TAS Downwinder

TAS (Terschelling – Ameland – Schiermonnikoog 65km) Downwinder, September 17th, 2022

The forecast was way too gnarly for a crew of 40 riders to kite across all the Dutch Wadden Islands. With 30–35 knots of wind, rain all day, and 3–4 meter waves, it was a serious challenge with plenty of risk. But let’s be honest — these are the kind of conditions advanced kiters dream of. So we couldn’t resist riding the TAS downwinder last weekend.

We took the 12:00 boat to Terschelling, carrying an 8m² Pivot, a 7m² Core Section, a waveboard, and a twintip. In our waterproof backpack: dry clothes, SafeTRX watch, phone, cash, energy bars, and water. Stepping off the bus at West aan Zee, a howling NNW wind hit us in the face — and in front of us: a giant playground with towering waves and raw conditions.

After pumping up, we launched straight into the first squall. Wind gusting up to 40 knots, rain blasting in our faces, visibility almost zero. Luckily, showers never last long on the islands, and soon the squalls broke up into moments of sunshine and rainbows.

The total distance was around 65 km. With the wind still pretty onshore at Terschelling, we made quick progress and soon reached the tip of the island. That’s when you realize why the TV TAS downwinder is so unique: you pass remote stretches of land — too far from bike and hiking trails, too shallow for boats. Just raw, untouched nature. It feels like another world.

At the end of Terschelling, it was time for our first crossing. Timing wasn’t perfect — another squall rolled in and visibility dropped. Luckily, the Hollum lighthouse is always visible, even in rough weather, giving you a solid mark to aim for. The outgoing tide didn’t bother us much while riding, but if you fall and start drifting or lose your board, you’ll definitely feel the current. Bodydrag skills are a must here. Add to that the insane chop — waves smashing together from all directions like pyramids — and you need full focus, no mistakes allowed. The crossing to Ameland was 4.5 km, taking us about 20 minutes of pure concentration.

Arriving at Ameland felt like paradise. The wind had filled in side-onshore and the waves were pumping. Out back, clean overhead sets, closer to shore flat water so shallow only a twintip works. The perfect mix.

Halfway down Ameland we made a pit stop at beach bar Sjoerd — quick apple pie, no chilling too long, because in a wetsuit you cool down fast. Breaks are never longer than 10–20 minutes on a mission like this.

Back on the water, 25 km still to go. The coastline slowly changes: dunes shrinking into sandbanks, until you’re back in open sea. The Ameland–Schiermonnikoog crossing is the toughest: 11 km, lots of sandbanks, and gnarly chop. Add in the fact you’ve already got 50+ km in your legs — it’s a battle.

But again, the lighthouse in the distance gives you that mental focus. Bite down, keep going, and before you know it, you’re landing on the final Dutch Wadden Island. At Schiermonnikoog, the local kiters welcomed us like heroes at beach bar Paal 3, straight into the warmth of a fireplace with a cold beer in hand.

An unforgettable adventure — and one that left us hungry for more!

Summary TAS Downwinder

• 65 km of kiting (as the crow flies) in 4 hours, including a 20-minute pit stop. By the time we arrived, we were totally spent — the challenging conditions (especially the waves) took it out of us!
• 7 seals spotted, 5 rainbows, 3 waves too big to take on, 0 kite crashes, 1 pit stop, 3 islands. Not bad!
• We rode this downwinder in mega-challenging conditions as a team to gain more experience with the route. The dream scenario? Westerly winds, 18–30 knots, and ideally splitting it over 2 days with an overnight on Terschelling.
• The crossings are doable but exhausting. You need full concentration, and honestly there’s very little margin for error the whole way. If your kite goes down, it’s a serious mission to relaunch before the waves eat it up.
• Visibility is absolutely key — you need to keep your eyes on the islands and your buddies at all times.
• Twintip or waveboard? On a twintip you’ll have way more control in the gnarly inter-island sections. You can ride faster and cut across shallow parts. A waveboard is epic for most sections, but you’ll need to pace your energy. Strapless? We wouldn’t really recommend it. A board leash is essential — you really don’t want to lose your board here.
• If you’re unsure about your level… don’t do it yet. After reading about the conditions we faced, you need to be able to say a firm “YES” that you’re ready. Otherwise, train more and aim for next year. This ride is all about achievement and safety. If you just want fun in perfect conditions, spend a weekend on one of the islands instead!
• Ridden by KiteActive team riders: Felix Maks, Jelle Hak, and Thomas Vidal.