Borkum? Sure, we know it! But most surfers tend to think of the East Frisian islands as a rough North Sea spot rather than a gentle upwind area. But Borkum, with its lagoon-like bay on the west side, also offers jibing students and freeriders a perfect playground. Directly on the main beach, a sandbank lies protectively in front of the coast and forms a mirror-smooth piste. Even at high tide, this area is usually shallow and offers perfect conditions for rapid progress. There are also numerous opportunities for a successful surfing holiday with the family on the island.
Travelling to Borkum
Borkum is the westernmost and largest of the German East Frisian Islands and lies in the estuary of the River Ems. From Emden or the Dutch Eemshaven, it takes two hours to reach the island, while a fast catamaran can get there in an hour. The island railway runs from the ferry harbour to the village, which is closed to cars anyway. If you are travelling with your own surf equipment, you can hire it directly on the beach at Windsurfing Borkum store. Otherwise, the best way to get around the island is by bike.
Wind & Weather
The statistics confirm that Borkum has between 50 and 60% days with gliding winds, i.e. four Beaufort and upwards. Locals report that there are often 3 to 5 knots more than forecast on the island due to local thermal phenomena. As is the case almost everywhere, in spring and autumn, low pressure systems often blowing through provide westerly winds and offer the best chances of good conditions with pleasant temperatures. As the water in the lagoon is constantly changing with the tide, the water temperatures are barely higher than in the open North Sea. A 4/3 neo is therefore recommended even in summer.
Windsurfing on Borkum - the spots
The main spot on Borkum is the Nordbad directly by the village. The surf school and hire centre provide a good infrastructure, while the old lighthouse provides a stylish backdrop. From the north-east, the large sandbank off the coast nestles around the western corner of the island and forms a shallow bay. Even during heavy autumn storms, the water here remains shallow and waves don't stand a chance. Because there is hardly any wind cover, the spot works in almost any wind direction. Only east-south-east winds are shielded or swirled by the houses on the shore.
The sandbank itself is in constant motion and is constantly changing. The opening to the North Sea has become much smaller in recent years and the tip has lengthened towards the south. But the spot can look completely different again after the next storm. Caution is advised at the groynes that go into the water at the main beach, and it is strictly forbidden to walk on the sandbank. Numerous harbour seals use the shallow sand to rest and must not be disturbed.
For advanced surfers, there are several spots on the north or west coast with typical North Sea wave conditions. Even with little wind, there are always small waves for bump & jump on the open North Sea, and up to three metres when it's really choppy. The north beach then offers good sideshore conditions with westerly winds. The further east you go, the more organised the waves are here; at the Jugendbad, for example, an offshore sandbank keeps the biggest chaos at bay. Even days after a storm, you can get your money's worth with the surfers at Nordstrand.
And in a calm?
Borkum is an ideal family destination: there are plenty of alternative activities for fellow travellers who are not (yet) surfing or when it is calm. In the "Gezeitenland" family pool, the standing wave in the Flowrider offers an almost real surfing feeling. Those who prefer to stay in the fresh air can go beach buggy riding, visit the high ropes park or explore the island on 130 kilometres of cycle paths. Children can let off steam on the trampolines on the beach and are also thrilled by the historic steam locomotive.
