Blokarting on Terschelling: My Experience at MooiWeer

What is blokarting on Terschelling?

Blokarting (also known as sand yachting or land sailing) on Terschelling is one of the most fun activities you can do on the island. It's a cross between go-karting and sailing: you sit in a three-wheeled cart with a sail, and the wind does the rest of the work. On the wide beach of Terschelling you can really pick up speed without running into anyone. The concept comes from New Zealand, but Terschelling is basically the only place in the Netherlands where you can do this seriously. MooiWeer in West-Terschelling is the largest provider of blokarting on the island, and that's where I tried it myself.

MooiWeer in West-Terschelling

MooiWeer is located on Sportlaan in West-Terschelling and has been organizing activities on the island for years. Besides blokarting they also do paintball, RIB-boat trips to spot seals, canoe trips across the Wadden Sea, and beach rides in a Land Rover. It's a real family business with a relaxed vibe. The staff is young, enthusiastic, and gives you a short briefing on how a blokart works and what to look out for. For blokarting you head from the office to the beach at West aan Zee, where the blokarts are ready to go. No complicated setup, just quick instructions and off you go.

My experience with blokarting

I went blokarting on a day with strong winds and beautiful weather. According to the instructors that's ideal, and I can confirm that's true. I started in the two-seater with my 9-year-old brother, then did a session solo. It was my first time, so I had no idea what to expect. The briefing was short: how to steer, how to brake, and what to do if the wind gets too strong. After that you just go and figure it out yourself.

With those high winds it went fast. On the stretches with the wind behind me I was hitting around 50 to 60 km/h flying across the beach. With my brother next to me in his own kart it was already great, but the solo ride afterwards was even better. You're way more actively involved than I expected, you have to constantly adjust your steering and trim the sail. So this isn't an activity where you just sit in a kart and the wind does everything. An hour was exactly enough, after that I'd had plenty of wind in my face for one day.

Whats the price of Blokarting on Terschelling

At MooiWeer, blokarting costs around €44 for a one-hour session in a solo kart. The two-seater (for one adult with a child up to 10 years old) is around €55. You're required to arrive 15 minutes early because the briefing and getting your helmet and jacket take a moment. Booking is done online through the MooiWeer website, which I really recommend because on sunny summer days it sells out. In bad weather blokarting can be canceled, in which case you get a refund or can reschedule. With very strong winds they sometimes hand out fewer blokarts, so check the site before you go.

Solo or two-seater?

When booking you choose between a solo blokart or a two-seater. The two-seater is only for an adult with a child up to 10 years old, so for two adults that's not even an option. I tried both and in my opinion solo is way more fun. You decide where you go, how sharp your turns are, and how fast you ride. You don't get that when someone else is steering. The two-seater with my brother was great, he loved sitting next to me. So if you have kids under 10, definitely go for the two-seater. Otherwise just go solo.

Who is blokarting suitable for?

Blokarting is doable for most people. You don't need any prior experience and the briefing beforehand is enough to get going. Still, there are a few things to know. For the solo blokart you need to be at least 14 years old. For the two-seater the adult must be at least 18 and the child between 6 and 10 years old. If you have back or neck problems, blokarting can be tough because you absorb a lot of shocks on the beach. If you're really anxious or get dizzy easily, it might be too much. But for most people it's exactly that raw combination of wind, speed, and sand that makes it so fun.

How do you get there?

MooiWeer is located at Sportlaan 9 in West-Terschelling, a five-minute walk from the ferry terminal. If you come to Terschelling by car, you can easily park at their office. The activity itself takes place on the beach at West aan Zee, about three kilometers from the office. MooiWeer arranges transportation there as part of the booking. So you don't need to figure out where to go yourself, they take you once the group is complete.