Water sports on Sylt

Surfing on Sylt

Q: When is the best time to surf on Sylt?

You can surf on Sylt year-round. However, the North Sea has temperatures well below ten degrees Celsius in winter. Spring, summer, and fall are best for surfing, kitesurfing, SUPing, windsurfing, and more.

Q: Where can I surf on Sylt?

Surfing is only possible along the west coast, for example at Brandenburg Beach. There are also surfing areas for windsurfing and kitesurfing in Hörnum and List.

Q: Do I need a wetsuit on Sylt?

You need a wetsuit for surfing on Sylt year-round. Often 4 or 3 mm in summer, 6 mm in winter, and appropriate footwear.

Q: Can I book surfing courses on Sylt?

Definitely! There are many surf schools on the island offering courses for beginners and advanced surfers for various water sports. You can also rent the appropriate equipment there.

Q: Are there special rules for surfing?

Yes, there are surf etiquette and right-of-way rules in the water. You can find these posted on the wall of the Surf Club Sylt e.V. in Westerland. The surf school staff are also familiar with these rules and will gladly explain them to you to ensure your surf session goes smoothly. In summer, it's absolutely essential to remember: surfing in the swimming area is prohibited!

Q: Are there surf shops on Sylt?

Yes, there are surf shops on Sylt: Surf Shop Sylt Südkap Surfing Saltwater Shop Sandbank Sylt

Plenty of wind, waves and water!

Sylt is a paradise for anyone who loves water, wind, and waves. It doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or a pro: The 40-kilometer-long coastline on the west side and additional spots on the east side in List will make your surf trip a special experience. Never been on a board before, but are eager to try? Sylt's surf schools offer you the best opportunities to try surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, wing foiling, or stand-up paddling. Already experienced surfers but don't have any equipment? No problem, you can rent that on site, too. Find out what you need to keep in mind when surfing on Sylt here.

Teenagers with surfboards do dry runs — © Südkap Surfing | Meerlicht Photography

Surfer carrying green board on sunny beach. — © Petro Surf | Johannes Dohl

A sign in the Surfhouse Sylt symbolizing the passion for kitesurfing on the island. — © Peter Bender | Sylt Marketing

Two surfers with blue and white surfboards smile in front of a surf school. — © Peter Bender I Sylt Marketing

Sylt surfers photographed from the air — © South Cape Surfing

Our Sylt surfing tips for you:

Insights and information for you

1. Familiarize yourself with the surfing area: Check tides, groynes, currents and other hazards
2. Hire a surf coach if you're inexperienced. The North Sea has many facets and behaves differently depending on the conditions.
3. Sunscreen: The Sylt sun has a lot of power!
4. Don’t forget your provisions: North Sea air makes you thirsty and hungry
5. Have fun and enjoy time in nature.

Currents & Co.

surfing

So close to the sea

Did you know that Sylt is the Birthplace of German surf culture Here, in the 1950s, the foundations for surfing and all the water sports that followed were laid. Back then, lifeguards made their first attempts at standing on their very heavy wooden rescue boards. Dance on the board has been perfected over the years. It requires not only perfect body control and a good sense of balance, but also patience: With their eyes on the horizon, wetsuit-clad surfers wait for perfect waves. Most of them are locals who use the island's currents and tides anew every year. with love and passion study. Want to try your first surfing attempts on Sylt or improve your skills? There are several surf schools that will be happy to support you with lessons or even rental equipment.

It is good to know that the Surfing conditions on Sylt rarely reach top levels. That's why the surfing islanders are also avid world travelers, always on the lookout for the perfect wave. But a soothing "North Sea slide" or a "portion of minced meat" are a regular occurrence! It's not for nothing that the saying persists: If you learned to surf on Sylt, you can surf anywhere.

