The sports beaches at the Rubensplein in Knokke and near the Kardinaal Mercierstraat in Heist welcomed a total of 24,768 sports enthusiasts this summer. This represents an increase of 3,842 visitors, a growth of 18.4%. While the pleasant summer weather played a role, the municipal council's investments in quality support and a varied sports program also contributed to the success.
Experienced sports monitors were available seven days a week in July and August to manage tournaments in beach volleyball, beach tennis, petanque, and penalty cup. They also encouraged beachgoers to try new sports, such as kubb (960 participants), cornhole (650), mölkky (385), and kan jam (247).
Yoga on the beach was the absolute highlight, attracting 1,227 participants, predominantly women. Notably, no yoga sessions had to be canceled due to bad weather this season, which was exceptional.
The sports beaches are clearly on an upward trend. In 2020, they recorded their lowest figure in forty years with 14,205 participants. Since then, despite minor annual fluctuations, the numbers have been climbing. In six years, the number of sporty beach visitors has increased by 74.4%, reaching nearly 25,000 in 2026. The municipal council hopes to match or even break the all-time record of 41,634 sand sports participants set in the year 2000 with further development.
