South-West.

NW (side shore starboard tack), SE (side shore port tack) then SW (side on) then S (onshore).

NW

N, NE or E

Better on a pushing tide approximately two hours after low water.

Mainly sand with areas of rock.

Very rocky at low tide. Rocks can be seen in certain areas, so you need to be very careful if sailing at low water. We would advise you to wait at least two hours after low water before sailing there.

There are areas of reef which can jack up large waves on a big swell, but these reef areas are quite offshore.

High tide can produce a large and powerful shorebreak, so your launching and landing needs to be confident, otherwise you can get rolled around and have your gear broken.

Fishermen put buoys down in places to mark lobster pots. These sometimes have long ropes trailing off them so they are easy to hit if you are not careful, resulting in an almighty catapult.

The walk down to the beach can be fairly hazardous if it’s windy, as the wind funnels up through the gap between the hills. This can make carrying your kit difficult. You also have to pass through a gate at the car park to access the path down to the beach. Again, this can prove tricky if not competent with carrying kit, and we would advise wearing shoes down to the waters edge as it is very stoney.

There is a slab reef situated at the western end of the bay, just before you go around the corner to Compton, again this gets very shallow at low water so you will need to watch your fin.

Brook attracts a lot of intermediate and advanced kite surfers on windy days, so you need to keep an eye out for lines etc. But it’s all cool with regards to getting along, unlike other mainland locations. The majority of kite surfers are also windsurfers, or have been in the past, so there is very rarely any hassle.

Intermediate to advanced. On the average day, it’s a good place to learn to get into the waves, as normally they are fairly small and it’s mainly bump and jump sailing. On a big swell, after a NW gale, the bay can hold mast high waves so then it is suited to advanced sailors only.

On a big day there is definitely potential for having a long swim if you loose your kit, as the reef is quite offshore and can get up to mast high. Your kit will work its way to the inside and end up towards Chiltern, which is the next break down the coast toward the southern end of the island.

None

None

Always a decent crowd on a good forecast. Can be crowded with kite surfers, as this is a popular location for kiting. As I have said above, there is never any hassle as most of the kiters are windsurfers as well, so we all get along.

Always a decent crowd on a good forecast. Can be crowded with kite surfers, as this is a popular location for kiting. As I have said above, there is never any hassle as most of the kiters are windsurfers as well, so we all get along.

Yes, but not very good. Better to go to Compton which is the next bay round towards Freshwater. You will see a lot of local surfers at Compton on a good swell.

Contact www.islandbreaks.co.uk for all B&B’s, hotels and camping facilities.

Jon Metcalfe and Charlie Connelly, Neal Gent, Scott Gardner and his brothers Ross and Aaran Williams, plus the rest of the Isle of Wight local crew can be seen ripping it up on a good forecast.

On a big swell, Chiltern can hold a much bigger and cleaner wave on the outside reef, which is only suited to competent surfers and windsurfers. Parking here can prove to be difficult, and you need to carry your kit down a cliff face and rig up on the beach. Alternatively, sail down from Brook.

Also, on a big swell you get good surf at Freshwater bay for advanced surfers.

Please note, there is very little cell phone coverage along this coastline. The nearest phone box is in Brook village, which is a two minute walk from the car park.

Brook is located along the military road, which runs along the west side of the island. Get the ferry from Southampton to the Island on Red Funnel Ferrieswww.redfunnel.co.uk. Follow signs to Newport (A3021) and then towards Carisbrooke. Then, pick up the B3401 towards Calbourne/Chessel Pottery, through Brook village to the military road where you will see a sign to Brook car park.

The journey time from the ferry in East Cowes is approximately 40 minutes depending on the traffic.  If travelling from Portsmouth to Fishborne on White link Ferrieswww.whitelink.co.uk, follow signs to Newport, then as above.

Note:  There are various other ways of getting to the Military road, which will take you to Brook, Compton and Freshwater. All can be seen on a good map and are easy to follow.

John Metcalfe & Charlie Connelly from MetcalfeConnelly Watersports Consultants

Email: info@metcalfeconnelly.com, www.metcalfeconnelly.com

Mobile: +44 (0)7812 194213
Fax: +44 (0)870 7454846

Photos by: MetcalfeConnelly and John Carter

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

The main or front beaches face South-east all the way around to North-west facing in the lagoon.

High tide at the front beaches is best in a South-west or a North-east. At low tide you can sail from North-east clockwise through to West at the front beaches.
The lagoon works in the other directions, from South-west clockwise through to North-east (as long as you have water).

