North Sea/Jade Bay spot guide: The best windsurfing spots around Wilhelmshaven

Born in the 90s, I had the pleasure of experiencing the final stages of the heyday of windsurfing and growing up in it. Instead of just spending time in kindergarten, my model car park was in the surf shop and my parents put me on the board before I could swim. Almost 30 years later, Wilhelmshaven still offers me a fantastic place to live. The weather is typically northern German, so if you ask us, (almost) always excellent, the number of days with good winds is above average, and the journey to the spots takes no more than a coffee break. This makes it easy to combine work and leisure time on the water.

Following the global downturn in the windsurfing scene, our Windsurfing Club Jade can once again boast almost 200 active members. A growing community has developed that lives and breathes windsurfing, and not just with 75-litre boards and 4-person sails, but also at the weekly Wednesday regatta - where people give it their all for an hour and a half, regardless of the wind.

The region offers you the full programme: from spots for speed riding, freestyling and riding waves to shallow waters for perfecting your beach start or jibe. So that you know when and where you need to be on the beach, I'll introduce you to the best spots in Wilhelmshaven and the surrounding area here. Spoiler first: there's nothing like sessions in north-westerly winds and low tide - with good swell - in Hooksiel.

The best surf spots in Wilhelmshaven and the surrounding area

1. Anton-Dohrn-Weg West

53°30'11.9 "N 8°04'24.8"

The spot is the most easterly on the south coast of Wilhelmshaven. You can park directly at the spot (free of charge). After a short climb over the dyke you are at the water's edge. In the north-west, the wind comes perfectly sideshore from the right with nice smooth water. The further you cross up, the shallower the water depth becomes. With directions such as south-west or easterly, it becomes more humpy. The spot is almost always shallow and can be surfed approx. 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after high tide. Foiling is not possible due to the shallow water. Kiting and wings are not permitted.

2. homespot

53°30'07.8 "N 8°05'06.0 "E

The spot affectionately known as Homespot is located on the North Sea side of the signposted Banter See surfing area. You can park directly behind the dyke in a spacious car park (free of charge). Depending on the wind direction, the spot can be accessed around two hours before to two hours after high tide. The best conditions are found in north-westerly winds, when the wind blows diagonally offshore, creating a smooth slope that is ideal for heating. The more southerly the wind, the choppier it gets. The spot is ideal for foiling - and the odd spontaneous race to Dangast and back (other side of the Jade Bay, approx. 6 km each way). In south-easterly winds, the water usually does not rise far enough, so the spot is not recommended. Kiting and wings are not permitted.

3. lake Banter

53°30'12.6 "N 8°05'02.1 "E

The grounds of the Wilhelmshaven surf club (Windsurfing Club Jade e. V.) and the surf school/surf shop (The Surf Company Wilhelmshaven) are located here. The surf club is very active in its work and also organises several regattas a year. These include a weekly Wednesday regatta series (Easter to October), where 15 to 30 surfers regularly take part, as well as the organisation of a high-level championship. This year, the International German Championship in the windsurfer LT class is being organised. You can park directly at the spot (free of charge). There is a large meadow right by the water for everyone to use, where you can rig and launch. Surfing is possible regardless of the tide and in any wind direction - except south-southeast, because then it is clearly too gusty on the lake. In the western part of the lake, the best wind direction by far is east, where the wind blows constantly across the lake and accelerates again at a narrowing to the east. In the east of the lake, northerly winds in particular can be utilised very well. There is shallow water in all wind directions, so that both beginners and advanced sailors feel at home. The lake is particularly recommended for foiling (wind and wing foiling), as the smooth water offers easy conditions and smaller wind holes can be easily flown through. Top speeds of over 60 km/h are also regularly achieved on fins at the surf club's speed cup. During the surf company's opening hours, it also invites you to drop in for a coffee, talk shop or simply warm up after a session. A floating jetty also offers the ideal conditions for pump foiling.

