Sun, sea, beach and often lots of wind!

Camping De Holle Poarte is located in a corner of the IJsselmeer where windsurfers are in their element. Here, the wind practically blows you onto the water – perfect for the pros, but great for beginners too. The water is knee-deep and stretches hundreds of metres into the lake, making it ideal for stress-free practice.

No wind? No problem. Grab a SUP board and paddle gently out onto the IJsselmeer. At the two surf schools, you can book a lesson or hire everything you need – from surf gear to SUP boards and even catamarans.

Want to head out to the open sea? The lock to the Wadden Sea is just a 15-minute sail away.

Water sports

Wind surfing

Hang Loose! Since the 1970s, Makkum has been known as the ultimate windsurfing paradise in the north of the Netherlands. Both beginners and experienced windsurfers will find plenty to enjoy here. There are also fun annual windsurfing events, such as Ladies Day and The Real Trip.

SUP

Stand Up Paddling (SUP) is, of course, hugely popular in Makkum. Enjoy a calming sunset SUP on your own or with your partner, or have a blast on the water with a group of friends!
The surf schools on the beach also rent out SUP boards.

Kite surfing

Kitesurfing is allowed in Makkum during the low season, from 1 October to 15 April. In high season, the campsite still attracts plenty of kitesurfers, but then you’ll head to Kornwerderzand (near the Afsluitdijk, about a 15-minute drive) to get on the water. This is also where kitesurfing lessons are held in summer.

Wing foiling

The bay at Makkum is perfect for practising wing foiling. Experienced wing surfers will need to head out to deeper water. Don’t feel like walking? Then we recommend taking a short drive to Kornwerderzand.

Rent a boat

Ready to explore the Frisian waters by boat? At Zuidwaard Watersport, you can hire a luxury sloop, a water bike or a sturdy motorboat. With or without a licence, with or without kids – there’s something for everyone.

Catamaran sailing

Bring your Hobie Cat along or hire a catamaran on the beach. Never tried it before? No stress! An instructor from Surf n Sail will happily join you on the water for an unforgettable adventure.

Swimming

In the shallow water near the beach, swimming quickly turns into paddling. Still refreshing, but if you want to swim proper lengths, head to the small pool at the marina or take a dip in the canal to Makkum (on the other side of the pier).

Funsport Rental Centre

Funsport rents out everything you need for windsurfing and SUP. On the beach, you’ll find the test centre of their surf shop on the boulevard. So for professional advice on your (future) gear, this is the place to be!

Surf n Sail

Water fun starts at Surf n Sail. From windsurfing to kitesurfing, from SUP to catamaran sailing. Learn it, perfect it or hire your gear. This is the place for a day (… or a week … or the whole summer!) packed with fun on the water.