South

SW,W

South westerly winds bring the best swell and they are reasonably spaced out. Even at high tide there can be good jumping and some fat waves to ride. As the tide approaches high, the waves tend to round off a bit and lose their peak.

N/NW but then you are better off going down the road to Kimmeridge or Milford on the way to Lymington.

Incoming tide is best, pushing the waves up.

Sand and pebbles.

A strong shorebreak and try to stay clear of any rocky breakwater encounters.

The odd kitesurfer and sometimes surfers if the wind is offshore.

Advanced intermediate and above if the swell is pumping.If it is flat then every level.

Pretty high, lose your rig in the wrong place on a big swell and you could be in for a swim. Nothing to worry about if no swell.

None

None

Always a few regulars out but never heaving.

Always a few regulars out but never heaving.

In the right conditions, yes. However, it can be quite a chunky unsheltered wave. Boscombe pier down the road might be a better bet.

Go to www.christchurchdorset.co.uk Or email info@bournemouth.co.uk Tel.01202 451700 for the Bournemouth Tourist Board.

Andy King, James Cox, Matt Wemms and the Spot On Water crew.

This spot is much more open to swell than Avon Beach and usually quieter. (Not now though!)
It is not always a wave spot. Like anywhere it has flat days but the car park fee is less than other places on this stretch of coastline.

Highcliffe is also host to Christchurch Boardsailing Club which offers the usual comforts of a club house and a good social scene. Give Simon Bell a call for further details on 07717570975, alternatively email:info@christchurchboardsailingclub.com. The club also has a reasonable website: www.christchurchboardsailingclub.com.

Tides: For information on tide times, visit the following link:tide times.

If you are coming from the East or the North then you will need to get to the M27 around Southampton and continue west. Turn off at Junction 1 onto the A337 to Lyndhurst. Once you reach Lyndhurst then take the A35 all the way to Christchurch. At the double roundabout take a left onto the A337 at the second roundabout. This will take you to Highcliffe town. Take the second signpost to the sea and park overlooking the beach. It is best to walk your kit down in a bundle and rig up at the foot of the cliff.

Clyde Waite.

West/South-west

North-west or South-east

Big south-westerly swell with the winds in the west or east.

South-west

Between the sand bar and the beach there is a channel. The current always empties the same way and can be pretty strong. Take a bigger board and fin than you would normally use.

Sand and some submersed objects that you are warned about.

Bit of an initial shore dump, then a strong current. Once past this you will find a nice sand bar with long breaking waves. To get to the shingle beach you will have to go down some steep wooden steps.

Occasional surfers, swimmers.

Advanced only. The current can be very strong.

Not huge as it is quite safe where the sandbar breaks.

None

None

The odd local out if the wind is in the right direction.

The odd local out if the wind is in the right direction.

Go to www.christchurchdorset.co.uk Or email info@bournemouth.co.uk
Tel. 01202 451700 for the Bournemouth Tourist Board

Many of the usual crowd who might be found at Avon occasionally stray here including James Cox and Iain Hunter.

This is one of the few places on this stretch of coast that provides good sailing in a NW or SE wind. If the swell is still around (and it doesn’t take much to break on the sandbar) then you will get some good, fun frontside wave riding whilst everywhere else is offshore and flat.

From Christchurch head towards Highcliffe and then Lymington. As you leave Highcliffe you will come to a roundabout that directs you either to Lymington or Milford on Sea. Take the Milford turning. The road goes for about 5 miles past a golf course and eventually comes to the outskirts of Milford on Sea. You will find the cliff top car park on your right.

Clyde Waite

South-east.

South-west, South. East/North-east is definitely sailable although it is mainly choppy windsurfing unless it’s a good Force 5 wind which can then throw up enough waves to jump off.

South westerly winds bring the best swell. Depending on how deep the generating low pressure is this can be anything from just good jumping to fun wave-riding.

North/North-west, but in this direction if you will settle for freestyle you can go sailing in Christchurch harbour (providing there is water).

Incoming tide is best, pushing the waves up and nearer high tide because of the shallow shelving nature of the beach.

Sand and pebbles.

The sea floor is quite shallow around this area and so for the unwary windsurfer sailing at low tide you should watch out for a number of sand bars with fin snapping potential.

The odd kitesurfer. Plus quite a lot of pleasure craft move in and out of Chistchurch harbour through the channel. This is clearly marked with red and green buoys.

