users/swimmers.
- Launching/landing only when standing in the water.
- Kitesurfing restricted to specific areas to avoid conflict with other park users.
- No kitesurfing in designated swimming areas.
- Talk to a local before going on the water.
- For kitesurfing, use the designated zone (left side of the beach) and avoid swimming areas during the summer.
- Consider water shoes to protect against stones and mussels.
- Be extra cautious in July–August due to crowds (swimmers and bystanders).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Amsterdam
- Nearest Town
- Hoorn
- Nearest Airport
- Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
- Parking
- Parking available within the Hemmeland park/beach area; may require a short walk depending on which lot you use.
- Public Transport
- Frequent regional bus and train connections from Amsterdam to Monnickendam.
- Access
- Accessible via the Hemmeland recreation area in Monnickendam (follow signs for Spiegelvenster / Mirror Pavilion).
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Dutch
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Hotels and B&Bs are available in Monnickendam and nearby towns.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drinks available on-site (including a waterside pavilion with views).
- Equipment Rental:
- Sports equipment rentals are available locally in summer (especially windsurfing/SUP); specialized rentals for kitesurfing/wingfoiling are more common in nearby areas.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Markermeer (Monnickendam)?
The best overall months at Markermeer (Monnickendam) are April, May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Markermeer (Monnickendam)?
Markermeer (Monnickendam) works with NE, ENE, E, ESE, SE, N winds. Offshore directions are W, WNW, NW, WSW. No-go directions are W, WNW, NW, WSW.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Markermeer (Monnickendam)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Markermeer (Monnickendam): Windsurfing: 5.5–8 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 7–11 kts.
What skill level is Markermeer (Monnickendam) suitable for?
Markermeer (Monnickendam) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.