Category: News
Alkmaar Sport organises successful first Open Water Alkmaar with record number of participantsWith an overwhelming turnout of both swimmers and spectators, the very first edition of Open Water Alkmaar, organised by Alkmaar Sport in collaboration with swimming clubs OEZA and DAW, has been a huge success. While organisers had initially expected around 500 participants, considerably more sports enthusiasts ultimately appeared at the start in the Hoornsevaart. This instantly makes the event the largest open water swimming event in the Netherlands.
The programme was spectacular: official KNZB competitions, performance swims over various distances and beach water polo demonstrations. Sports Alderman Christiaan Peetoom of the Municipality of Alkmaar gave the starting signal for the official 1000-metre freestyle and later in the day presented a medal to an enthusiastic participant in the recreational 2000-metre swim.
Super proud
Max Delissen, Swimming Ambassador of Alkmaar Sport, looks back with exceptional pride on this first edition: “We had hoped for a good turnout, but this exceeds all our expectations. It is fantastic to see how many people found their way to the Hoornsevaart, both participants and supporters. The collaboration with swimming clubs OEZA and DAW was excellent. We are super happy that there was so much attention for the event: from media to spectators and other interested parties. It shows that Alkmaar is ready to become the prime location for open water swimming.”
Thank you everyone!
The atmospheric match day was enhanced by summer conditions and a sporting atmosphere in which experienced competitive swimmers, recreational swimmers and youthful debutants entered the water side by side. Moreover, the beach water polo proved to be a popular addition and drew large crowds along the water's edge.”
We would like to thank rowing club ARZV as host and of course all the sponsors and volunteers who helped to make this event possible. Without their dedication this would never have succeeded. We are extremely grateful for that,” adds Max Delissen. Alkmaar Sport will soon evaluate with all parties involved to improve the Open Water Alkmaar even further in 2026. The date for the second edition is already known: Sunday 28 June 2026.
On Sunday 29 June 2025, Alkmaar Sport, in collaboration with swimming clubs OEZA and DAW, is organising the first edition of Open Water Alkmaar. This spectacular event takes place from 10:00 in the unique open water of the Hoornsevaart and accommodates both recreational swimmers and official KNZB competitions. Participants swim in an atmospheric setting past the classic windmills and the beautiful landscape. In addition to the swimming events, beach water polo provides an extra sporting addition to the programme. Tickets for the recreational distances and more information are available via www.hoornsevaart.nl/owa.
The largest open water swimming event in the Netherlands
“Open Water Alkmaar is the open water event that brings recreational and competitive swimmers together,” says Max Delissen, swimming ambassador at Alkmaar Sport and the driving force behind the initiative. “Whether you are young or old, just starting out with swimming or have years of experience: anyone with A and B swimming certificates is welcome. We want to get as many people enthusiastic about the sport of swimming as possible. You swim in a beautiful setting, past classic windmills, in good company and with a wonderful atmosphere. It is precisely that unique combination of recreational and competitive swimming that makes this the largest open water swimming event in the Netherlands.”
For recreational athletes of all levels
The recreational distances of 250, 500, 1000 and 2000 metres are accessible to anyone with at least a swimming certificate A and B. The shorter distances (250 and 500 metres) are free of charge, whereas participation in the longer distances (1000 and 2000 metres) costs €15 including chip timing. The recreational distances start from 11:40 and registration is easy via www.hoornsevaart.nl/owa. Besides the recreational events, official KNZB distances for competitive swimmers have been included in the programme. These start at 10:00 and registration is via mijnowz.knzb.nl.
Beach water polo as a side event
“Besides the unique course past the traditional windmills, we also have a spectacular addition to the programme with beach water polo,” said Max Delissen. “It's a dynamic and fun side-event that fits the atmosphere of the day perfectly and is definitely worth watching.”
Everyone is welcome!
Max continues: ”per recreational distance there are about 100 places available, so I advise everyone to sign up quickly. All practical information and tickets can be found at www.hoornsevaart.nl/owa. I look forward to welcoming as many enthusiastic swimmers as possible on 29 June!”
