Petten is a quiet, uncrowded kitesurf spot on the Noord-Holland North Sea coast, north of Alkmaar and south of Den Helder. The beach was recently reinforced with fresh sand to protect the dunes — the result is a beautiful, wide and almost always empty stretch that feels like a well-kept secret. Wave quality here attracts surfers as well as kiters.

Conditions at Petten are tide-dependent: at low tide, exposed sandbanks create standing areas in shallower water, making it accessible to beginners learning in controlled conditions. At high tide the water deepens and waves pick up. There is approx. 150m of shallower water off the sandbank before it drops away. Between the waves, relatively flat water pockets can be found — great for beginners and freestylers alike. Wave riders will find some of the better North Sea swell on this stretch of coast.

South wind is slightly muted here compared to surrounding areas — an advantage in extreme conditions. Like the rest of the Noord-Holland coast, strong currents are broken up by groynes. The village is framed by a beautiful dune landscape with freshwater lakes, though some industrial facilities are also nearby (nuclear plant at Camperduin). VDWS-certified kitesurf school AllYouCanSurf operates from this beach.