In this kitesurf blog kitesurfing May we hope to give you insight into what to expect as a kitesurfer in May in the Netherlands. We also look back at the tragic surf drama of May 2020 in which the meisop played a decisive role in the nut fate. The wind forecast is not immediately favorable to us at the beginning of May. The first days start quietly with at least somewhat warmer weather.
Kitesurfing season starts in May
The kitesurfing season is about to start now for every kitesurfer. Kitesurfing lessons will also be given again in May on suitable days. It will be much busier on the water on nice days. It is very nice that we can also kitesurf until later in the evening. For example, if conditions are favorable, you can go out on the water in the evening after your working day.
Is it wise to go kitesurfing in May?
However, you still have to pay attention and use your common sense, especially in May. The water temperature is still cold and strong winds can cause a lot of mud to form on the coast. The video below from the archive of May 10, 2020 demonstrates this. I thought it was breathtaking but look at the foam and the current. To be honest, even with 20+ years of experience, I was standing on the water with my buttocks clenched. Read what to pay attention to if you think: Kitesurfing today? Or how to deal with current. Don't be put off, because with the right preparation you will have a great kitesurfing season.
Average temperature in May is rising
The average temperature in May over the past 10 years is 13,3 degrees. In April this was still 10,7 degrees. So you see that the averages now quickly rise to higher temperatures. This, of course, does not say anything about the possible extreme periods in a month.
The average temperature in May is 13,3 degrees.
Average water temperature is rising
Where the average temperature of the sea water was 8 degrees in April, it will rise to 11 degrees in May. We have left the months with the coldest water temperatures behind us. The average temperature of the inland waters is from now on warmer than the sea water.
Many kite surfers start kite surfing again when the water temperature is at least 10 degrees. There is nothing wrong with this and now is the time for them to choose the open sea.
Meisop: don't be surprised
Speaking of soap. I estimate that it is etched in everyone's memory that in 2020 5 surfers have died off the coast of Scheveningen† The logo with the five fishes 'In memory of those we have lost' is still widely shared and has been given a permanent place. Our thoughts still go out to the loved ones of the deceased surfers. They will be missed every day. It is clear that the 'meisop', as the annually returning sea foam in May is also called, played a role in the drama. It has also made finding and rescuing drowning people extremely difficult or impossible. A number of kite surfers also got into trouble and lost their kiteboard due to the meisop. Recognize the danger of the meisop and be wise.
Average wind force in May
In May the wind blows more than 23 knots on average 7% of the time. 7 knots is pretty much the lower limit to be able to kitefoiling en wingfoiling. As a reference we have location for this data Noordwijk aan Zee taken. The chance of wind compared to, for example, January is a lot smaller, but again just a bit higher than in April. Statistically, May is a month in which it does not often blow hard and is even slightly below the summer months in terms of wind.
Correct thickness wetsuit kitesurfing in May
We are still in the coldest months. You notice it clearly on a cloudy, rainy day. You don't even have to be at the seaside for that. It is therefore still time for a 5/4 mm wetsuit. We have advice on the correct wetsuit thickness for you. On nice days you can go on the water without surfing shoes if you like. In addition, you will see fewer kitesurfers with neoprene caps, gloves and windbreakers in May.
Kitesurfing in May ... Neoprene shoes, caps, gloves and windbreakers are still commonly used in this period. At one point in April I left them in the bag myself. But watch out. My sessions don't last for hours and I am not cold. The advice remains to ensure good insulation. That is so comfortable. Also to stop on time in case of fatigue or cooling down. This is so safe.
