NETHERLANDS SURF TRIPS
The good netherlands surf trips fill weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 9 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
Meet at Hart Beach Quiksilver Surfschool in Scheveningen for a two-hour beginner lesson. A Dutch or English-speaking instructor teaches water safety, board control, wave reading, and takeoff technique in groups of six or fewer. Equipment, changing rooms, lockers, and hot showers are provided.
“fantastic spot and great team making beginner surfing accessible and non intimidating. HIGHLY RECOMMEND.”
Meet at Aloha Surf’s blue building at Scheveningen Beach for a certified English or Dutch-speaking instructor, safety briefing, and hands-on surf lesson. You’ll use provided gear, practice standing and steering, and surf in a group of up to eight or privately with one other person.
“One of the most amazing experiences. Really groundbreaking, made we want to start surf after all. The teacher was lovely and made us feel safe at all times. Highly recommend this activity!”
Start on a quiet canal near Brewery het IJ, learn the basics, then paddle across the Amstel into central Amsterdam. Your English-speaking guide leads a private two-hour route past bridges, canal houses, the Red Light District or de Oude Waal, the Nautical Museum, and a replica 18th-century ship. Photos are included.
Rent a canoe for up to three people or a SUP board from the city-centre kiosk, then explore Middelburg’s canals on your own. You get paddles, a dry barrel, and free child life jackets. Staff provide a brief introduction, but there is no guide.
“* zeer vriendelijke uitbaters ( - vader en zonen geloof ik) * ondanks de drukte ( - zonnige en warme vakantiedag waarop ook het terras helemaal vol zat - ) toch een persoonlijke aanpak * proper en degelijk materiaal * m'n nichtje van zeven jaar kreeg een zwemvest en een kleinere peddel”
Meet Aloha Surf at Scheveningen Beach for a 90-minute lesson with certified instructors. You’ll learn surf safety, practice the basics, and try standing on a board in waves suited to children and adults. Lessons are offered in Dutch, English, German, or Spanish when available.
“Vriendelijk ontvangst, zeer vriendelijke en geduldige jongeman die de kinderen een goede en duidelijke uitleg gaf hoe te handelen.”
Rent a stable SUP board at Stayokay and paddle directly into the Biesbosch creeks. You receive a local explanation, route map, life jacket, and waterproof barrel, then choose your own course. The 1.5-hour rental suits confident swimmers age 12 and older.
“Heerlijke dag op het water. Goede boards. Was wel druk.”
Spend a full day at Aloha Surfschool in Scheveningen with a certified English, Dutch, or German-speaking instructor. You will get a two-hour surf lesson, board and equipment rental, and €15 credit at Aloha Kitchen. A second ocean session lets you practice your new skills independently.
At Aloha Surf in Scheveningen, children spend 90 minutes learning surf safety, board basics, and wave riding with a certified instructor. Group lessons allow up to eight surfers, while private lessons are limited to two. Dutch and English are available, with German subject to availability.
“Sehr netter Surflehrer! Zuerst recht viel theoretischer Input auf Englisch, was meine Kinder nicht alles verstehen konnten. Doch die Zeit im Wasser gefiel ihnen sehr gut! Ein empfehlenswertes Erlebnis für einen tollen Tag am Strand!”
Meet Rondvaart Leiden at Aalmarkt 4, learn the basics, then paddle your own route through Leiden’s canals. You’ll pass historic gates, bridges, windmills, courtyards, and the Academy Building. The two-hour private rental suits confident paddlers and beginners who can swim.
“Paddleboarding on Leiden's canals was a fun and novel experience for me and my friend. The paddleboarding place was friend and accommodating. Perhaps because we were beginners some extra paddle boarding tips for stability would have been useful.”
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