This is not a wave spot but a strong South, South-east or South-west will blow up to 3ft of chop.

Low tide with a North West wind. High tide with a South East wind.

Definately an issue! The main beach is sailable at all tides but a long walk out at low tide. The tide can go out very quickly and there is a tidal rip off the tip of the point near the lifeboat station. Tide-against-wind gives the best conditions; for example, the tide ebbing with a South-west wind or on-the- push with a North-east wind.
In the lagoon you can sail from mid to high tide, but better to sail it on the push as it can get very muddy if you leave it too late on an ebbing tide.

Sand with a lot of pebbles and occasional rocks on the front beaches. The lagoon is full of mud, pebbles and rock.

Mainly tide and shipping. However, there are always lots of small craft traffic in the channel that will rescue windsurfers and particularly kitesurfers. There is also a Coast Guard and RNLI base on the spit end and a volunteer beach rescue service in the summer.
Shallow sand bars which are more pebbles then sand.
Boots are recommended as the mud does have a few sharp corners in the shape of bottles and plastics.

Kitesurfers, dinghy sailors, cargo ships, cruise liners and very fast IOW ferries.

First time sailors to top class freestylers. The lagoon is perfect for beginners as when they get blown downwind they will just end up in a muddy corner. Good intermediate teaching at the front beaches.

Only by the 10:30am ferry to Cowes! Don’t fall off in the shipping channels unless your waterstart is bomb proof and don’t try to sail over to Hillhead or the Isle of White.

Yes, at Calshot Activity Centre.

You can demo the latest kit from Solent Sailboardsfor a fee of £20-25. However, if you buy the kit you will get your money back! They will also give any rigging advice plus the odd top tip.

Loads of sailors at all levels and a really good social scene through the Calshot Windsurfing Club.

Loads of sailors at all levels and a really good social scene through the Calshot Windsurfing Club.

If you are member of the Calshot Club then you can camp there. However you will need to have a Police Check (which costs £10 from your local Police Station) as it is a children’s activity centre. But plenty of camping sites in the New Forest which is 5 miles away. Try www.newforest-online.co.uk/nfol-tourist/camping.shtm for camping andwww.newforest-uk.com/ for other accomodation.

The King brothers, the legendary John Clarke, Dan Van der Bosch, Grant and Robin Penner.

A south-west, summer sea breeze will funnel down the Solent. It can be a force stronger than anywhere else kicking in around mid afternoon.
Nice freestyle location up behind the power station but watch out for kiters as a much beloved spot for the bouncy castle flyers.

Local legend John Popkiss imports Naish from a warehouse on the spit. He will also fix any dent or slash in a sail no matter how old the kit is via Solent Sailboards.

On site wind info:www.wendywindblows.com/stations/calshot.html

Take Junction 2 on the M27. Head south on the A326 towards Hythe and Fawley. From Fawley take the B3053 all the way to Calshot and head towards Calshot Spit.

Andy & Steve King

Pics by: Nigel Appleton

South

South-west which is cross-on from the right.

Really strong South-west.

North to North-east is bang offshore with too many buildings affecting the wind.

Not noticeable unless NW or SE. You can sail at any state but mid tide on the push will bring more chop and is better for jumping.

Sand and stones.

There is a sand bar directly opposite the car park which you can catapult into at mid to low tide so watch out! There are groynes but they are not really a problem unless it is a really high tide.

Too many kitesurfers can ruin your day.

Beginner to winner! It’s an ideal freestyle spot with a few ramps and there are lots of blasters (like my Dad).

Zero, it never gets waves!

Andy Biggs windsurfing (Tel.02392 582614) teaches at nearby Stokes Bay in the summer.

None

Yes, always a lot of people down and they are quite chirpy all year round.

Yes, always a lot of people down and they are quite chirpy all year round.

Definitely not.

Kingfisher Park Campsite in Stokes Bay

Paul Hunt, Chris Audsley, Chris Murray, John Brookes, Colin McCulloch, Jamie Hancock and Rich Audsley (in that order!)

If North-west and offshore, then drive west along the coast to a place called Titchfield where it will be cross-shore.
If the prevailing wind is between North-west and South-west with a cold evening then sun in the morning followed by cloud over lunch, then you are in for a evening sail!

Seafarers Sailing Club based on the beach. They race at weekends.

Get on the M27 and take junction 9 from the west, 11 from the east. Head towards Lee on Solent or Stubbington. Follow the sign posts to HillHead.

