Welcome to Dutch Downwind! A hub for information about downwind foiling in The Netherlands
With plenty of windy days a year, The North Sea, The Ijsselmeer and The Markermeer - there are options to do different types of runs for every wind direction
What is downwind foiling?
Downwind foiling is riding (wind) swells on foil from A to B. It doesn't matter how you choose to get on foil (wing, parawing, paddle, prone, foil assist), anyone who can ride a foil can experience the thrill of downwind foiling.
The Netherlands has so many options to downwind foil from bigger and wilder conditions on the North Sea, to easy mellow bumps on the lakes. The conditions here cater for all levels of rider!
Events
In November 2025 we held our first meet-up. A short course with the goal of doing as many laps together as possible and having fun together. We also run leaderboard challenges regularly with prizes on offer!
Learning to downwind
For those wanting to learn to downwind there is a wealth of knowledge out there in the community and a number of downwind foilers in The Netherlands also offer coaching.
First off, have a read of Nieks blog (Dutch) about his journey here and have a look at his handy skills checklist. Niek also does paddle coaching (knows a thing or two about paddling as the 11 cities record holder).
Belgian waterman and Benelux's first downwind SUP foiler. Kjell is an international level SUP racer and offers paddle coaching and downwind foiling coaching sessions in The Netherlands and Belgium.
Jelle is one of the most well rounded foilers in the Netherlands with significant coaching experience. He runs Foil School Nederland and also offers progression camps in destinations that let you really push your progression through Foiling Camps.
Jon's blog also has plenty of posts about learning to downwind, foil topics and also covers his journey into downwind foiling as well as the key skills to master as part of the learning curve. Jon coaches as part of the Coach Casey Club and also offers private coaching.
Follow Dutch Downwind on instagram
Follow Dutch Downwind on instagram and tag us and collaborate with us when you post your downwinding content!