Schellinkhout Surf Spot Guide, Holland

Nestled on the edge of the IJsselmeer, Schellinkhout delivers fun breakwater and jetty waves that peel both right and left over a sandy bottom dotted with rocks. The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming, with mellow sessions that suit surfers chasing playful rides rather than heavy power. It's a hidden gem in Holland where the shallow waters and consistent setup make every visit rewarding.

Geography and Nature

Schellinkhout sits in North Holland along the Hoornse Hop, a scenic stretch of the IJsselmeer coastline about 50 kilometers north of Amsterdam. The spot features a serene sandy beach backed by grassy lawns and a protective dike, offering a mix of open water views and quiet rural surroundings rather than urban bustle. The shallow, expansive bay creates a natural amphitheater for waves, with the beach itself being wide and easy to access, blending sandy shores with occasional rocky outcrops.

Surf Setup

This breakwater and jetty spot fires up rights and lefts that shape into fun, approachable walls perfect for carving turns. Optimal swells come from the west, southwest, or south, while offshore winds from those same west to south directions keep the face clean and rideable. Low and mid tides bring out the best peelers, delivering sessions filled with punchy, waist-to-head-high fun waves that keep you grinning from drop to shore.

Consistency and Best Time

Schellinkhout offers reliable surf thanks to its IJsselmeer exposure, with solid conditions from late summer through fall when southwest swells roll in steadily. Peak months hit from September to November, aligning with frequent windy days around 20 to 25 per month, while spring brings thermal boosts for extra sessions. Avoid peak summer if crowds bother you, as winds lighten up then, dropping to about 21 days in July and August.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see just a few surfers sharing the lineup, making for peaceful paddles. Weekends draw a bigger crowd, including a mix of locals and visitors eager for the spot's fun waves.

Who It's For

All skill levels thrive here, from beginners honing basics on the forgiving sandy bottom to advanced surfers linking turns on the jetty peelers. Newcomers get endless practice on the shallow rights and lefts without overwhelming size, intermediates build speed on fun walls, and experts chase the occasional punchier sets. The mellow power ensures everyone scores quality waves tailored to their style.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks near the jetty that can sneak up on bigger sets, and stay mindful of any chop from wind shifts. The shallow sandy bottom keeps things forgiving overall, but always scout the lineup first.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 15 to 18°C, calling for a 3/2mm fullsuit or steamer for comfort during longer sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 4 to 6°C, requiring a thick 5/4/3mm hooded fullsuit to handle the chill. Spring and fall see 9 to 13°C waters, where a 4/3mm fullsuit with booties provides the right protection.

How to Get There

Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), about 60 kilometers south, then rent a car for the straightforward 45-minute drive north via the A7 toward Hoorn. Trains from AMS connect to Hoorn station, roughly 10 kilometers away, followed by a short bus or taxi to De Laan 4 in Schellinkhout. Free parking abounds right at the beach, with just a 100-meter walk to the water, making it surfer-friendly even without wheels.

Schellinkhout Surf Spot Guide, Holland

Nestled on the edge of the IJsselmeer, Schellinkhout delivers fun breakwater and jetty waves that peel both right and left over a sandy bottom dotted with rocks. The vibe here is relaxed and welcoming, with mellow sessions that suit surfers chasing playful rides rather than heavy power. It's a hidden gem in Holland where the shallow waters and consistent setup make every visit rewarding.

Geography and Nature

Schellinkhout sits in North Holland along the Hoornse Hop, a scenic stretch of the IJsselmeer coastline about 50 kilometers north of Amsterdam. The spot features a serene sandy beach backed by grassy lawns and a protective dike, offering a mix of open water views and quiet rural surroundings rather than urban bustle. The shallow, expansive bay creates a natural amphitheater for waves, with the beach itself being wide and easy to access, blending sandy shores with occasional rocky outcrops.

Surf Setup

This breakwater and jetty spot fires up rights and lefts that shape into fun, approachable walls perfect for carving turns. Optimal swells come from the west, southwest, or south, while offshore winds from those same west to south directions keep the face clean and rideable. Low and mid tides bring out the best peelers, delivering sessions filled with punchy, waist-to-head-high fun waves that keep you grinning from drop to shore.

Consistency and Best Time

Schellinkhout offers reliable surf thanks to its IJsselmeer exposure, with solid conditions from late summer through fall when southwest swells roll in steadily. Peak months hit from September to November, aligning with frequent windy days around 20 to 25 per month, while spring brings thermal boosts for extra sessions. Avoid peak summer if crowds bother you, as winds lighten up then, dropping to about 21 days in July and August.

Crowd Levels

Weekdays see just a few surfers sharing the lineup, making for peaceful paddles. Weekends draw a bigger crowd, including a mix of locals and visitors eager for the spot's fun waves.

Who It's For

All skill levels thrive here, from beginners honing basics on the forgiving sandy bottom to advanced surfers linking turns on the jetty peelers. Newcomers get endless practice on the shallow rights and lefts without overwhelming size, intermediates build speed on fun walls, and experts chase the occasional punchier sets. The mellow power ensures everyone scores quality waves tailored to their style.

Hazards to Respect

Watch for rocks near the jetty that can sneak up on bigger sets, and stay mindful of any chop from wind shifts. The shallow sandy bottom keeps things forgiving overall, but always scout the lineup first.

Water Temperature and Wetsuit Guide

Summer from June to October brings water temperatures of 15 to 18°C, calling for a 3/2mm fullsuit or steamer for comfort during longer sessions. Winter from December to March drops to 4 to 6°C, requiring a thick 5/4/3mm hooded fullsuit to handle the chill. Spring and fall see 9 to 13°C waters, where a 4/3mm fullsuit with booties provides the right protection.

How to Get There

Fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), about 60 kilometers south, then rent a car for the straightforward 45-minute drive north via the A7 toward Hoorn. Trains from AMS connect to Hoorn station, roughly 10 kilometers away, followed by a short bus or taxi to De Laan 4 in Schellinkhout. Free parking abounds right at the beach, with just a 100-meter walk to the water, making it surfer-friendly even without wheels.