Beginner to Advanced.

Minimal, it never gets heavy here except a shore break sometimes at high tide.

YES Ian Hunter is a very well respected instructor in the area, for more information visitwww.southcoastwindsurfing.com or call 07734467220. PlusOcean Sports also does tuition. Look for a branded Transporter or ask Mark at Spot On Water.

None

Quite a chilled place, never gets that busy except for the summer sea breeze days.

Quite a chilled place, never gets that busy except for the summer sea breeze days.

Er, only for the longboard enthusiast.

Go to www.christchurchdorset.co.uk Or email info@bournemouth.co.uk Tel.01202 451700 for the Bournemouth Tourist Board.

Andy King, James Cox, Matt Wemms and the Spot On Water crew.

Christchurch Sailing Club, which resides at Steamer Point just downwind of Avon beach. For further details phone Simon Bell on 07717570975, alternatively email:info@christchurchboardsailingclub.com. The club also has a reasonable website: www.christchurchboardsailingclub.com.

Avon Beach held the first Super X event in the UK in July 2005 organised by Spot on Water.

Tides: For information on tide times, visit the following link:tide times. If you decide to sail Christchurch harbour make sure you check the tides!!

If you are coming from the East or the North then you will need to get to the M27 around Southampton and continue west. Turn off at Junction 1 onto the A337 to Lyndhurst. Once you reach Lyndhurst then take the A35 all the way to Christchurch. At the double roundabout take a left onto the A337 at the second roundabout. Take the 3rd exit on the next and follow this road until it turns 90 degrees to your right at which point turn left. If you pass Spot-on-Water you’ve gone to far!

James Cox.

SSW

Westerly

South Westerly, swinging West.

Anything with North in it.

Not a great tidal range, best conditions are mid tide

Sand

Groynes, and a reasonably heavy shore break. There can be a lot of water movement when windy, making the place even more exciting.

Swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers.

Intermediate in light conditions. Expert in heavier conditions.

It only takes a F5 or above for you to get a really good working. The wave can be dumpy and pretty heavy.

None at Southbourne, but there is plenty 8 miles away in Poole Harbour. Even nearer is Spot on Water in Mudeford, Christchurch.

None at Southbourne, again there is plenty at Poole Harbour, and also from Spot on The Water in nearby Mudeford.

It can be quite isolated, but those out are friendly.

It can be quite isolated, but those out are friendly.

Southbourne Hotels
Camping and Holiday Parks

James Cox, Tim Cox, Clyde Waite, Mark Warren, Matt Wemms, Gregg Dunnett.

Southbourne is probably the first to pick up swell in the area. SW going W will give surprisingly good frontside wave riding.

There are two places to park, one is in the car park that leads down to the Bistro. The other is further east and next to a big patch of grass. This does involve climbing over a small fence and walking down the cliff. An aquired technique when windy!

From the East and North, Southbourne is probably best accessed from the M27 via Lyndhurst and Christchurch on the A35. Head into Southbourne, and take the left just before “Chick King”. At the roundabout head left. Look for the car park on your right. For the free parking, keep going until you see a big grassy patch on your right and park in the road.

Clyde Waite

South

South-west or West

Strong South-west winds turning West to produce side shore conditions.

Southerly

Not much tidal movement due to the new sand laid on by the Council! Best on flooding low tide for waves.

Sand

Sailing close to the pier is not advisable.

Surfers, bodyboarders, canoeists, swimmers in the summer.

Advanced when windy because there is a rip.

Not particularly high; what you would associate with a south coast spot. There is a bit of a shorebreak though.

Nearest is from the various shops at Poole Harbour around the corner. See Sandbanks beach guide

As above

Not many people sail here even when it’s good. You will argue more with surfers!

Not many people sail here even when it’s good. You will argue more with surfers!

It’s a popular coastal resort so there is plenty of accommodation.

Mark Warren, James Cox, Chris Audsley, Matt Wemms, Gregg Dunnett and many others.

If the swell is not quite right for waves at Boscombe then drive 2 miles west to Southbourne which picks up more swell. However, it will be more onshore if the wind is South-west.

Take the M27, then A31, then A338 from Southampton to Bournemouth if coming from the North or East. If coming from the West take the A35, then A3049 towards Bournemouth. When nearing Bournemouth there are many signs to Boscombe. Follow these signs then the ones to Boscombe Pier which will direct you to the spot. Sailing is generally to the right of the pier.

