Dimitri Pike – Spuikom “Water Loop” – OST Music
Dimitri Pike – Spuikom “Water Loop” / OST MusicThe Spuikom in Ostend is a massive, artificial brackish water basin covering roughly 80 hectares (over 120 football fields). Located at the southern boundary of the Vuurtorenwijk district and bordering the municipality of Bredene, it is one of the most distinctive geographic features in the Ostend harbor area.
While it failed its original engineering purpose, it has transformed into a vital hub for water sports, ecological preservation, aquaculture, and marine research.
The basin was constructed between 1898 and 1914 as part of a massive modernization effort for the Port of Ostend.
The Silt Problem: The original goal was to create a “scouring basin” (spuikom). At high tide, the basin would fill with seawater. At low tide, the sluice gates would be opened to release a massive torrent of water, flushing accumulated silt and sand out of the harbor channel without the need for manual dredging.
The Disaster: The very first operational experiments in 1912 went horribly wrong. The current generated by the rushing water was far too powerful, causing severe structural damage to the harbor’s quay walls.
Abandonment: During World War I, the infrastructure was heavily damaged and never repaired for its original use. During World War II, it was briefly repurposed by German forces as a temporary landing site for seaplanes.
Present-Day Functions
Water Sports & Recreation
Today, the Spuikom is a paradise for outdoor activities. Its calm, massive surface makes it less windy and rough than the open North Sea.
Sailing & Surfing: It is widely considered a premier spot for dinghy sailing, windsurfing, and diving. Local institutions like Watersport Oostende Spuikom run recognized sailing schools here.
Hiking & Jogging: A flat, 3.7-kilometer (2.3-mile) circular trail runs completely around the basin. It takes about 40–45 minutes to walk and is highly popular for running and dog-walking.
Fishing: Anglers frequently fish along the banks, though a valid permit is required.
Bird Sanctuary & Wildlife
Because the water is brackish-to-saline and situated right next to the coast, it attracts an incredible diversity of birdlife. It is widely recognized as one of the best birdwatching spots on the Belgian coast.
Winter Haven: During the winter months, the northern half is designated a quiet zone where water sports are restricted. It hosts overwintering species like the Common Goldeneye, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Eurasian Coot, and rarer sea ducks (like Eiders and Scoters) that normally stay far out at sea.
Spring Breeding: In the spring, artificial islets in the northwestern zone serve as a major breeding ground for Common Terns.
Other Marine Life: The basin is healthy enough to attract occasional seals, which can sometimes be spotted swimming near the banks at low water.
Oyster Farming (Aquaculture)
The clean, tidal water of the Spuikom is officially designated as “shellfish water”. It houses two designated oyster culture zones. Ostend oysters grown here are highly regarded locally for their flavor profile, benefiting from the unique brackish environment.
Marine Scientific Research
The Spuikom has a legacy of scientific innovation. Early in the 20th century, Professor G. Gilson founded one of the first marine biological laboratories inside the Ostend oyster farm. Today, institutions like the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ) use the basin as an active testing ground for marine measurement equipment and ecological research.
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