4. south beach Wilhelmshaven

53°30'37.3 "N 8°07'41.7 "E

Südstrand is one of the best-known spots in Wilhelmshaven. You can park on top of the dyke (for a fee), and there is also a caravan site right next to the spot. The spot works at both high and low tide, as a large tidal channel forms under land at low tide. You can enter via the runway left over from the war or via the exposed sandy beach at low tide. If you start at low tide, you have access to the approximately 200 metre wide tideway and find smooth water - ideal for freestyling or speed riding. In addition, three quarters of the tideway is shallow. The more southerly the wind, the more the Priel can be surfed lengthways. Around two hours after low tide, the sandbank behind the tideway washes over and can be travelled over. A steep wave forms under land in the deep part of the tideway, which is ideal as a kicker for jumping. Further out, a large standing area forms for about an hour. Two hours before to two hours after high tide, the water depth is well above the two metre mark everywhere and the whole spot can be used for freeriding or foiling in slightly undulating conditions. The best wind directions are south-east and south-west. With a pure southerly wind, it should be really bouncing, as the windward jam under land weakens the wind too much. If the wind and current are coming from the same direction, you should not go out on the water at the time of the strongest current (3rd and 4th hour) (outgoing water = current to the east, incoming water = current to the west). Kiting and wings are not permitted.

5th Hooksiel

53°38'45.0 "N 8°04'32.6 "E

The most versatile spot in the area. It offers everything a surfer's heart desires at different tide levels and at different entry points. Low tide: Here you can park on top of the dyke or in the harbour car park (for a fee). The water's edge is approx. 500 metres away, but the walk is particularly worthwhile in strong north-westerly and southerly winds. In north-westerly winds, a small shorebreak forms at the edge of the mudflats with waves up to waist-high. It is not the height of the waves that is special, but their length. As the edge of the mudflats runs at a slight angle to the shore, the wave builds up again and again and can be ridden almost endlessly. When the wind blows from the south, the spot is ideal for speed riding as the water is as smooth as glass and the runway is kilometres long. But beware: as the wind blows offshore, nothing should go wrong during the session - if you drift out, you can only wait for rescue from the air. High water: At high water, there are two ways to get in: either at the front of the car park at the DLRG house or further west in the "Schweinebucht". In the eastern area (DLRG Haus), the spot offers bump & jump conditions that invite you to do a speed loop or two in the sunshine to impress the bathers on the beach. However, you should not ride too close to the bathing area to avoid offending the lifeguards. On winter days, the station is not manned and the spot can be fully utilised. The further west you go into the water ("Bay of Pigs"), the larger the standing area. The "Bay of Pigs" is quite shallow towards the campsite and offers smooth water for heating. It is also ideal for intermediates who don't want to think about water starts or pulling out the sail during the session. The only downside is that the area is also heavily frequented by kiters. On a summer's day, it can therefore get very crowded on the water. The Bay of Pigs is surfable approx. 1.5 hours before to 1.5 hours after high tide. The further the entry point towards the DLRG house is chosen, the larger the time window becomes.

6. Hooksiel/Hooksmeer

53°38'14.8 "N 8°03'35.2 "E

Small but nice. The Hooksmeer offers a current-independent and beginner-friendly spot right next to the Hooksiel surf club. The entrance is at the surf club. Easterly and westerly winds come through relatively freely and make for a fun session or surf course. You shouldn't go too far out and keep a close eye on the shipping traffic - the access road for all sailing clubs to the lock runs through the area. There is also a surf centre on site that offers courses and equipment hire.

7th Schillig

53°42'09.3 "N 8°01'44.6 "E

Depending on the high tide, Schillig offers a large standing area, but it is relatively flat and therefore mainly ideal for kitesurfing - for windsurfing you have to go a little further out. Many wind directions are possible, from west to north-west and north-east to south-east. Under land you will find shallow water, further out there are larger swell waves like in Hooksiel, which invite you to jump high. If you're feeling confident, you can use the high swell in a north-westerly wind for a five-kilometre downwinder towards Hooksiel. However, you should explicitly familiarise yourself with the currents and protection zones beforehand and make sure you are sufficiently safe. The surf and kite zones are marked on the beach and on the water and should be strictly adhered to. The beach is particularly busy during the season with both swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. There are plenty of parking spaces at the spot. There is a surf and kite centre on site

8 Eckewarderhörne

53°31'14.4 "N 8°13'57.8 "E

You can park directly at the spot in a relatively small car park. A large meadow is also available for rigging. Surfing here is also independent of the tide. Due to its direct location to the fairway, the water's edge can be reached quickly after a short walk at low tide. At high tide, the jetty provides a beautifully sheltered shallow water spot, especially in southerly winds. When the wind blows from the south-west, steep ramps form at the end of the pier, which are ideal for catapulting yourself into the third dimension. If you sail when the water is rising or falling, you have a nice window of time under land with shallow water. When travelling out, always keep an eye on the shallow pier and only cross it when the water level is sufficient.

