From choppy to real big waves, depending on the wind directions. Most important: for over 500 metres the water is unbelievable shallow, you can't really swim unless you go far far away.

Big sandy beach. This beach is the widest beach in the Netherlands. Never too crowded. If you stay at the entry of the beach, yes everybody is hanging around on a small spot (lazy bones). Just 4 minutes walking and the beach is empty. A lot of shelfs though.

Southwest is the predominant direction. Nice winds with depressions, because there is hardly any stable wind (thermals) in summer. Fall and spring usually provides the best winds, but it can be unpredictable in storms. Winter actually has the most winds. Best wind directions: S, SW, N and NW.

From Amsterdam follow Beverwijk-Ijmuiden (by car). There are over 200 beach houses situated on the IJmuiden beach. The beach is very very wide and empty too, so a lot of privacy. Best spot to stay is to rent a beach house, overlooking the sea or a beach house which is after the 1st row. There are 3 societies of beach houses on the location. 1 society is for people who do not want to have too many rules, life free, dogs cats. The other one is for people with children, a community with social control. the other society of beach houses is at the harbour (no information available). To get there you can take the bus from the centre of Amsterdam (every half hour). The bus takes you in 45 minutes next to the beach (1 minute walking from the bus stop). From Amsterdam Central station, there is also a hoovercraft which takes you there in 20 minutes (about Euro 5). Then take the bus for 2 more stops.

A very professional life guard is overlooking the area, car and tower inspection.