Do you want to work on your fitness, muscle strength and a healthy body, but prefer not to sweat it out in a gym? Then aqua sports might be just what you are looking for! At the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar, you can choose from a wide range of sporty classes in the water. What makes this way of exercising so effective and so fun? Swimming pool Hoornse Vaart lists the benefits for you.
Full-body workout without loading
Water naturally has a resistance that makes your muscles work hard, without placing a heavy strain on your joints. This makes water sports ideal for people who want to train with a lower risk of injury. Whether you Aquajogging, to Aquarobics participates in an intensive Tobaccoyou always train your whole body.
Muscle strengthening and fat burning
The resistance of the water ensures that you exert extra force with every movement. That means: greater calorie burning and better muscle building. Especially in our warmer therapy pools, your body remains both active and relaxed at the same time.
3. Good for your heart and lungs
Water sports are perfect for improving your fitness. Through the combination of cardio and strength training, you work on a stronger cardiovascular system and better breathing. And all of that in a friendly environment.
Sporting with enjoyment
Moving in the water often feels lighter and more fun. You jump, step or dance to music together with others. As a result, you hardly notice that you are working out really hard. The atmosphere is informal, accessible and motivating.
Suitable for everyone
At the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool, there is a suitable class for every level and age. Whether you are recovering from an injury, want to get moving again or push your limits, there is always an aquasport that suits you.
In September 2024, the Swim is Cool programme was offered to primary schools in Alkmaar. Swim is Cool is a programme that ensures pupils in Years 3 to 6 maintain their swimming proficiency. There are 5 programmes for the schools to choose from. The programme started in September 2024 and 580 Alkmaar primary school pupils have now made use of it.
Maintaining swimming proficiency
Children learn to swim at a young age. This is good for being able to quickly look after themselves independently in a water-rich environment. As children grow older, the body develops. It is then important to maintain swimming proficiency. To this end, five different swimming proficiency training courses have been developed. On the menu are the training courses Rescue your friend, The sea, Swimming sport, Athletic Skills Model (ASM) and Recreational swimming. Schools can make their own choice as to what suits their pupils.
Operating since September 2024
From September 2024, twelve primary schools in Alkmaar have taken part in Swim is Cool. Together with the swimming pool, the menu is being further developed so that as many primary schools in Alkmaar as possible can go swimming with their pupils to maintain swimming proficiency. The coming school year will see an evaluation of how many schools and pupils take part in Swim is Cool. Alderman Jasper Nieuwenhuizen:
In our water-rich environment, it is important that children can swim, but also continue to practise this. The range of programmes offered by Swim is Cool provides for this. This year, we are investigating how many schools use the programme and which schools do not use the programme. With these insights, the Swim is Cool offering can then be continuously improved.
Enjoyment in swimming
On 9 April, Alderman Jasper Nieuwenhuizen was welcomed by swimming ambassador Max Delissen at the De Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. Together they visited primary school De Kring, which was taking part in the Athletic Skills Model (ASM) programme provided by Swim is Cool. Walking on water across a mat, water basketball, doing a forward roll into the water, or jumping off the diving board; the children were very enthusiastic. They moved along step by step to take on new challenges. A little further on in the 50-metre pool, a demonstration of 'Save Your Friend' (Red je Vriendje) was given by children who entered the water fully clothed to learn how to rescue their friend. The alderman was also given an explanation of the 'The Sea' (De Zee) programme, where children learn about both the dangers and the enjoyable aspects of the sea. Swimming ambassador Max Delissen:
The most important thing about Swim is Cool is that children enjoy swimming and keep that enjoyment. To experience that fun, all children need to be able to swim. Every year, all schools let us know how many children in years 5 to 8 cannot swim, which still amounts to around 30 per year. We support them in a separate class so that they can also achieve their first certificate.
Dear Sports Advantage Subscription Holder,
Every month we have a fun promotion for our loyal Sport Advantage Subscription holders. In April, we are challenging you to test your swimming speed and thereby earn an exclusive Hoornse Vaart swimming cap.
The challenge
Swim 1,500 metres within 30 minutes in the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool and earn this unique swimming cap.
How do you take part?
✔️ Record your swimming performance (for example, with a sports watch or MyLaps).
✔️ Share your result on social media, follow and tag us.
