Surfspot Guide: Everything about surfing in Callantsoog

Callantsoog is a dynamic surf spot where conditions are constantly changing due to the influence of sandbanks, rip currents and wind. The surf conditions are determined by factors such as the tide, the foreshore sandbank, breakwaters and recent sand supplements. This makes it essential to do a good spot check from the dune before each surf session to determine the best location.

Want to stay up to date on current surfing conditions? Visit SurfclubCallantsoog.nl for a locally tailored surf weather report and join the WhatsApp group where surfers share information and make arrangements.

Optimal surfing conditions in Callantsoog

The best surfing conditions in Callantsoog are comparable to other North Holland spots:

• Ideal: NW swell and a light offshore wind from an easterly direction.
• Also surfable: N or W to SW swell in light winds and the right tide.

The tide plays a major role in wave quality:

• Rising tide (mid tide to high tide): Often the best conditions, with slightly more powerful and better formed waves than going from high tide to mid tide.
• Just after low tide: Suitable for smaller waves and longboarders, especially between the breakwaters.
• SW swell with more height: Breaks best around mid-tide coming in between the breakwaters.

The water level also affects the surfing conditions in Callantsoog. If the water level is higher than 1.7 meters, the waves often break less well and surfing becomes more difficult. Because the difference in water level between high and low tide is only about one meter, the water level can still be 1.7 meters around mid-tide. This means that the best surfing conditions only arise when the tide drops further after mid-tide. Exceptions to this are surf waves or extreme weather conditions, such as a storm with mega swell, but then surfing is often not possible because Callantsoog does not have the shelter of a long and high pier, such as in Wijk aan Zee and Scheveningen.

Influence of Physical Elements on Wave Quality

Breakwaters: South vs. North

The breakwaters along the coast influence how the waves break:

• South side (near the village, between the breakwaters): Variable wave quality due to deeper gullies and mules. With a SW wave direction and around low tide the wave can break well here.
• North side (from beach pavilion De Stern and further north):
  • The recent sand nourishment (2023) has improved surfing conditions.
  • The breakwaters are located under the sand and have less influence on the current.
  • The wider beach and more stable sandbanks provide more consistent and powerful waves.
  • This makes the North Spot currently the most consistent surf spot in Callantsoog.

Foreshore sandbank

The foreshore sandbank, further out to sea, is intended as coastal protection and dampens wave energy. This is particularly effective at higher swells and lower tides.

• At higher swells: Waves break further out to sea, making it more favorable for surfing around high tide.
• For smaller waves: Less influence of the foreshore.

Where to surf?

There are two main surfing zones:

1. Between beach tent De Vos and the lifeguard brigade:
   • Popular surfing zone with varying conditions.
   • Surf school gives lessons here.
   • Sandbanks between the breakwaters can produce beautiful waves at the right tide.
2. North Spot / North Bunker (near De Stern):
   • Official activity beach, mandatory surfing on hot summer days and busy beach.
   • Currently the most consistent waves due to the improved sandbanks.
   • Longer, better shaped waves ideal for longer rides.

Current and Wind Direction

Current is an important factor to consider:

• Outgoing tide: Current is usually southerly.
• Rising tide: Current is usually northerly.
• Strong SW wind and wind waves: Can create extra current, sometimes requiring you to walk back to your spot.

Perfect Conditions for Beginners and Longboarders

With low wave height and light wind, Callantsoog offers ideal conditions for beginners and longboarders:

• One hour before or after low tide: When the rear sandbank is at least 50 cm under water.
• Small, long-running waves between the breakwaters: Clean and gradual, ideal for practice or long rides.

Conclusion: Where and when to surf?

• Best surfing zones:
  1. Between De Vos and the rescue brigade → Popular zone with varying conditions.
  2. North Spot / North Bunker (near De Stern) → Most consistent waves, especially after the recent sand nourishment.
• Best tide:
  1. Rising tide from mid tide → Usually the best conditions.
  2. Outgoing tide at higher swells → Can also produce good waves.
  3. For small waves: Just after low tide between the breakwaters.

Want to stay up to date with the latest surf forecasts and local updates? Check out SurfclubCallantsoog.nl and get in touch with the local surfers!

Want to learn more about being able to predict surf conditions yourself? Check out Goedegolven.nl!