Kitesurfing, Noordwijk

Kitesurfing, or kiteboarding as it is sometimes known, is currently experiencing a rapid growth in global popularity.  Kitesurfing began in 1999, and is now the most fashionable leisure pursuit out on the water.  The sport has quickly become a genuine alternative to more traditional water based activities like surfing, wind surfing, and kayaking. If you head down to the beach at Noordwijk, at any time of the day you won’t fail to spot Kitesurfers catching some hang time, and skipping over the water like turbo charged ducks on heat!

Kitesurfing has always been a big deal in Noordwijk, and with locals like Kevin Langeree ranked amongst the worlds top 5 riders the scene in Noordwijk is one of the most important in the world. 

Noordwijk is the perfect destination for Kite Surfers of all abilities to traverse a little blue water.  With a south westerly wind pounding the beach, 13km of stunning shoreline to engage, and professional advice close at hand, Kite Surfers are getting a hard on for Noordwijk!  So whether you are eager to progress an already advanced technique or are looking to take advantage of the certified instructors from the renowned Surf Schools, Noordwijk is one of the premiere European locations to get your Kitesurfing fix.

The general idea is this:  Kite Surfers strap their feet onto surf style boards and attach huge kites to their bodies.  The board cuts through the water like a surf board, while the kite harnesses the power of the wind.  The moment the kite inflates the rider is hauled up and along, and by using pulleys attached to the kite he can begin to navigate.  The aim is to build sustained and controlled momentum along the top of the water.  In generous conditions Kite Surfers have been known to record straight line speeds of up to 50 kph, while pinnacle riders can jump well over 20 feet into the air with their boards!  Imagine a ravenous crocodile jumping out of the water to catch his lunch and you have a handle on the spectacular sight of a specialist Kite Surfer catching some big air!  Indeed.  Kitesurfing is serious stuff, and Noordwijk is as good a place as any check it out. 

So even if you don’t fancy having a go yourself it is still worth getting down to the beach just to take a look at the Kite Surfers in action. 

If you need further advice before hiring Kitesurfing equipment, or booking Kitesurfing lessons, just come and have a chat at reception.  There are two companies that we recommend; Beach Break, which is situated 100 yards from the hostel, and Fly High, situated in the centre of town.  Guests of the Flying Pig Beach hostel can make use of a 10% discount on clothing and footwear purchased from Surfers Outlet, while Fly High offers Flying Pig guests a special price tariff for equipment hire and lessons.  We can contact either company to book lessons on your behalf.

After a day in the water the hostel surf bar is a great place to meet fellow Kite Surfers and water sports enthusiasts.  You can exchange secrets of how to pull-off the latest tricks, bore everyone with reports of your first lesson, or book another session out on the water.  Either way you will always be in good company, and never far from a cold beer, a smoke, or a toastie!