Kitesurfing regulations in Belgium

The VVW and the VYF have worked together, in collaboration with all the clubs on the coast, to establish rules to ensure that kitesurfing can be practised safely in Belgium, while maintaining its appeal to kitesurfers and the general public. After consultation with all the relevant authorities, here is the current legislation on kitesurfing in June 2024: Where can you kitesurf in Belgium?

  • Launching and sailing close to the shore are only permitted in areas marked out specifically for this purpose. These areas are mainly located in front of sailing clubs on the coast and are defined by buoys or other distinctive signs.
  • Once in the water, you can sail anywhere* as long as you stay more than 200m from the water’s edge (the beach).
    • You cannot cross the exit channels of coastal ports.
    • Riders may only ride out to sea a maximum distance of 1/2 nautical mile (800 m) from the beach.

When can you kitesurf in Belgium ?

  • All year round, between sunrise and sunset.
  • Clubs hoist coloured flags to indicate the conditions in which they can be used:
    • Green: kitesurfing authorised with club or rescue service supervision.
    • Red: kitesurfing prohibited at your own risk.
    • No flag: club closed.

What else do you need to do ?

  • Every time you go riding, show up at the club with your qualifications (IKO 3M or Bloso-VTS certificate) and proof of insurance.
  • Wear a yellow or red Lycra.
  • Wear a wetsuit in good condition and keep two automatic hand-held lights in waterproof packaging close at hand (although this condition is unofficially tolerated).

How do I get insurance ?

  • Each rider must have sports insurance or be a member of a recognised federation (VYF, VVW or FFYB).
  • If you are not insured, join a club for a day to take out temporary insurance. In some clubs, it’s free.
  • As an annual member, you will receive a thalys (pennant) to attach to your harness as proof of insurance.

Yellow or Red Lycra ?

  • Wear yellow or red lycra with the Kitesafe logo, available from beach clubs.
  • The red lycra is given if you can’t prove your skills or if you are supervised by a qualified instructor from the club, or if you are qualified but only a temporary member (visitor).
  • The yellow lycra is awarded if you are an annual member of the club, registered and personalised, allowing you access to the different kitesurfing areas without having to become a temporary member in other clubs.