Netherlands
Europe
resources
Level of surfing
Beginner
Quality of surf
Average
Call code
31
Net code
nl
Area
41526
Coastline
451 km
Climate
Temperate; marine; cool summers and mild winters
Hazards
None
Best Months
November - January
Population
16570613
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
CET (UTC+1) DST CEST (UTC+2)
Special Requirements
Private Beaches
surfing

NASA: Den Helder, The Netherlands; 2005
The Netherlands makes the most of her shore line with some fun beachbreaks. Its all mainly windswell dependent unfortunately with December to February offering the best chance of a decent swell to build up during that time. This is winter of course in the Northern Hemisphere and you may be surfing with snow on the beach - everyone should do this at least once in their lives.
There are a number of piers and groynes that have been constructed along the beach and these have served to actually pool the sandbanks in various places offering what can sometimes be a very good wave. Den Helder to the north will offer you your best chance of success.
The odd storm cell that threads its way from Scotland and spins away in the near landlocked body of water to the north of Belgium will offer a few rare gems along the coast. Bring everything you have made of rubber for this trip.
what to pack

Cserlajos: Nike Cortez 'TB trainers; 7 January 2007
A small backpack makes a good carryon bag and will be useful in daily
life. Women: remember to take a good flat pair of shoe's.... And for
everybody: pair of comfortable walking shoes will be great for
sightseeing. Beach clothing & sandals will be useful if you are
going in the warm season. Try to choose classics, and items that you
can mix and match. Have at least one set of nicer clothing for more
formal occasions.
Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen and
sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti hastamine
tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar. By the way, getting a trip
medical insurance would be a good idea.
All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are
good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating
food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack.
Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or
boil the water.
Bring plenty of memory for digital cameras and bring plenty of batteries.
Everything can be bought in Netherlands, but again, travelling to the remote areas, better to bring everything with you.