Update and call to keep kite spot Maasvlakte and Slufter

In this kitesurf blog we share an update from the Dutch Kitesurf Association (NKV). Among other things, the NKV is committed to the interests of kite surfers. In this update specifically on the preservation of the kite spot Maasvlakte and Slufter. In addition to the update on this topic, the NKV asks for footage of kite surfing, wave kiting, foil kiting, wing foiling and other related sports. This can be sent to oostvoorne@kitesurfvereniging.nl.

Update Slufter and Maaslvlakte

De Slufter

The most favorite spot of many kiters, because there are various water conditions here. Sandwiched between the inaccessible nature reserve on the south side and the bathing beach on the north side, stretching from P3 to P1.

Maasvlakte P5-P6

The spot that is known as the undisputed best waves spot in the Netherlands because of the mega beautiful and long stretched waves. This is the place where a number of windmills will come into the high tide line or on the beach.

The NKV is involved in two separate consultations with spot managers and other volunteers. Other participants in these consultations represent the interests of governments, companies, nature, recreationists and residents. Taking into account the various interests, we talk to them about preserving the kite areas. That is complex and complicated.

slufter:

Withdrawal of entire Designation Decree Kitesurfing Maasvlakte 2

Kitesurfing on Maasvlakte 2 is (legally) possible due to the Designation Decree Kitesurfing Maasvlakte 2. In January 2021, the Municipality of Rotterdam took a number of decisions allowing Eneco to realize a wind farm on the Maasvlakte. Because the windmills are placed on the high tide line, kitesurfing is no longer allowed during construction work and after the windmills have been completed from P1 to P6. The municipality subsequently withdrew the entire Designation Decree as of 1 January 2022. So also for Slufter. It is therefore prohibited from 1-1-2022 to kite on the MV2 including Slufter, until a new designation decision is made.

Impact of withdrawal of designation decision

When the MV2 designation decision was withdrawn, it was already established that an amended and renewed designation decision would be made to ensure recreation on MV2. In the new designation decree, separate provisions are included for Slufter and P5-P6 (since there are special circumstances with the wind turbines at P5-P6). However, when drafting a new designation decision, several authorities immediately look at safety, nature and management objectives. In order to obtain a correct and good substantiation, it must be determined what is important for the conservation of nature in the area and launch studies to demonstrate whether and how the nature objectives can be achieved and safeguarded. One of the factors is recreation and the possible disruption/impact that recreation has on the nature objectives. Kiting therefore falls under that recreation.

Where are we and what's next?

A unique consultation has been started for the Slufter in which the Municipality of Rotterdam, RWS, Province, Port Authority, Nature Associations, South Holland Landscape, Rescue Brigade and NKV discuss together what is needed to form a supported designation decision. These consultations are held every two weeks and provide a great deal of insight into each other's interests and because we are getting to know each other better, more and more understanding for each other.

The consultation is very productive with a lot of homework for all parties, such as collecting data such as bird populations, impact kiters / wind direction / wind strength / season on foraging birds and breeding areas, numbers of rescue actions, numbers of violations by recreational users, etc.

At the time of writing this update, we have had 3 consultations and we will continue to plan until a new designation decision is made.

1-1-2022…..

Yes, that date is fast approaching, whether or not a ban on kitesurfing? The discussion for this is still ongoing, so unfortunately we can't report anything definitive yet. It is, however, the case that during the consultation it is clear that consensus must be reached about whether and how it will be possible to allow kiting. It is therefore prominent on the agenda and the answer will be given before 1-1-2022.

Please note that if the decision has been made and that kiting becomes possible from 1-1-2022, this is a temporary solution pending the investigations that will be carried out for the final designation decision and that interim results of the investigations may lead to a ban or restrictions on kiting on the Slufter.

Counts, investigations of soil conditions, why/for what purpose and impact on kitesurfing

In the near future, counts are expected to take place at a.o. to see how many kiters are actually busy on the Slufter, a 0 measurement because it is important that we know what we are talking about. The counts will take place at several moments in order to get a good picture (wind direction / strength and season certainly have a major impact on the Slufter in terms of crowds).

Investigate soil conditions

Studies are underway to determine where the landing site will be for the high-voltage cables coming from the wind farms in front of IJmuiden. The cables will go from the sea to a converter station that will be located on the site of the port authority. It is therefore possible that you will see this work.

At the time of writing, we know that the cables will most likely come ashore on the north side adjacent to the pool, we have joined Tennet and are doing everything we can to keep the cables as far away from the Slufter as possible.

In the unlikely event that the cables run through the Slufter, the area will be temporarily closed due to work, we will inform you immediately if this is the case.

P5-P6: Preservation of wave kiting at P5 to P6?

For P5 and P6, where the windmills will be, only wavekiters may be able to go. To make this possible, we have a separate consultation with Eneco/RWS/gem Rotterdam and we are currently working hard on a safety plan in which all possible risks will be investigated and described as well as possible mitigating measures. This plan will be reviewed by all parties involved (eg RWS / Enforcement / rescue brigade / KNRM et al.).

Call for visual material regarding the preservation of kitespot Maasvlakte and Slufter

A lot of work for which we also need your help, for example, there is a great need for video material in which various kite disciplines are clearly shown, such as:

• Kite surfing
• wave kiting
• Foil kiting
• Wing foiling
• etc.

We use the videos to show the differences between the disciplines to the various consultation partners. Important because most parties are not aware of the differences and visual material makes clear much faster.

You can send image material to oostvoorne@kitesurfvereniging.nl

Keep wave kiting P5-P6

Preparations are currently in full swing for the windmill construction work, with Eneco we are looking into whether it is possible to keep the area open for wave kiting. Whether this is possible depends on whether safety can be guaranteed, of course, and we are still discussing that. As soon as there is clarity, we will inform you about this.

On behalf of the NKV, everyone is wished a lot of fun on the water and beach. In turn, we thank the NKV for all the good work and for representing our interests. Of course we hope to preserve the beautiful and busy kite spot Maasvlakte and Slufter.

In the coming period we will regularly post updates on the progress regarding the preservation of kitespot Maasvlakte and Slufter.