✔️ Be quick, as there are only 20 swimming caps available!
Follow us on social media:
Are you ready for this challenge? Join in and swim your way to this unique prize!
Yours in sport,
Team Alkmaar Sport N.V.
Don’t have a subscription yet? Get one now!
Aren't you already a proud owner of our Sports Advantage Subscription? Don't wait any longer and enjoy affordable swimming and ice skating, along with monthly surprises that make exercising even more fun. Purchase your subscription today and become part of our sporting community! You can find more information about the Sports Advantage Subscription on our website.
Plenty of activities during the May holiday at Hoornse Vaart swimming poolFrom Saturday 19 April up to and including Monday 5 May, the May half-term holiday is just around the corner. Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is going all out with extra generous opening hours for recreational swimmers, a varied aquafitness programme, free entertainment every day, a 15-metre-long obstacle course in the 50-metre pool every afternoon, and an Experience Center in the Instruction Pool for the little ones. Finally, Hoornse Vaart swimming pool is organising extra swimming lessons and an intensive course for B and C swimming certificates during the holidays. On Easter Sunday (Sunday 20 April) and King's Day (Saturday 26 April) we are closed. On Easter Monday (Monday 21 April) and Liberation Day (Monday 5 May) we are open.
Outdoor pool open, free animation and obstacle course
Children who love climbing, scrambling and sliding are in for a real treat, as the 15-metre-long Water Obstacle Run will be set up in the 50-metre pool every afternoon. For the very little ones, the Experience Center is set up in the Instruction Pool every day. In addition, there is free entertainment every day. Everyone can happily join in with the most fun games in the water every afternoon, where great prizes can be won. The entertainment team guarantees loads of fun! To top it all off, the outdoor pool with its super-fast slide will be open every day from Sunday 27 April.
Lane swimming & aquafitness
During the May holiday, the 50-metre pool is open for lane swimmers who want to maintain their fitness. In addition, an aquafitness programme has been put together.
Extra swimming lessons and crash course
On various days during the May holiday, children can participate in the extra swimming lessons at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool in Alkmaar. On these days, lessons will be offered for various levels. Everyone – also children who do not take swimming lessons at Alkmaar Sport – is very welcome to take part in the extra swimming lessons. More information about the extra swimming lessons can be found via www.hoornsevaart.nl/vakantie-zwemlessen. In addition, swimming pool Hoornse Vaart is organising an accelerated course for the B and C certificates. At swimming pool De Hout, it is possible to get the B certificate within 3 days and the C certificate within 5 days. More information about the accelerated course can be found via www.hoornsevaart.nl/snelcursus.
BronMunicipality of Alkmaar
The Alkmaar municipal council has given final approval to the plan for the realization of the new Hoornse Vaart Sports Complex. In accordance with the wish of the municipal council, the 50-metre pool will have 10 lanes instead of 8. It is expected that the first handover will be in 2029.
What has been decided
The plan for the new swimming area consists of a 50-metre pool with 10 lanes, a 25-metre pool with 6 lanes, a wave pool, a target group pool and a water playground. Also included in the plan are a jacuzzi, a 78-metre-long tube slide, a diving board and an outdoor pool. The swimming pool is equipped with innovative and challenging sports facilities such as the Athletic Skills Model (ASM). The Athletic Skills Model (ASM) is designed to prevent injuries and overuse. ASM emphasises the importance of developing basic skills in sports and play. This leads to better performance, more creativity and enjoyment of movement. The current sports hall will also be replaced and an additional sports hall will be built, which will be used during the day by the European School.
500,000 visitors
The new swimming pool must be suitable for approximately 500,000 visitors annually. The new complex must also meet high sustainability requirements and will be an eye-catcher in the Station-Noord development area. The complex will be built next to the current swimming pool. The current Hoornse Vaart will remain open during construction so that visitors can simply continue to exercise.
The following steps
Now that the municipal council has given final approval, the next step in the tender process can be taken. Meanwhile, 4 parties have been selected to work on the programme. In December 2025, the winning bidder will be selected so that the design can start in 2026, with phased delivery taking place from early 2029.
