Shallow water paradises: Ten standing waters to enjoy and learn
SURF
· 25.05.2026
No fear of drifting off, no energy-sapping water starts or rodeoing in choppy water - in standing areas you can improve in a relaxed manner and get to the next level faster. Here you will find the perfect conditions for your first gliding metres, safe beach starts and clean jibes.
The board lies calmly, the water only reaches up to your knees, the wind blows evenly into the sail - a good standing area is like a confidence booster: you always have solid ground under your feet, can take a deep breath, sort yourself out and then start the next attempt. Instead of cramp in your forearm and fluttering nerves, you get focus, flow and those liberating aha moments when the beach start works or the board slowly starts to slide. And if something does go wrong, you can relax and walk back instead of frantically fighting the current and waves or even waving for rescue. So we've rummaged through our archives and present you with surfing spots from near and far - from down-to-earth inland spots and bays on the North Sea and Baltic Sea to turquoise-coloured lagoons in the Caribbean. Many of these spots are characterised by onshore winds, natural wave protection and huge shallow water zones. With schools, hire and short distance logistics, every session here is a pleasure: ten spots that will clear your head and get you on course.
Lac Bay Bonaire - the Caribbean bathtub
A Caribbean surf spot straight out of a picture book: In the sheltered Lac Bay of Sorobon, an offshore reef slows down the waves and creates a huge, turquoise-coloured lagoon with a large standing area. The constant trade winds blow onshore from the east and can move undisturbed over the shallow reef into the lagoon. Those who fall drift relaxed back to the beach. Ideal conditions for practising planing, tacking and jibing without stress, consolidating beach and water starts or trying out your first freestyle moves. The edge where the lagoon deepens abruptly in the northern part (no more standing area) is clearly recognisable by the darker water colour. With air temperatures between 25 and 33 degrees and the water at a bathtub-warm 28 degrees, you can be out here all year round in board shorts or at most a shorty. The ground is predominantly sandy, with seagrass fields and the occasional shell in between - walk carefully, ideally take shoes with you.
Sorobon has several windsurfing schools where the latest equipment can be hired. The wind season lasts roughly from December to August, with the strongest winds between February and July, when the trade winds from the east reach 15 to 30 knots. The wind is generally perfect in the mornings, easing slightly towards midday and picking up again around 3 pm. This means you can take a relaxed lunch break between sessions. The Sorobon Beach Resort offers the option of staying directly at the spot. More choice and cheaper prices can be found in the towns of Belnem and Kralendijk, five to ten kilometres away. Direct flights depart from Schiphol with KLM or TUI. For those who want to bring their own windsurfing equipment, TUI is the best option - the airline charges 50 euros for a piece of luggage weighing up to 32 kilos. Watch out: The check-in staff on Bonaire are usually very strict: they weigh every kilo, as they have plenty of experience with windsurfers and their excess baggage at the small airport.
Lake Neusiedl - the big brown one
A good five hours' drive from Munich lies Europe's second largest steppe lake - as shallow as a saucer, almost completely stagnant and with no natural inflow or outflow. The "Big Brown" may not have Caribbean water colours, but it offers excellent bathing water quality, despite a similar brown turbidity to the Viennese coffee speciality of the same name: a double mocha served in a large cup with a dollop of cream. The special geographical and meteorological location in the Pannonian Plain, around 70 kilometres south-east of Vienna, also provides the lake with regular white caps thanks to the excellent wind statistics and an average of 300 days of sunshine a year. The region draws almost all of its wind from north-westerly fronts, which bring the best conditions, especially in spring when temperatures fluctuate greatly. The north-westerly wind is often preceded by strong southerly winds, which can even be used in shorties in summer. The surface area of the 315 km² lake is not completely visible, as around half of the lake surface is overgrown with reeds. This also severely restricts access to the water.
The majority of windsurfing takes place on the Austrian side. There is only one seaside resort in Hungary. Podersdorf, Weiden, Illmitz and Neusiedl are the surfing hotspots on the favoured eastern shore. The ground here is predominantly sandy, while kiters have the upper hand on the western shore in Breitenbrunn. In Rust and Mörbisch, the bottom tends to be muddy and it is shallow almost everywhere. Due to the fluctuating water depth, depending on precipitation and temperatures, foilers in particular face challenges. Wingfoilers ideally have a short mast in their quiver or surf in Illmitz and Weiden, where it is almost always deep enough. In Podersdorf, a few minutes' walk in the really shallow water is required before you can start foiling. In addition to water sports, the entire region is known for its national park with a large variety of bird species and is particularly popular for cycling (keyword "cherry blossom cycle path"). Those who like to stop off at a cosy wine tavern will not stay thirsty for long at Lake Neusiedl. And if you're really hungry for a small price, the Hungarian border is only 20 minutes away. Accommodation is available near all the spots, with Podersdorf being the only municipality located directly on the water and offering a large campsite. Lake Zicksee can be an insider tip - if it has enough water. A 20-minute drive from Podersdorf, it offers very shallow and smooth water - perfect for beginners, freestylers and surfers who are looking for less hustle and bustle than in the "metropolis" of Podersdorf.
