Surf: The Wadden Islands are typical low-lying barrier islands with shifting sandbanks along open, unstabilised beaches. Picks up the lions share of any W-N swell, so it is always a few feet bigger, more powerful and windier than the mainland. The lack of jetties means it needs groomed sandbars and offshore winds to be any good. Directions: Terscelling and Texel via ferry from Leeuwarden and Den Helder Environment: Big tides and big currents. Clean by North Sea standards and crowds are non-existent during the surf season. Access to Tershelling and Texel via ferry from Leeuwarden and Den Helder.