9th Harlesiel

53°42'37.0 "N 7°48'31.3 "E

There is a classic bump and jump spot on the large bathing beach. You can only surf to the west of the pier, around two hours before to two hours after high tide. There are plenty of parking spaces at the spot as well as a fantastic pitch right next to the fairway. In easterly winds, the water is somewhat calmer due to the pier and invites you to push the accelerator pedal further. Just like in Schillig, watch out for the kiters. Kitesurfing lessons are also organised at the spot.

10. Neuharlingersiel

53°42'08.0 "N 7°42'28.3 "E

One of the most famous spots in the region is home to the region's freestylers - given the right conditions. You can park directly in the harbour area. You can get into the water via a relatively slippery entrance. As long as the pier to the west is not flooded, the spot is almost completely flat. The best time to start is when the water is rising, about two hours before high tide. As soon as the breakwater is flooded, the spot turns into a bump and jump spot. If you go far out, you will find a rolling swell outside into which you can jibe or backsideturn. In easterly winds, it is better to go out on the other side of the pier (on the beach). This is also where the surf centre is located. The same applies here at the spot: if you have good timing, you can take advantage of a nice time window with shallow water.

11th Ostbense

53°41'15.8 "N 7°37'37.7 "E

The spot is considered a little insider tip. You can park directly behind the dyke on a car park strip. In strong westerly winds, you can find a flat water spot here from two hours before to two hours after high tide, which is smoothed out by an outgoing breakwater. Perfect for freeriding or freestyling.

Spot Info Wilhelmshaven

Wind & Weather

Due to its peninsula-shaped coastal location and the associated south coast, the Wilhelmshaven region offers the right spot for every wind direction and also for every surfing level. This includes several shallow waters, but also spots that offer nice swells and small waves to ride. Beginners and intermediates in particular get their money's worth on the Banter See inland water, which is independent of currents. The statistics promise a good wind probability all year round, with an increase in the chances of strong winds in spring and autumn. Due to the Wadden Sea, the water temperatures are always significantly warmer than those of the Baltic Sea. In winter, surfing is done in a warm wetsuit with a bonnet, but in summer a shorty or short-sleeved wetsuit is also sufficient when the water climbs to temperatures above 20 degrees.

Living & Camping

The northern coast in particular is heavily developed for tourism. There are countless holiday flats in all price categories and Wilhelmshaven also offers a motorhome site directly on the south beach. There are campsites right on the coast in Hooksiel, Schillig and Dangast. As an industrial city with Germany's largest military base, Wilhelmshaven is a good place to find your dream job on the waterfront, with affordable houses and rents. The Jade University also offers more than 60 degree programmes, which are currently attended by around 4,000 students.

• Hooksiel campsite: wangerland.de/nordseecamping/camping-hooksiel
• Camping Schillig: wangerland.de/nordseecamping/camping-schillig
• Camping site Dangast 1: dangast.de/strandcampingplatz-nordsee-dangast.html
• Camping Dangast 2: rennweide.de

Surf schools & shops

There are currently three schools in Wilhelmshaven and the surrounding area with a total of five water sports centres and a surf shop in Wilhelmshaven. Surfing lessons from beginner to intermediate courses and equipment hire are offered throughout the season from April to October.

• The Surf Company Wilhelmshaven: surfcompany.com
• North Sea Academy: nordsee-surfschule.de
• Windloop: windloop.com

Alternative programme

Even without the wind, the region offers its charms and attractions: All the North Sea islands can be reached quickly by ferry and are perfect for a day or weekend trip. You can also explore the lakes and rivers on a SUP or combine a bike tour with ice cream on the beach. If you're looking for more action, Hooksiel offers water skiing and an aqua park. Wilhelmshaven also offers a selection of museums, such as the Wadden Sea House or the Naval Museum.

Good to know

To get the most out of a session, check the tide table more often than not. Can also be done online.