Rotonde-Spot
Rotonde Spot takes its name from its location near the first roundabout at the entrance to Lelystad when arriving from the southern dike. Thanks to its combination of flat water and open-water waves, it is one of the most versatile foil spots on the Markermeer.
Like nearby Werkhaven, Rotonde Spot features a protected harbour basin where the water can remain extremely flat. Near the harbour entrance, however, excellent waves and rolling swell can develop. This makes the spot suitable for beginners as well as experienced riders looking to practise wingfoil, parawing or downwind foiling.
Spot overview
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Level: Beginners to advanced riders
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Best for: Wingfoil, parawing and downwind foil
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Water conditions: Flat water inside the harbour and waves near the entrance
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Working wind directions: Southwest, west, northwest and north
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Avoid: Northeast through east and southeast to south because of offshore conditions
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Parking: Free parking directly behind the dike
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Water access: Via concrete blocks
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Water shoes: Strongly recommended
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Weed season: No significant weed problems throughout the year
Wind directions
Rotonde Spot works with winds ranging from southwest through west and northwest to north. With these directions, the wind provides suitable and generally safer conditions for launching and returning to the spot.
Winds from northeast through east and southeast to south are too offshore. Under these conditions, it is safer to choose another wingfoil location with a more suitable wind orientation.
Water conditions
One of the main advantages of Rotonde Spot is the variety of conditions available within a relatively small area. The protected harbour basin can offer very flat water, making it an excellent place for beginners, practising manoeuvres and improving wingfoil technique.
Around the harbour entrance, the conditions change considerably. Waves and energetic rolling swell can form here, creating an excellent playground for experienced riders, parawing sessions and downwind foiling.
Launching and water access
Access to the spot is straightforward. You can park for free on the grass directly behind the dike, only a short distance from the water.
To enter the water, you must walk down over the concrete blocks. There are no unusual hazards, but the blocks can be slippery and may have sharp surfaces. Wearing suitable water shoes is strongly recommended to improve grip and reduce the risk of cuts.
Safety and boat traffic
There are no major spot-specific hazards, but boats and larger vessels may enter or leave the harbour. Always keep a safe distance from the navigation channel, remain clearly visible and respect the right of way of all commercial and recreational vessels.
Avoid stopping or riding directly in front of approaching boats. Maintain enough space to prevent becoming a danger to yourself or other water users.
Summer conditions and aquatic plants
Rotonde Spot normally remains free from significant aquatic plant problems throughout the year. During summer, many foilers move to Rotonde Spot and Werkhaven because these are among the most reliable weed-free foil locations in the area.
Who is Rotonde Spot suitable for?
Rotonde Spot is suitable for a wide range of riders. Beginners can benefit from the protected and flat water inside the harbour, while experienced foilers can use the waves around the entrance for more technical and dynamic sessions.
The combination of easy parking, varied water conditions and year-round usability makes it an excellent location for:
- Learning and improving wingfoil technique
- Practising manoeuvres on flat water
- Riding waves and swell near the harbour entrance
- Parawing sessions
- Starting, finishing or training for downwind foil sessions
Location
Rotonde Spot is located near the first roundabout at the entrance to Lelystad when approaching from the southern dike.
View Rotonde Spot on Google Maps
Important reminder
Wind direction, water level, waves and boat traffic can change quickly. Always assess the conditions before launching, use appropriate safety equipment and choose another spot when the wind is offshore or beyond your ability level.
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.
