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In Denmark you can windsurf, speedsurf and kitesurf until you’re all washed up! The reason is that Denmark is one of the windiest countries in West Europe! You can always find a coast with ideal wind conditions, and you can even switch from coast to coast without having to sit in the car for hours on end. Because nowhere in Denmark will you ever be more than 45 minutes’ drive away from the sea. If you haven’t tried balancing on a windsurfer board before, there are schools ready and willing to teach you how to master the wind and the waves.
Denmark has some 7,300km of coastline, with wind and wave levels that vary a great deal. Within the space of at most 50-100km, and often within 10-20km, you can find all kinds of coastlines: sheltered areas with shallow water for beginners, areas of windy open water for experienced speed windsurfers and areas with waves for wilder spirits. The inland Danish waters are less dangerous than the open sea and are perfect for windsurfing.
Windsurfers must respect nature reserves
A number of attractive windsurfing areas are in nature reserves. Windsurfing is rarely banned, even here, but you must respect the rules or restrictions that apply in the area.
Even though windsurfing does not pollute or cause noise, some animals and birds may get alarmed or distressed if you approach. Especially during the nesting season, but in some places all year round, it has been necessary to regulate or ban windsurfing in fjords, coves or bays that are popular nesting grounds.
Special EU bird reservations
Windsurfing is banned only in EU bird reserves and areas listed in the Ramsar Convention.
When can you windsurf in Denmark? With the right equipment, you can windsurf from April/May to september/October. In autumn, when the frontal systems change quickly, the wind also changes a lot making many forms of windsurfing possible.
According to the weather statistics, in spring and autumn, a typical week will have 3 days of strong wind, 2 of steady wind and 2 days of mild wind.
With the right wind, your windsurf board enables you to move and manoeuvre rapidly, which means that in principle it is you who must give way to all other sailors. Larger craft have more difficulty changing course
than smaller ones and people on yachts can get very annoyed if they feel forced to change course for a windsurfer.
Avoid potential conflicts
Conflicts can also arise between commercial sailors and windsurfers. If you drift or sail out into areas where there is commercial navigation, or if the channel is so narrow that you cannot avoid crossing shipping lanes and you set a collision course for commercial vessels, you are asking for trouble!
So, avoid windsurfing close to boats or ferries and keep a sensible distance away from fishing nets and fishing boats.
When is windsurfing dangerous?
As with any other sport or hobby, while windsurfing, dangerous situations can arise.
According to the Admiral Danish Fleet, the most dangerous situations arise if you venture out in bad weather or the wind is blowing off the coast - or your equipment gets damaged. So, to reduce the number of emergency call-outs, do not take unnecessary risks when windsurfing. Check your equipment, check the weather and wind conditions on site and most importantly: Respect the Danish requirement that you must wear a life jacket.
Remember your flare!
It is a good idea to carry a flare in the pocket of your life jacket. People on shore can see you when your sail is upright, but consider that it will be difficult to spot if it is on the water. You may be glad of your
flare to call for help if your equipment gets damaged or you get worn out.
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