There are two Sylt surfing events you should definitely check out: Petro Surf Sylt at Samoa Seahorse & the Longboard Festival at the pier 16

Inselkind Surf School South Cape Surfing Surfhouse Sunset Beach Curly's Surf School

Three people in wetsuits walk along the beach, carrying surfboards under their arms. The sand is partially covered with sea foam, and the calm sea can be seen in the background. — © South Cape Surfing

Young woman surfing in a wetsuit, laughing on a small wave. — © Lars Jockumsen

A woman walks along a dune path with a longboard bag to the beach. — © Jan Blaffert

A surfer surfs a right wave on Sylt's beach — © Jan Blaffert

Windsurfing

Windsurfer with purple sail in the North Sea waves — © Ingo Kutsche

There is a reason why the world's windsurfing elite gather on Sylt year after year and treat the spectators to Windsurfing World Cup, which first took place on Sylt in the 80s, offers spectacular acrobatics and blistering speeds. The surf on Sylt's west beach can be a real challenge, even for world-class surfers. Luckily, the island also has an east side: calmer, more sheltered from the wind, a perfect spot for beginners. And while experienced surfers learn a few tricks from the pros, newbies practice their first steps on the boards with patient and experienced instructors.

Fancy getting on a board? Here's where you can learn to windsurf on Sylt:

South Cape Surfing Sunset Beach Waves and Wind Sylt surfing Camp One

Surf Cups on Sylt

Experience the surfing elite at Brandenburg Beach on Sylt: From the Summer Opening to the Windsurfing World Cup!

From May to October, the island offers spectacular water sports events with exciting supporting programs on the promenade.

to the appointments

Kite surfing

Flying over the North Sea

If you've never been comfortable keeping both feet on the ground while flying a kite, you'll be leaping into the air on Sylt – either for the first time or as a long-time pro: Pulled by a stunt kite, you can kitesurf at speeds of up to 2 km/h in wind force 60. Butterflies in your stomach are guaranteed. Are you still under the weather but really want to try kitesurfing? Königshafen at Lister Ellenbogen is the perfect learning area. We strongly recommend booking a suitable course to get a feel for the kite.

The best international kitesurfers compete in the summer at the Kitesurfing World Cup Exciting competitions with spectacular maneuvers take place off Westerland. You can enjoy them from the beach or the promenade, or recreate them on the water.

Surfhouse Sunset Beach Tailwind Kitesurf Kite school Sylt IKO Kitesurfing Sylt

Even more water sports on Sylt!

Two people sailing on a catamaran — © Sven Erberich

Catamaran sailing

Catamarans use the wind with their sails as a rapid propulsion system. They lack a keel, but instead have two hulls. This makes them fast. Really fast. If you're a spectator at the annual international regattas, "60 miles from Sylt" and "Super Sail Sylt“ If you would actually rather be on the water than on the beach, you can get into this fast-paced sport on Sylt.

South Cape Surfing Waves & Wind

Two stand-up paddlers glide across the North Sea — © South Cape Surfing

Stand Up Paddling

SUPing on Sylt is a fantastic experience – especially when there's no wind and the sea is calm! The upright movement on the board is a full-body workout and offers fun and relaxation for beginners and advanced paddlers alike. Experience the surf from the water's edge and enjoy a whole new view of the beach! You're also very likely to spot a porpoise.

SUP Surf Sylt South Cape Surfing Curly's Surf School SUP Station Kampen

Sylt surfing areas

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Water sports locations on Sylt

Surf shops on Sylt

Even more water sports on Sylt!

Open the details page 'Surf Shop Sylt'
© Finn Anjes Edling
Surf Shop Sylt
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Surfshop
Wilhelmstrasse 5, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
Open the 'South Cape Surfing - Salty Elements' detail page
© Home of Salty Elements
South Cape Surfing - Salty Elements
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Surfshop
Rantumer Straße 11, 25997 Hörnum
Open the 'Saltwater Shop Sylt' detail page
© Saltwater Shop Sylt
Saltwater Shop Sylt
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Surfshop
Friedrichstraße 44, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
Open the 'Surfhouse' detail page
© Surfhouse Sylt
Surfhouse
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surf school
Süderstraße 66, 25980 Sylt/Westerland
Open the 'Island Child' detail page
Lynn Scotti I Sylt Marketing | CC BY SA
Island child
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Surfshop
Stephanstraße 8, 25980 Sylt/Westerland