We Look Back on a Successful Third Edition of Dutch Water Week

The Dutch Water Week has come to an end! We look back on a successful water sports festival, capped off with a sunny celebration at Almeerderstrand to close the event. This week, we received many enthusiastic reactions from participants and spectators alike. If, after reading this review, you’re thinking, “I want to be there next year too,” mark your calendar for 24 May to 1 June 2025. That’s when the fourth edition of Dutch Water Week will take place.

“I’m from the area and windsurfed here today for the first time in my life.”

The Dutch Water Week venue also hosted the official opening of the beach season in Almere today. Visitors to the “Open Strand Feestje” were able to enjoy water sports clinics and activities from Dutch Water Week at the same time. It was a super fun way for many Almere residents to try stand-up paddling, sailing, rowing, or windsurfing for the first time. Among them were children who had already signed up for the third time to sail and canoe with Optimist on Tour. This combination is definitely worth repeating next year!

“I got tips from a real athlete, that was really cool.”

At many activities, including Optimist on Tour, participants received guidance and tips from the talents and top athletes of Team Allianz, the national squad of the Watersportverbond. Next year, the World Cup will return to Flevoland. The Olympic athletes will have less time to join clinics and workshops but can still be cheered on, and you’ll be able to follow them closely as they take to the water before starting their races.

“There was also a group of pupils on a school trip to Dutch Water Week.”

Last week, we spoke to some supervisors from a school attending Dutch Water Week with their pupils. They had planned this as a school trip! The whole group participated in water sports at Optimist on Tour, and they even organized additional activities on the beach themselves. We thought this was such a wonderful initiative that we had to share it, perhaps to inspire other schools as well. Optimist on Tour also offers opportunities for schools catering to children with disabilities.

“The canoe trip in the Kromslootpark was a great success!”

Accompanied by a nature guide, a canoe trip took place in the Kromslootpark. This year, participation was only possible with your own canoe. There are already plans to explore the possibility of organizing this trip on multiple days next year and providing canoes to make it accessible to everyone.

“The Dutch Water Week Cup is definitely worth repeating”

It might have been the most last-minute addition to the week’s events. In no time, Wouter Wessels and his team organized a classic weekend of racing for windsurfers and wingfoilers at Hookipa Dijk in Lelystad. Serious competition on the water and fun on the shore. All participants were so enthusiastic that we will definitely consider a second edition during Dutch Water Week in 2025.

“I went out on the water myself and sailed with top athletes this week.”

The Watersports Association organized a networking day this week at the Royal Sailing & Rowing Association in Muiden. The program started with a short sailing lesson, followed by a race guided by experienced sailors. For many participants, this was their first introduction to water sports.

It’s also possible for other companies to take their guests out on the water. For example, in the lead-up to the Olympic Games or next year during the Dutch Water Week. A tailor-made program can be requested from the Watersports Federation for this.