Hart beach

Hart Beach is a beach pavilion and surf centre on the Scheveningen shoreline, a short walk from the harbour on the North Sea coast of The Hague. It has a reputation as one of the longest-running surf schools in the Netherlands, and for many Dutch surfers it was the first place they stood up on a board. Its character has always been informal, sandy and focused on the sea rather than on polish.

The North Sea is not a tropical surf destination, but it offers a surprising amount of rideable water. Wind and swell from the west and northwest send waves onto the long Scheveningen beach, and surfers here wear wetsuits for much of the year. Lessons are aimed at beginners as well as people returning to the sport, and instructors teach the basics on the sand before heading out. Boards and wetsuits can be rented, so there is no need to bring your own equipment. Courses for children and holiday camps are part of the offer, and skateboarding is also taught, which fits the beach-culture atmosphere.

Beyond lessons, the location works as a social hub. A surf shop stocks boards, clothing and accessories, and the beachside restaurant is a place to warm up with a hot drink or a meal after a session. In summer the terrace fills with people watching the waves, and there are occasional beach events and barbecues. In winter the mood changes, as the beach clears out, the sea turns grey and the committed surfers keep going, which gives Scheveningen’s coast an authenticity that the summer crowds can hide.

Hart Beach sits among the other draws of the seafront, including the Kurhaus, SkyView De Pier and the busy boulevard, so it is easy to add to a day in Scheveningen. Those who prefer to stay dry can just walk along the sand, grab a seat and watch the surfers tackle the breakers. It suits active travellers, families with older children, groups of friends and anyone curious about Dutch beach life beyond the cliche of flat farmland. Check the weather and the water conditions before booking, since wind direction and swell make a real difference to the experience, and keep an eye on the beach flags that show swimming conditions.