Chris Audsley.

South

South, South-west, South-east

South, South-west, South-east on mid to low tide where you can get some nice ramps to jump off. No real riding waves though.

North, North-west

The tide is best at mid to low, as high tide can be choppy.

A mixture of stones, sand and even mud in places but mostly stones.

None really, some groynes to keep away from and some rocks to the left in really low tides.

There are a few jet skies.

Beginners to advanced. It is calm enough to teach, and good for every level depending on the wind strength.

None really unless it is high tide and a Force 8 when there can be a nasty shore break.

None but Andy Biggs can organize some from the shop in Gosport.

Demo kit available through Andy Biggs windsurfing.

Very friendly, lots of locals happy to help and lend a hand to any one.

Very friendly, lots of locals happy to help and lend a hand to any one.

Local bed and breakfast on beach side just along from car park at Lee on Solent.

Chris Murray, current 2005 Freestyle Champion.

Always someone down there windsurfing if it is windy so it is very safe and sociable place.

Get on the M27 and take junction 9 from the west, 11 from the east. Head towards Lee-on-Solent or Stubbington. Follow the signposts to Hill Head, go past till you see a sign for The Shack and go in to that car park. You are now at Monks Hill.

Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray. Chris is sponsored by YES Sails, Chinook and AHD.

South

South-west is cross onshore and can be excellent when there is a good swell running. Westerly is crosshore and great for wave riding and jumping. North-west is cross off and on occasions can be awesome.

South-West, West and North-West.

North-East

Low tide is perfect for beginners and intermediates. Neap tides are better for the lagoon than spring tides, as you will get a long walk to the waters edge.  Low tide can also produce some really good waves to the far left of the lagoon.  At mid tide there is a mixture of flattish water and smaller waves.  At high tide there is no shore break at West Wittering due to the shallow shelving beach.

Sand

West Wittering beach has some groynes but there are no obstacles in the water. In an easterly wind, you need to sail before high tide, as once it is on the turn and in the same direction as the wind, it’s game over. See you in Southampton!

Kitesurfers, swimmers and some surfers

Beginners to advanced. The West Wittering Windsurf Club has jet ski rescue cover between April and October.  Lifeguards are also on the beach in the summer holiday period.

Only on exceptional days are you likely to loose your kit in a wipeout. In most directions, you will get pushed along the shoreline and into the beach, or into the harbour mouth at the very worst.  If you break your kit out to sea, you are more than likely to get pushed in half way down the beach, giving you a long walk of shame!

West Wittering Windsurf Club has a full-on tuition programme from six year old kids who want to learn, to specialist private lessons on how to loop. There are three windsurf instructors, a kitesurf instructor and private coaching by the UK’s leading windsurf coach, Jem Hall. Call Andy Murray at the club for more details on 01243 513077.

This is available from the Windsurf Club.  There is a full hire centre including the latest wide style beginners boards, Hot Sails Maui kids rigs, Ezzy sails, JP, Starboard, Fanatic and North.  Also available are wetsuits, surfboards, bodyboards and surf kayaks.  There is also a Flexifoil Powerkite Test Centre at the Windsurf Club.

There is a good social scene based around the Windsurf Club where everyone launches.  Because the beach is private between 1 April and 30 October, anyone windsurfing at West Wittering has to pay a day ticket of £12.50 which gives you the use of the Club, or alternatively join the Club if you are going to become a regular.

There is a good social scene based around the Windsurf Club where everyone launches.  Because the beach is private between 1 April and 30 October, anyone windsurfing at West Wittering has to pay a day ticket of £12.50 which gives you the use of the Club, or alternatively join the Club if you are going to become a regular.

Call 2XS on 01243 512552 for the latest accommodation or look on their website,www.2xs.co.uk. There are camp sites in West Wittering and a number of B&B’s. For accomodation information in the general Chichester area try www.smoothhound.co.uk/chichester-ratings.html

West Wittering gets its fair share of grade A windsurfers and kiters.  Windsurfers include Chris Audsley, Paul Hunt, and Timo Mullen who will travel down if the conditions are good. Also locals Stu Holland, Billy Wheaton, Pete Hart, Jem Hall, Neil Gent, Simon Bassett, Ian Whittaker and Camilla French can be seen out on the water.

To get the best waves, wait an hour after high tide or two hours before high tide, and sail 3 groynes down from the Windsurf Club.