IJsselmeer East - tamed North Sea
With the completion of the dam in 1932, the former "Zuiderzee" bay was separated from the North Sea and now forms the largest lake in the Netherlands, the IJsselmeer, covering 1100 square kilometres between the provinces of North Holland in the west and Friesland in the east. Some of the beaches of the former "Zuiderzee" still have a little South Sea flair today, at least when the weather is right. Similar to the South Seas, the IJsselmeer is also a rather calm area and the lack of reefs is made up for by the abundance of sandbanks. Makkum, Workum, Hindeloopen and Co: The shallow standing areas of these spots and an excellent infrastructure make the east side of the Ijsselmeer a perfect beginner and intermediate spot and a hotspot for the Dutch and West German scene. The spots are characterised by beautiful camping facilities right on the water and slalom pilots grinding their fins.
Low pressure areas travelling eastwards from the Atlantic make for good days on the water. In spring and autumn, the probability of catching a low pressure system is higher than in summer. In summer, stable easterly winds can occur, which means offshore winds for the eastern side of the IJsselmeer. If only light winds from the west are forecast, but the sun is shining, there are regular thermal boosts and you can enjoy a few knots more than actually forecast. The water temperature of the Ijsselmeer adapts more quickly to the air temperature than the open North Sea, for example, due to the shallow water depth. This applies both positively in spring and negatively in autumn. However, the large standing areas offer a certain degree of comfort and safety, especially at low temperatures - it is easy to get back on the water without having to swim for a long time, and it is almost impossible to drift off. As a result, you are almost never alone on the water here, even on cold winter days.
Veluwemeer - IJssel's little brother
The narrow marginal sea below the IJselmeer was created during the dyking and draining of Flevoland, when a narrow strip of water was deliberately preserved between the old land and the polder in order to protect the groundwater balance and shoreline ecology. Today: important for the water balance, habitat for birds - and a top spot for windsurfing. At the latest when you take your first involuntary sip of water, you will clearly notice the lack of salinity and realise that this is an inland lake, as "sea" means "lake" in Dutch. Where else would you find a lake more than 20 kilometres long and several kilometres wide, mostly shallow, without waves, wind-safe and with a perfect surfing infrastructure? So it's not surprising that the most famous spot on Lake Veluwe, Horst beach, can get pretty crowded in high season. The north-westerly wind blows unchecked onshore here and creates an endlessly long shallow water slope. About 800 metres out lies the fairway marked with buoys, where the water gets deeper. Telstar has a well-equipped shop and a school right at the spot.
Fehmarn - the Baltic Sea classic
Left or right? Anyone travelling to Fehmarn in search of a relaxed flat-water spot has a choice after the Fehmarnsund Bridge. From intermediates to freestyle aces, lots of windsurfers keep turning right towards Wulfener Hals in the south-east of the island: a narrow spit of land shields the Burger Binnensee from the open Baltic Sea and, with its sandbanks, forms a shallow playground that leaves hardly anything to be desired. The fact that the Wulfener Hals campsite, one of the largest campsites in Schleswig-Holstein, is located right next to the spot ensures that the water and paths are lively in summer. The campsite offers all amenities, including the Windsurfing Wulfen surfing centre. Things are much more rustic for those turning left on the other side of the island in Gold. Although there are a few holiday homes with a café and a small surf school as well as a car park with a toilet block, the infrastructure is otherwise limited to a park bench. However, there is an almost equally good freeride and upwind area. The Orther Reede is very deep and there is plenty of space. A little quieter than Wulfen, but just as good a choice in westerly winds.
Ringkøbing Fjord - Hygge behind Holmsland
A family holiday destination like a picture: On Denmark's west coast, the narrow, picturesque Holmsland Klit dune strip separates the fjord from the rough North Sea and creates one of the most popular spots in Northern Europe. You will find a good spot for every wind direction on Rinkøbing Fjord. Almost everywhere you can stand several hundred metres away. The shallow fjord is only connected to the North Sea by a narrow breach and the salt content is very low. The best-known spot is Hvide Sande Nord on the western shore, with a large centre, shop and everything you need. Here you can either ride with your own equipment, hire it from the local "Westwind" centre or book a surf course - generations have made their first metres on the board at this spot.
All easterly winds are ideal, but you can still ride well in westerly directions and don't need to be afraid of drifting. In crisp storms, many North Sea surfers also take to the fjord. There is a somewhat smaller centre south of the village, near the campsite. There is another surf centre on the east side in Bork Havn, which also has a huge standing area. A flat peninsula shields the choppy waves even in strong winds, creating a wonderfully smooth bathtub for freeriders and intermediates. In contrast to Hvide Sande, you can also spend the night here in a campervan. Skaven and Bjerregaard are further options nearby - both with campsites. The entire region is well equipped with holiday homes.
Soma Bay - the year-round destination
Thanks to its proximity to Hurghada Airport, Soma Bay in Egypt is easily accessible from Central European airports. The wind is also a permanent guest here. It comes from the north and is caused by the temperature differences between the sea and the hot hinterland. In the morning it usually blows from the north-north-west, from the afternoon onwards it blows more from the north to north-north-east. Water sports enthusiasts have two potential starting points in Soma Bay: The Robinson Club is located in the eastern part of the bay. There is a water sports centre here and a small standing area directly in front of the centre, which is ideal for practising. However, it can be a little gusty in the shore area due to the buildings. The shallow zone in the western part of the bay, where the Palm Royale Resort and other facilities are located, is much larger.
Surfing takes place upwind of the small harbour. There is a large standing area here, regardless of the tide, and the wind blows fairly evenly from the left. At low tide, a perfect flat water slope forms for a few hours where you can practise your manoeuvres, break your personal speed record or try out new freestyle tricks. It gets a little choppier at high tide, but you will always find shallow water upwind of the Surfmotion surf station. Because you can either practise in shallow water or windsurf and foil in deep water, Soma Bay is also ideal for families or couples with different skills on the board. The best time to visit Soma Bay is from April to November, but you can also catch many good days in the low season from December to March - but then the wind often drops significantly in the afternoon.
Suhrendorf - the largest standing area in Germany
Rügen, Germany's largest island, offers a wealth of first-class windsurfing spots. In addition to the wave spots in the open Baltic Sea, the Bodden and the many bays and inland waters are particularly popular. In addition to the Wiker Bodden, Suhrendorf on the small offshore island of Ummanz is particularly suitable for intermediates. Between the island of Ummanz, which can be reached via a small bridge, and the offshore island of Hiddensee, what is probably Germany's largest standing area stretches over several square kilometres. The easiest way to get to the water here is via the campsite (day ticket required). The spot runs in a wide wind window from south to west to north-east. The water remains largely smooth even in storms, apart from small choppy waves - and in an emergency you can simply walk back. Perfect for beginners and intermediates, those learning to jibe and freestylers. The surf centre, campsite and surf hostel provide top infrastructure and make Suhrendorf the first address for flat water fans. Wind from the east also works thanks to the flat hinterland, but is a little gustier; for constant pressure you have to go a little further out into deeper water.
Salzhaff - protected Baltic Sea
The Wustrow peninsula separates a large, shallow bay from the Baltic Sea between Lübeck and Rostock - the Salzhaff. Especially on the eastern side in front of Pepelow, the standing area is almost limitless, and generations of windsurfers have learnt beach starts, jibes and more there. The cosy little village has always remained idyllic, yet there is everything you need with a campsite, surf school, huts and hostel. And because the salt lagoon has little exchange with the open sea due to the narrow opening, the water in the bay warms up noticeably faster than in the open Baltic Sea. Almost any wind direction works here, with westerly winds you can enjoy endless long strokes over the waist-deep water. Even the offshore easterly wind is still rideable, and the standing area offers reassuring safety. There is even some thermal amplification, while the westerly wind can be somewhat weaker than elsewhere. As everywhere on the Baltic Sea, a seaweed fin should be in your luggage, especially in summer.
St George Beach Naxos - Lennart's Lagoon
South of Naxos Town, there is an extensive standing area: the lagoon, protected by an offshore reef, is the perfect practice slope. This is where freestyle world champion Lennart Neubauer learnt to surf and did his first freestyle tricks. The water remains almost smooth even in strong winds, with only a slight chop, a sandy bottom, plenty of space and easy entry and exit. The diagonally onshore wind makes the spot a very safe one. Surfers and bathers share the beach; the Flisvos Centre, the Naxos Surf Club and the Laguna Beach Park offer courses and the latest equipment for hire. Accommodation of all categories as well as bars, tavernas and restaurants are located directly at the spot. As in the entire Aegean, the Meltemi blows on Naxos in summer - dry, from a northerly direction - and provides the west coast with gliding winds of over 12 knots on around 60 per cent of days. There is a jet effect between Naxos and Paros, which increases the wind locally. Early and late season can also be worthwhile, but the wind is most reliable from June to October. At the height of summer, the water reaches 25 degrees and the air remains pleasant thanks to the meltemi - but without it, it quickly becomes blisteringly hot. Shorties or lycra are usually sufficient on the board, in spring and autumn a 4/3 short-sleeved neo is suitable.
