Castricum is a mellow surf spot on the Dutch coast that works well for a relaxed session when the conditions line up. It’s not a world-class wave, but it has its moments—especially for those just starting out or looking to get a few easy rides in without too much hassle.

The waves here break over a sandy bottom, making it a forgiving place to learn or improve. Swell needs to come from the northern half of the compass, with NorthWest being the most reliable direction. Castricum can start working from around 0.3 meters (1 foot) and holds up to about 1.5 meters (4.9 feet), which means it’s rarely too intimidating. Both lefts and rights show up, depending on the banks and the angle of the swell. The beach setup means the wave shapes can change frequently, but there’s usually something to work with when the swell is right.

Wind is a key factor here. You’ll want winds from the ESE to keep things clean, though anything with an easterly component can help. Onshore winds—especially from the west—can quickly ruin it. The tide also plays a big role. It works best around mid-tide, ideally on the push. High tide can still be okay, but low tide tends to expose too much sand and flatten things out.

This spot is beginner- and intermediate-friendly, so you won’t feel out of place if you’re still figuring things out. Just keep an eye on the tides and wind before heading out.

Getting to Castricum is easy. There’s decent access to the beach, and it’s a popular area, so you’ll find parking and basic amenities nearby. Just bring your gear and check the conditions before you go.