Located at the north-eastern tip of the IJsselmeer, intermediates will find the perfect place to practise here. In general, all windsurfers get their money's worth here, as you have the choice between small waves and great flat water for freestyle or slalom. Makkum also has a lot to offer culturally: The old town centre - a typical, traditional fishing village - invites you to stroll and enjoy.
Travelling to Makkum
The 300 kilometre journey from the Ruhr area can be mastered via several routes. In the end, everyone ends up on the A7 motorway, which also leads directly to the Afsluitdijk (the dam that connects Friesland with North Holland and separates the IJsselmeer from the North Sea). After Makkum, you only have to exit just before the dam.
Wind & Weather
The best time to visit is in spring and summer. As the Ijsselmeer is a lake and quite shallow, especially on the shores, it warms up much faster in spring than the North Sea and Baltic Sea. However, it also cools down much faster in autumn. In summer, water temperatures of over 20 degrees can be reached (the average in summer is 17 to 18 degrees) - the chances of wind are of course better in spring, autumn and winter. In the event that you catch a decent low-pressure area, a 5/3 long-sleeved neo should definitely be in your luggage even in summer - otherwise even a short-sleeved neo may be sufficient.
Especially in spring and autumn, low-pressure systems often develop, which move eastwards from the Atlantic and create a lot of wind on the Ijsselmeer. If the storm front passes to the north of Makkum, the wind blows from the south-west - which then creates a lot of choppy waves at the north-eastern tip of the Ijsselmeer. Sustained storm lows can give you a good three to five days of wind! If the forecast is for sunshine and only a light westerly wind, there are regular thermal reinforcements - then you can look forward to a few knots more on site. In summer, there can be stable easterly winds in fair weather. In Makkum, easterly winds come from offshore - the locals recommend travelling to Kornwerderzand on the Afsluitdijk (the dam that separates the North Sea from the IJsselmeer). On sunny days with an easterly wind, the wind here is further strengthened by thermal effects.
Living & camping in Makkum
Wild camping is generally prohibited in Holland! Offences are punishable with severe fines of up to 100 euros, the local campsites are much cheaper. With the Camping Recreatiecentrum De Holle Poarte you will find a campsite right on the beach. Hotels include the Hotel de Vigilante and the Hotel Villa Mar. The Beach Resort offers you every comfort, all rental bungalows in the park have direct access to the inland sea and the beach is only a few minutes away.
Alternative programme:
Strolling along the boulevard on a mild summer evening or dangling your feet in the warm Ijsselmeer gives you that pure holiday feeling. The old town centre of Makkum is a prime example of a typical, traditional fishing village. Its narrow streets and characteristic houses bring the old days back to life. On windless days, a cycling or sailing tour to the historic fishing villages in the area is also worthwhile. For all night owls, there is a club where you can turn night into day if you want to and are in good shape.
Veluwemeer and Gooimeer are also a good tip for beginners and shallow water fans. HERE there's a complete spot guide.
