Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast)
- Wave, Big air
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Small waves
- Spot Type
- 15–30 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Paal 3 on Terschelling’s North Sea coast is a large sandy beach break with clean water and consistently wave-capable conditions. The launch area is very wide, which helps with rigging and launching, but the exposed setting also means conditions can change quickly as sandbanks shift with the tide.
- Open North Sea exposure with ample beach space
- Wave-oriented kitesurfing conditions
- Strong tidal currents (especially mid-tide)
- Clean but cold water for much of the year
- Very wide sandy launch beach with clean water and strong North Sea exposure
- Reliable wave/kite conditions during the main season
- Designated kitesurfing zones and established local usage
- Strong tidal currents, especially around mid-tide
- Cold water for much of the year
- Shifting sandbanks and open North Sea exposure can make conditions more demanding
- Offshore-wind scenarios can occur
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, W, NW, N, NE
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — North Sea winds with frontal/gradient-driven patterns; very exposed.
- Reliability
- high during autumn and spring storm seasons
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Providers describe small to medium wave conditions; wave kitesurfing focus is common.
- Launch
- Big — Very wide sandy beach providing ample room for rigging and launching.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy
Through the year
Peak tourist crowds in July and August; the beach is quiet and spacious in the off-season.
Autumn is the most active storm season with high wind probability.
By sport
What to expect for each.
North Sea side wave kitesurfing with plenty of space on a very wide sandy beach. Currents and wave conditions are significant, so it is best suited to riders with experience; conditions can be described as wave-focused with options for freeride/strapless depending on setup and conditions.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Open sea exposure can provide clean wind for bump-and-jump and wave riding, depending on swell size.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6 m²
Possible but challenging due to shore break and strong currents; best for experienced wingfoilers comfortable in open sea conditions.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited — Foil-friendly is reported as limited.
- Min Depth
- 2 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) in the full forecast view.
Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 7–37 ktsGusts 53 kts
- Direction
- WSW244°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2537 kts
- Windy days
- 6/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–3.6 m7s period
- Temperature
- 11–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 7–37 kts, peaking around 37 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 53 kts. The prevailing direction is WSW. Waves run 0.5–3.6 m with a period of about 7s. 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
- tidal currents
- strong tidal currents (especially mid-tide)
- shifting sandbanks
- waves
- offshore winds
- cold water in winter
- offshore wind conditions
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Emergency number: 112. KNRM rescue station is located in West-Terschelling harbor.
Rules of the spot
Designated kitesurfing zones apply—check local signage at the beach entrance for current municipal regulations.
- Kitesurfing is restricted to designated zones.
- Stay clear of swimmers in summer months.
- Strong currents are a major factor here, especially during mid-tide.
- Always check tide tables; the current is strongest during mid-tide flow.
- The beach is vast, so walking upwind on the sand can be easier than fighting the current in the water.
- Use the recommended tide timing to avoid very low-tide conditions when the water can be too shallow/dry (coming tide timing is commonly recommended).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- West-Terschelling
- Nearest Town
- West-Terschelling
- Parking
- Public parking is available near the beach entrance/near the beach access at West aan Zee area.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via ferry from Harlingen; on-island access continues by short drive/bike.
- Access
- Drive A31 from Leeuwarden west to Harlingen, take a boat to Terschelling island, then go north of West-Terschelling onto the beach.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Dutch
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Numerous hotels, campsites, and holiday rentals are available in West-Terschelling.
- Food & Drink
- A beach pavilion nearby offers food and drinks during the season.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available in West-Terschelling, though specialized kite/wing/surf gear rental may be limited for some categories.
- Gear Storage
- Storage is available through local surf schools and some coastal campsites, though described as limited.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Terschelling combines North Sea power with Wadden Sea nature and a Frisian cultural identity geared toward outdoor tourism.
The oldest lighthouse in the Netherlands, serving as a prominent landmark in West-Terschelling.
Museum dedicated to the history of the island and the polar explorer Willem Barentsz.
Vast salt marsh and dune area ideal for long-distance hiking and bird watching.
Main hub for local seafood, cafes, and nightlife adjacent to the harbor.
Boat trips departing from the harbor to view seal colonies on sandbanks of the Wadden Sea.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast)?
The best overall months at Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) are May, June, July, August, September, October. The best wind months are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast)?
Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) works with SW, W, NW, N, NE winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) suitable for?
Paal 3 (Terschelling Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced.