Timmendorf (Poel)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Expert
- Skill Level
- Medium waves, Flat
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Timmendorf (Poel) is a clean-water Baltic spot with medium waves over a sandy bottom and a medium-sized beach/launch setup. Wind sport conditions are oriented around westerly flow, giving a consistent platform for freeride and wave-oriented riding when conditions are on. The launch is described as generally manageable (though one source rates launch difficulty as moderate due to beach narrowing at high water). For wind, the best months repeatedly include March, April, May, September, October, and November, with West as the best direction. Typical wind speeds are roughly in the high-teens to low-20s knots range (with gusts noted). In summer, additional sea-breeze effects can strengthen the wind gradient on sunny afternoons (late spring through summer months), but summer is also the period when swimmer/zone management becomes most important. Safety at the harbor is the key constraint: the harbor mole is a significant hazard, and riders should keep distance—especially when riding downwind—because it also provides some shelter. Stones in/near the water and scattered shallow areas are also mentioned (particularly relevant for wingfoiling). During the main summer season, water sports are restricted to designated zones to separate riders from swimmers; kiting is generally prohibited in the swimming area. Equipment planning is strongly emphasized: a wetsuit is typically needed year-round, with thicker suits and additional thermal gear in winter/early spring. Lifeguards/rescue coverage is seasonal, and emergency care is available via major facilities in Wismar. Overall, it’s positioned as a low-profile spot for advanced/expert riders who can manage the hazard near the harbor structure and follow seasonal zone rules.
- Clean sandy-water conditions with manageable launch access
- Westerly winds are the primary driver for reliable sessions
- Designated kite zone during the summer to keep distance from swimmers
- Clean water with medium-wave/controlled flat-water type riding.
- Strong seasonal westerly wind reliability (especially spring and autumn).
- On-site infrastructure nearby for multi-day trips, with rental and basic repairs via local schools during the season.
- Significant hazard from the harbor mole if you get too close.
- Designated zones are used in summer due to swimmer presence; restrictions apply to kiting.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- W
- Offshore directions
- W
- No-go directions
- N, NNE, NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 19–23 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Frontal/south-westerly to westerly airflow can create a strong gradient at the spot.
- Reliability
- Most consistent during spring and autumn; reliable depending on passing low-pressure systems.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Gusts can be noticeable; one source notes gusts up to around 37.9 mph.
- Best Months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Medium waves, Flat
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Medium-wave conditions are described for the water.
- Launch
- Medium — Sandy beach south of the harbor; beach can become narrow during high water levels.
- Launch Difficulty
- Easy — Some sources describe the launch as easy; another describes it as moderate due to narrowing at high water.
Through the year
The beach can become very crowded with tourists and swimmers in July and August.
Autumn (October and November) is the primary period for strong Baltic storms; autumn to winter is also described as the stormier season.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Baltic Sea spot with medium-wave potential and flat/managed launch water; works best with westerly winds and has a dedicated kite zone.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Traditionally strong windsurf destination with bump-and-jump style conditions and decent wave riding on bigger days.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Wingfoiling possible, but riders should be mindful of the harbor mole and potential shallow/rocky areas close to shore.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly conditions are indicated, with a shallow depth requirement near the beach.
- Min Depth
- Approximately 1.0 meter depending on distance from the beach.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Timmendorf (Poel) in the full forecast view.
Timmendorf (Poel) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 4–28 ktsGusts 42 kts
- Direction
- SW216°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2528 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.1–1.2 m3s period
- Temperature
- 8–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Timmendorf (Poel) is forecast for daytime winds of 4–28 kts, peaking around 28 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 42 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.1–1.2 m with a period of about 3s. 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
- Mole
- Harbor mole
- Large stone mole at the harbor entrance
- Stones in water
- Scattered stones near the shoreline
- Swimmers
- Groyne remnants
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguards; DLRG water rescue services are provided during the peak summer season at designated beaches.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is limited overall, but seasonal water rescue coverage is available during peak summer.
- Emergency Info
- Universal emergency number: 112. Nearest major medical facilities are in Wismar.
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No specific localism issues reported.
Rules of the spot
During the main summer season, water sports are restricted to designated zones to separate riders from swimmers. Kiting is generally prohibited in the swimming area.
- No kiting in the designated swimming zone.
- Respect nature protection areas nearby.
- Prefer West winds (best side/onshore).
- Keep well clear of the harbor mole when riding downwind.
- Check current seasonal zone/signage for swimmer separation rules.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Wismar
- Nearest Town
- Kirchdorf
- Nearest Airport
- Hamburg Airport (HAM) (~140 km)
- Parking
- A large paid public parking lot is within walking distance of the beach.
- Public Transport
- The island is accessible by bus from Wismar; Wismar has a railway station with connections to major German cities.
- Access
- Get to Wismar. Take road 105 northeast toward 'Insel Poel', continue to Kirchdorf, then drive west across Poel island to Timmendorf Strand.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- German
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Campsites, holiday apartments, and a hotel directly in Timmendorf.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants and snack bars around the harbor area and near the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Available at local schools during the season.
- Gear Storage
- Typically limited to school customers.
- Gear Repair
- Basic repairs may be offered by the local kite school during the season.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Poel Island is a relaxed Baltic destination near Wismar with maritime landmarks and nature-focused activities. Timmendorf is a key base for water sports, while the island’s cycling routes connect landmarks and viewpoints.
Active lighthouse guiding ships into the Wismar Bay.
Historic 13th-century brick Gothic church on the island’s highest point.
Cycling paths through nature reserves across the island.
Traditional seafood restaurant near the Timmendorf harbor.
Indoor playground suitable for children during non-windy days.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Timmendorf (Poel)?
The best overall months at Timmendorf (Poel) are March, April, May, September, October, November.
Which wind directions work at Timmendorf (Poel)?
Timmendorf (Poel) works with W winds. Offshore directions are W. No-go directions are N, NNE, NE, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Timmendorf (Poel)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Timmendorf (Poel): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 19–23 kts.
What skill level is Timmendorf (Poel) suitable for?
Timmendorf (Poel) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Windsurfing: Intermediate to Expert · Wingfoiling: Intermediate to Expert.