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Natural High Spot Guide
Ouddorp. Where the North Sea takes over
Ready for the next step? The Ouddorp coast is raw, open and exposed: waves, current and epic North Sea conditions.
At Ouddorp, the sandbank ends and the North Sea takes over. The further north you go, the bigger the swell gets. Expect raw coastline, waves and strong currents. This is where experienced kite, wing and parawing riders come when they’re ready for the next level. This is not a beginner-friendly spot.
All disciplines are welcome at Ouddorp, but if you love a good swell, this is your spot.
About Ouddorp
Below you'll find our three Ouddorp spots with wind directions, tide info, level ratings and the insider tips that only come from riding here every week.
- 3 spots on the North Sea coast: open water, waves and exposed conditions
- Intermediate to expert: know your level before you go
- Every disciplines covered: kite, wing, parawing, foiling & surfing
- Epic North Sea conditions: waves, current and swell
- Natural High Surfschool right here: book your lesson at our location Ouddorp Duin
Spot 1: Ouddorp - "Hekje Buiten"
This is Ted and Martijn’s favourite spot on the Dutch coast. Where De Ooster ends and the North Sea takes over. Raw coast, real swell, strong current and, on the right day, some of the cleanest waves you’ll find on the Dutch coast.
This is where the dedicated locals and experienced riders come. The harder it blows, the bigger it gets and the waves only really start to build from around 20 knots.
The name? There used to be a fence, or “hek”, here. It’s gone now, but the name stuck among locals.
Level: Intermediate to expert
Discipline: Kite, wing & parawing
Best wind direction:
- Best: WSW & W. Cross-shore / side-shore is ideal for clean wave build-up.
- Also possible: anything from SW to NE
- Avoid: S, E and anything offshore
🌊 Best tide: Works on both low and high tide
⚠️ Watch out: Strong current builds from around 2 hours before high tide. In lighter wind, this can be deceptive and catch you off guard. This is not a beginner spot: the waves are clean and fun, but they demand experience.
💬 NH insider tip: When there’s solid swell on the open sea, conditions here can be absolutely epic. On outgoing tide with SW wind, you can find clean windswell around 500 metres offshore, ideal for downwind sessions on a parawing or wing.
🚙 Parking: Free behind the dunes. Expect a longer walk with your gear and don’t leave valuables visible in your car.
Spot 2: Ouddorp Beach
The sandbank running along this part of the coast keeps the water relatively flat, even compared to Hekje Buiten. A solid kite spot on the open North Sea coast, without taking the full hit from the open sea swell.
Level: Intermediate to expert
Discipline: Kite
Best wind direction:
- Best: SW & NE
- Also possible: SW to NE
- Avoid: Offshore
🌊 Best tide: Mid to high tide
⚠️ Watch out: Always check the current and forecast before heading out. Conditions can change quickly here.
🚙 Parking: Free behind the dunes, 400 to 500 metre walk to the spot
Spot 3: Ouddorp Duin - Surf area
Ouddorp Duin is the most accessible surf spot in this guide and the home of the Natural High surf school. This is where beginners catch their first waves, learn to read the North Sea and build confidence in real surf conditions.
On smaller days, it’s perfect for lessons and mellow sessions. When the swell picks up, the beach can still deliver fun, punchy North Sea waves for more experienced surfers.
Level: Beginner to expert
Discipline: Surfing
Best wind direction:
- Best: Northerly swell with a long period
- Also possible: Small to medium North Sea swell
- Avoid: Strong onshore wind and heavy, messy conditions if you’re a beginner
🌊 Best tide: For beginners, low tide is usually easier: less swell, more space and better conditions to focus on technique. For advanced surfers, mid to high tide can offer more shape and push.
⚠️ Watch out: Strong current and rip currents are possible. Even on a calm beach day, the North Sea can change quickly. Always go with someone who knows the spot if it’s your first time.
💬 NH insider tip: New to surfing? Book a lesson first. Mick and the Natural High instructor team are based here and will get you on the board safely, so your first session is one you actually enjoy.
🚙 Parking: Free at Ouddorp Duin
Webcam Ouddorp Duin
All you need to know about the surfspot Ouddorp
Is Ouddorp for beginners?
No with the exception of Ouddorp Duin for surf lessons. At Ouddorp, the sandbank that protects the Brouwersdam ends. The spots here involve real North Sea swell, strong currents and conditions that demand experience. If you're a beginner, start at the Brouwersdam or the Grevelingen first.
What is Hekje Buiten and why is it called that?
Hekje Buiten is the wave spot at Ouddorp where De Ooster ends and the North Sea takes over. The name comes from a gate (hek) that used to stand here. It's gone, but the name stuck among locals. Waves start building from around 20 knots of wind.
Is there a strong current at Ouddorp?
Yes. At Hekje Buiten, strong current may build from about 2 hours before high tide. In lighter winds this can be very deceptive. Always check the forecast and tide before going out.
What is the best wind direction for Hekje Buiten?
WSW and W are optimal. Cross-shore to sideshore, ideal for clean wave build. Everything from SW to N is possible. Avoid S, E and anything offshore.
Can I go downwind surfing near Ouddorp?
Yes. At Hekje Buiten, at outgoing tide with SW wind, you can find beautiful wind swell from around 500 metres offshore. Perfect for downwind sessions on parawing or wing. This is the favorite spot of Ted and Martijn for exactly this reason.
Where can I learn to surf near Ouddorp?
The Natural High surf school is based at Ouddorp Duin. Wave surf lessons are available for beginners and intermediates. The best conditions are northerly swell with a long period. Mick and the instructor team are on location to help you get started safely.