Clyde Waite

South

Easterly is cross-shore port tack. South-west is cross-on starboard tack and brings good, fun chop and swell. It also gets good South-west sea breezes. East/North-east can be classic!

Easterly with the wind against a flooding tide gives good jumping amongst the standing waves. In a south-west, look out to the right where there will be a few waves on the sand bar at low tide.

South is too onshore, North-west is too offshore.

It is possible to sail at all states of the tide and there is not much difference in conditions. Watch out for the groynes at low tide.

Sand

The groynes are brutal if you get caught on them and there are boats and yachts in the channel close to the shore.

Kitesurfers upwind and a few jet skiers & boats using the channel.

Beginners are better off in Poole Harbour. The Sandbanks is a good place to progress from flat water onto the sea so ideal for intermediates. Once you have sussed your waterstart, it’s time for the sea.

There is a fairly strong rip which can take you onto a groyne if you break anything.

YES. From all the shops in the area. (See details below)

YES. The local shops have excellent wave kit to go on the sea. (See details below)

There is a good atmosphere around the Sandbanks and although the ‘sea’ side doesn’t get so busy, as most windsurf in the harbour, there is still plenty of people around for a chat and a mingle.

There is a good atmosphere around the Sandbanks and although the ‘sea’ side doesn’t get so busy, as most windsurf in the harbour, there is still plenty of people around for a chat and a mingle.

No

Try these:
Welcome to Poole website
A1 Tourism Website 
The Haven Hotel, Sandbanks, Poole. Tel: 01202 707333

Timo Mullen, all the guys from H20, the Waterboard, FC and Poole Harbour Boardsailing too. Best not forget Fraz – Boardseeker Magazine’s desperate windsurfer.

East/North-east is as good at the Sandbanks as anywhere else along that coast.

Every September the Poole Windfest hosts demo days, UKWA competition and a couple of big parties making it one of the busiest events on the calendar. This year (2005) will see the Freestyle Nationals, the first ever UK Super X event and National Slalom Racing.

From London or the east, take the M3 then M27 towards Bournemouth. The M27 turns into the A31.
After Ringwood take the A338 for Bournemouth. Go over two roundabouts and at the third, at the end of the dual carriageway called County Gates Gyratory, take the second exit down ‘The Avenue’ to Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks. Follow the signs to Sandbanks taking you past Poole Harbour. Parking is on the left.

John Skye

South-west

North-west & South-east are cross-shore and provide good jumping and wave riding. West is good for jumping, North is good for cross-off wave riding.

You want a big South-west storm then for the low to pass over and swing West/North-west. This will give the cleanest and biggest waves on the reef.

East & North-east are straight offshore. South-west is onshore and there are better places in this direction like Avon Beach, Poole or Pagham.

The beach can be sailed at all times but the reef is best at mid to high tide on the push.

Rock

Lots of rocks. Be careful on launch and landing especially at mid to low tide. Best to jump off carefully and walk in.

The rock ledges are very slippery and care must be taken in bare feet.

Kimmeridge beach is surrounded by big cliffs on each side. Access is limited at high tide, certainly no room for the ambulance!

Don’t sail in front of the firing range if the red flags are up. The range is off the cliff tops to your right looking out to sea.
Finally, watch out for the conger eels on the rock ledges, they like the taste of windsurfers’ toes!

This is a popular surfing beach so when it’s good waves with light winds, expect them to get in your way. Plenty of tourists on the beach in the summer.

Intermediate wave sailors to experts.
To the east of the bay is the Ledges, (rocky scars coming out of the cliff) and they give the best wave riding for intermediates upwards. Sail upwind half a mile to the west, and you reach Broad Bench, a right hand point break. This is for experts only and bullet dodgers. The MOD fire from the cliff tops, if the red flag is flying, don’t even think about it.
Or you can sail the middle reef. This is not as shallow as the ledges with just rolling swell that you can backloop off.
This is NOT a beginners beach: tricky launch, cobbles, rocks and gusty winds on the inside – forget it!

Shallow, rocky and waves equals kit breakage in a good wipeout on the Ledges. However you will then get washed over the ledge where the waves break much softer. Break something at The Bench and it’s a long swim in across the bay. If you’re studid enough to go out on a big, onshore day then expect plenty of white water, which you can’t outrun, then a good hammering on the reef with no escape from under the cliffs. Best avoided!