At Alkmaar Sport we appreciate our loyal Sport Voordeel subscription holders. That is why we are organising on Sunday 30 March an exclusive front crawl clinic, provided by the experienced coaches Esther and Jackie from Personal Swim Coach.
Exclusive front crawl clinic for Sport Advantage Subscription holders
During this clinic, participants will have the opportunity to improve their front crawl technique, move through the water more efficiently and receive personal tips. Whether you are a beginner swimmer or already have more experience, this clinic will help you to refine your stroke and get even more enjoyment out of swimming.
Would you like to take part? Then sign up quickly via our website to secure your place. Be quick, because there are only 25 places available and when they're gone, they're gone. So what are you waiting for? We look forward to experiencing this special swimming experience together with you. See you at the pool!
Practical information
- DateSunday 30 March
- Time12:15 – 13:15
- Locationdeep end of the 50-metre pool
- Participantsmaximum of 25 participants
- Costfree for Sports Advantage Subscription holders
Don’t have a subscription yet? Get one now!
Aren't you already a proud owner of our Sports Advantage Subscription? Don't wait any longer and enjoy affordable swimming and ice skating, along with monthly surprises that make exercising even more fun. Purchase your subscription today and become part of our sporting community! You can find more information about the Sports Advantage Subscription on our website.
Outdoorpark Alkmaar will officially open its gates for a new adventurous season on Wednesday 19 February! During the spring half-term, visitors can enjoy it for €5 from 10:00 to 13:00. enjoy everything the park has to offer. For € 2, you can also go for a swim afterwards at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool from 13:00 to 17:00. Tickets are available via www.outdoorparkalkmaar.nl/opening2025.
Unlimited climbing for £5
For a friendly price tag of just €5, visitors get the chance to enjoy unlimited free climbing in the beautiful park and on the latest obstacles. Let yourself be challenged by our spectacular obstacles and experience the ultimate adrenaline boost. A perfect moment to get a sneak preview of the new season together with friends or family.
Splashtacular finale at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool!
For just €2 extra, you can enjoy a refreshing dip at the adjacent Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. On this day during the spring half-term holiday, the Alkmaar pool will feature a 15-metre-long obstacle course, an Experience Center and free entertainment.
More activities during the half-term holiday at Outdoorpark Alkmaar
During the spring half-term holiday, Outdoorpark Alkmaar is ready on Tuesday 18 and Thursday 20 February to give children aged 8 to 12 an unforgettable time with the Obstacle Fun activities. Supervised by an enthusiastic instructor, the kids will brave challenging land and water obstacles for 1.5 hours. More information can be found via www.outdoorparkalkmaar.nl/voorjaarsvakantie.
At Alkmaar Sport, we believe in rewarding loyalty and creating special moments for our Sport Voordeel Season Ticket Holders. That is why we have another nice surprise in store for our season ticket holders in the month of March.
Free 1,500 metre clinic by Marcel Stroet from the Open Water Swimming Club
On Sunday 2 March, our valued season ticket holders can take part free of charge in an exclusive 1500-metre clinic in the 50-metre pool from 10.30 to 12.00 hours. Marcel Stroet, founder of the Open Water Swimming Club A former international open water swimmer will lead the clinic. Marcel has years of experience in both competitive and performance-oriented swimming. Alongside his own successful swimming career, he coaches several professional and performance-oriented swimmers to achieve their goals.
Would you like to take part? Then sign up quickly via our website to secure your place. Be quick, because there are only 25 places available and when they're gone, they're gone. So what are you waiting for? We look forward to experiencing this special swimming experience together with you. See you at the pool!
Practical information
- DateSunday 2 March 2025
- Time10:30 – 12:00
- Locationlanes 1, 2 and 3 of the 50-metre pool at the Hoornse Vaart swimming pool. Lanes 4 to 8 remain available for lane swimmers.
- Participantsmaximum of 25 participants
- Costfree for Sports Advantage Subscription holders
Don’t have a subscription yet? Get one now!
Aren't you already a proud owner of our Sports Advantage Subscription? Don't wait any longer and enjoy affordable swimming and ice skating, along with monthly surprises that make exercising even more fun. Purchase your subscription today and become part of our sporting community! You can find more information about the Sports Advantage Subscription on our website.
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