Blokarting on De Panne Beach

Blokarting is a form of land sailing in which a small three-wheeled kart with a mast and sail is driven by the wind across firm, flat sand. De Panne, the westernmost resort on the Belgian coast in West Flanders, sits beside a very wide beach that is exposed at low tide, which makes it one of the more suitable places in the Flemish Region for the sport. Local beach-sailing schools and rental outlets along the Zeedijk offer short introductory lessons as well as kart hire for people who already have some experience. No special fitness is required beyond being able to steer, sit upright for an hour and walk on soft sand; most schools accept children from roughly the age of eight or ten when accompanied, but age and weight limits are set by each school, so they should be confirmed when booking. Participants should bring closed shoes, windproof clothing and sunglasses, because sand blown up by the wind is a nuisance at speed. Helmets and the kart itself are normally supplied by the school. Instructors usually begin with a short briefing on steering, how to spill wind from the sail to brake, and the rules for keeping clear of other karts, walkers and the waterline. Sessions take place on a marked section of beach and are cancelled if the wind is too strong or the tide leaves too little hard sand. Because the sport depends on both wind and the state of the tide, start times shift from day to day and are set by the tide table. The main season runs from April to October, with steady onshore breezes in spring and early summer often giving the best conditions. Days with very light wind, thunderstorms or a high tide covering the beach are best avoided. Typical prices are in the range of EUR 20-40 for a one to two hour session. The wide sands and the dunes of the nearby Westhoek nature reserve make the setting memorable, and the town's promenade offers places to eat afterwards.