No

No

On a windy, wavy day you can get up to 30 people out, which is as many as you want as it’s not a big place. You usually get 5 people sailing The Bench, and 10 to 15 sailing the Ledges with the rest in the middle. It never gets as busy as other south coast beaches as it is quite an isolated spot.

On a windy, wavy day you can get up to 30 people out, which is as many as you want as it’s not a big place. You usually get 5 people sailing The Bench, and 10 to 15 sailing the Ledges with the rest in the middle. It never gets as busy as other south coast beaches as it is quite an isolated spot.

Lots of accomodation around Swanage and Wareham.
Try:
www.swanage.gov.uk/accommodation/list.asp?type=camping

www.virtual-swanage.co.uk/accommodation/default.aspx

Or stay at the Swanage Youth Hostel.

The King brothers, Timo Mullen, Ed and Henio from K-Bay.

Chapman’s Pool is a secret left-hand reef break with long rides which works in a East or South-east. It is surfable at low tide. A good spot if Kimmeridge is busy.

A lot of photo shoots are done here for the UK magazines as the cliffs give a good vantage point for photos together with clear water and a spectacular backdrop.

Go to Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve website for more pictures of the beach including what you’re sailing over (if you want to know!)

Head to Wareham. Take the A351 south towards Swanage, turning off just before Corfe Castle, signposted to Church Knowle. Then follow signs to Kimmeridge. The final road to the beach is via a toll road. Note: there are many different ways to get to this beach along narrow, windy roads. Some routes are closed when the firing ranges are open.

Andy & Steve King

Southerly.

South-east for waves South-west for general sailing.

A South or South-west swell to build up the waves. Then a South-west wind gives good port tack riding and starboard jumping.

North-east.

Low to mid-tide is best. At high tide the waves often break hard on the shingle bank and the waves don’t kick up as much.

Sand and a thin line of rocks if you find yourself coming in further down the beach.

Apart from when Dan Ellis is on the water, no.

The occasional kitesurfer or surfer.

Mainly advanced, most learners stick to Weymouth harbour. All levels can find this beach challenging depending on the size of swell and the strength of wind. However saying all of that, in the summer, with light onshore winds, the beach is good for complete beginners.

You’d be unlucky to break kit here; the waves are never that fierce and the shore dump is pretty easy going.

Yes, this is run by Windtek who teach in Portland harbour where you get flat water and a consistent wind over Chesil beach.

No

On any windy day, however cold, you’ll get around twenty guys out – very friendly and social.

On any windy day, however cold, you’ll get around twenty guys out – very friendly and social.

Lots of B&Bs as you head towards the town centre, all visible from the main road. Phone ahead and book with the Weymouth Tourist Centre:       01305 785747.

Nick Dempsey, Dan Ellis, Bryony Shaw, Lucy Horwood, Kevin Greenslade, Callum Edge to mention a few.

If its more south-east you can sail from the bandstand closer to the town as the wind can be cleaner here.

Come into Weymouth on the A354, head towards town centre. When you reach the seafront head east towards Overcombe. Second Wind is visible from the road, pull in and park in public parking in front of the shop.

Greg King

North-east

South-west is bang offshore, flat and glassy and this is most sailed, but you can sail it in all directions.

No waves here.

North

Sailable at any state, but low tide is a walk out but then it will get deep.

Sand

None

Some kitersurfers

All levels, but this is a speed sailor or freestyle sailor’s dream

Down to the sailor, it is generally flat and very smooth.

Yes, from the Sailing Academy by Windtek, phone 01305 787900.

Yes, everything. All at the Academy down the road.

A lot of weekend warriors who travel from all over. The number of true locals is limited. A lot of people come here to train for Formula Racing.

A lot of weekend warriors who travel from all over. The number of true locals is limited. A lot of people come here to train for Formula Racing.

No comment. There are a few secret spots near Overcombe and Ringstead.

There is plenty of accomodation in and around Weymouth and Portland Bill. Click Here

Callum Edge, Nick Dempsey, Kev Greenslade and Simon Cofield.

The girls are easy (!)

Weymouth Speed Week in the Autumn and UKWA & SWA events occur regularly in the harbour.

Once in Weymouth, follow signs to Portland Bill. Once on the “spit” road you will find Chesil beach on your left and Portland Harbour on the right. The Ferry Bridge Boat Yard is half way down and on the left.

Callum Edge