Pampushaven
is a sheltered wing foil spot near Almere with conditions very similar to Werkhaven. Close to the dike, the water remains relatively flat and controlled, while more wind swell develops toward the harbour entrance and the open water. This makes Pampushaven a useful spot for learning, practising manoeuvres and enjoying flatter water when the wind direction is suitable.
Important seasonal limitation
From approximately mid-June until the end of September, large amounts of aquatic weed normally grow at Pampushaven. The weed catches on the foil and makes foiling impractical and often impossible. During this period, choose another wing foil spot. The exact beginning and end of the weed season can vary slightly from year to year.
Pampushaven spot overview
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Suitable for: beginner to advanced wing foilers when the water is free of weed
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Best wind directions: south, southwest, west, northwest, north and northeast
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Unsuitable wind directions: east and southeast
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Water conditions: flat water close to the dike, with more wind swell toward the harbour entrance
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Access: via a small track leading down the dike
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Main limitation: dense aquatic weed from approximately mid-June until the end of September
Best wind directions
Pampushaven works with wind from south through southwest, west and northwest to north and northeast. These are the same useful wind directions as at Werkhaven.
East and southeast winds are not recommended at this launch. With these directions, the spot does not offer the same reliable and safe conditions.
Water conditions
The dike shelters the water and keeps it relatively flat close to the launch. This is useful for beginners and for riders who want controlled conditions to practise starts, riding on foil, tacks and jibes.
Farther away from the shelter of the dike and around the harbour entrance, the water becomes more open and wind swell can develop. The transition from flat water to small rolling swell gives more experienced riders the option to practise in livelier conditions without immediately entering completely exposed open water.
Seasonal weed: when can you foil at Pampushaven?
The most important difference when planning a session at Pampushaven is the weed season. From approximately mid-June until the end of September, the water usually contains so much weed that it wraps around the foil mast and wings.
This creates sudden drag, interrupts the ride and can make normal foiling impossible. During this period, it is normally better to choose another wing foil spot.
Pampushaven is therefore mainly a spot for autumn, winter, spring and the first part of June, depending on the conditions that year. If you visit around the beginning or end of the weed season, inspect the water before fully rigging your equipment.
Access, entry and exit
Access is slightly different from Werkhaven. From the top of the dike, a small track leads down toward the water. Carry your board and foil carefully, especially when the ground is wet or slippery.
The entry and exit are comparable to Werkhaven. The sloping launch area can be slippery, even where anti-slip mats are present. Water shoes or protective footwear are recommended.
When returning to shore, slow down early, step off the foil with enough distance and watch the hard blocks and edges around the exit.
Safety at Pampushaven
- Check the wind direction and forecast before launching.
- Keep a safe distance from boats and from the harbour entrance.
- Do not leave equipment where it blocks the launch or access track.
- Approach the exit slowly and step off the foil before reaching the hard shoreline structures.
- Wear water shoes because the access and launch can be slippery.
- Do not continue foiling when dense weed is collecting on the mast or wings, as the sudden drag can cause unexpected falls.
Is Pampushaven suitable for beginners?
Outside the weed season, Pampushaven can be a good spot for beginners because the water close to the dike is relatively flat.
The access and slippery entry still require attention, so first-time riders should take their time when carrying equipment and entering or leaving the water.
More experienced wing foilers can use the flatter section for technical practice and ride toward the harbour entrance when they want more wind swell.
Pampushaven location
Open Pampushaven in Google Maps
Nearby wing foil spots
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Werkhaven – similar flat-water conditions and a useful alternative when Pampushaven is affected by summer weed.
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Rotonde Spot – another nearby option along the Flevoland coast.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wingfoil at Pampushaven in summer?
Usually not from approximately mid-June until the end of September. During this period, dense aquatic weed catches on the foil and often makes foiling impossible.
What are the best wind directions for Pampushaven?
The spot works best with wind from south, southwest, west, northwest, north and northeast. East and southeast winds are not recommended.
Does Pampushaven have flat water?
Yes. The water is relatively flat close to the dike. More wind swell develops toward the harbour entrance and farther into the open water.
Do I need water shoes?
Water shoes are strongly recommended because the access and sloping launch area can be slippery, and there are hard blocks and edges around the exit.
How do you reach the water?
A small track leads down the dike toward the launch. Carry your board and foil carefully, particularly when the ground is wet.
When is the best period to foil at Pampushaven?
The most reliable period is from autumn through spring and during the first part of June. From approximately mid-June until the end of September, aquatic weed usually makes foiling impractical or impossible.
Check the Wind at the Spot
To estimate the wind strength at this spot, compare the wind readings from
Pampus Island, on the southern side of the Markermeer, with
those from Trintelhaven, farther north.
The actual wind at the spot will normally be somewhere between these two
readings. For the most realistic estimate, pay particular attention to the
gust speed rather than relying only on the average wind speed.
By comparing the gusts recorded at Pampus Island and Trintelhaven, you can get
a useful indication of how strong the wind is likely to be at the spot.
Wind conditions can vary locally and change quickly. Use these readings as a
practical indication, and always assess the conditions directly at the spot
before entering the water.
