De Strandrups wins 2026 Coastal Initiative of the Year

De Strandrups, an initiative by Outdoor4Disabled, has been named the Kustinitiatief van het jaar 2026 (Coastal Initiative of the Year 2026). The award was presented during the Dutch Coastal Days in Noordwijk on September 23.

The initiative allows people with disabilities to enjoy beach trips along the shoreline in Noordwijk, a concept that organizers suggest could be implemented along the entire Dutch coast. The award was presented by Esther Rommel, a deputy of the province of Noord-Holland and jury chair.

The competition, organized for the first time by KIMO/VNKG (the Association of Dutch Coastal Municipalities), evaluated 22 submissions based on results, innovative approaches, and collaboration. Other finalists included Proeftuin Brouwersbaai, Festival Vloed, and a drone initiative for beach safety.