Webcams:  There is a free webcam including tide, windspeed direction and wave height at www.2xs.co.uk . They also have a mobile GPRS link for phones.

2XS Windsurfing Shop also provides a 24 hour telephone weather line which gives up-to-date information on actual wind speed and direction. The Blowline number is  0906 8518628. Calls charged at 60p per minute.

WWWC have organised the Windsurf at Wittering event for the last 7 years in spring and autumn.

West Wittering has been voted the No.1 beach in the UK for many years due to its clean waters and well organised beach site.

Unlike most beaches, West Wittering is private and they charge to park, and you have to pay to windsurf and kitesurf.  West Wittering Estate, who run the site, are owned by around 300 locals who purchased the land 50 years ago to prevent development of a holiday camp on the beach.  The Windsurf Club, which has been there for 20 years, was a response to preventing windsurfers, and now more recently kitesurfers, from being banned from using the beach in the summer months.  Wittering gets more than 1 million visitors a year so there is a need to control the integration of kitesurfers and windsurfers on West Wittering beach.

Coming from London (Wimbledon area) it generally takes 1 hour 15 mins to get down to West Wittering.  Come down the A3 to Portsmouth and take the A27 towards Chichester and Brighton.  Upon reaching the outskirts of Chichester you take the A286, signposted to The Witterings, and then follow signs for West Wittering for approximately 7 miles.  On entering the village you pass by 2XS on your right hand side, and then 500m later you come across a right hand turning for the beach. A mile down this road you will reach the beach.

Simon Bassett

Photos by: 2XS

South

The beach: South-west. This produces the best jumping conditions. Westerly winds provide some excellent wave riding conditions.  If the wind has any East in it, then the sea is usually quite flat, so great for blasting and freestyle.

The lagoon: Wind direction does not matter. The wind will never get stronger than a force 4 due to it being so sheltered. However, if a storm comes through it can get quite gusty.

South-west pushes in the best waves, and makes for great jumping and riding. If it has been windy for a few days and then swings a bit more westerly then you can get get some pretty good riding. Most of the sailing at Hove is starboard tack.

Southerly wind. The waves make it very hard to launch.

Low to mid tide is best for all levels. At high tide the shore dump can be very large and off-putting. The best waves occur when the tide is on the push.

At high tide, stones. At low tide, sand.

An old wooden groyne to the left of the launch area, only exposed on a spring low tide.

A few dinghy sailors in the summer.

The lagoon: Brilliant for beginners. The sheltered conditions allow you to master the technique required to windsurf properly on the sea. Plus you won’t drift off anywhere (accept to the other side of the lagoon!)

The beach: Intermediate to Pro
The summer sea breezes produce flat to choppy water sailing ideal for blasting and freestyle. However when it gets above a Force 5, the waves make for very challenging conditions. Your waterstart needs to be bomb proof, as does your launching technique through the shorebreak.

On a big day, go big or go home!
However we can launch our safety boat in pretty much any conditions, so kit breakages are not normally a problem.
We use a ZAP CAT as our safety boat. This is a South African Surf Rescue boat, with a 50hp on the back. These boats are designed to cope with waves much larger than we see in the United Kingdom, so we can offer safety in most conditions provided the tide is not too high. (Our instructors love doing rescue when it’s windy due to the amount of airtime these boats get.)

Hove Lagoon Watersports: This is an RYA recognised centre, and offers instruction for all levels both on the lagoon and the sea. They offer a Start to Windsurf package for £99. Or have some private tuition over 2 hours for £50. Click here for all instruction packages and costs.
The Club offers a unique Gym style membership. You can become a member of Hove Lagoon from as little as £22.50 per month.
This then entitles you to unlimited equipment hire for as long as you like, whenever you like. We have a very diverse range of equipment ranging from beginner to the latest wave and freestyle kit. Most of our sails are Hot Sails Maui, and most of our boards are Quatro. You also get safety cover for your membership fee, along with free clinics once a week.
Click here for Membership details. Or emailinfo@hovelagoon.co.uk or Tel.  01273 424842.

Kit is available to hire on the Lagoon for £15 per hour to non-members. Contact Hove Lagoon Watersports. Details above.

From spring to summer we have a lot of members who come down whether it is windy or not. On a windy day, at the weekend, expect to see around 25 to 30 sailors out. After sailing, hop into the Club House for a beer and a chat.

From spring to summer we have a lot of members who come down whether it is windy or not. On a windy day, at the weekend, expect to see around 25 to 30 sailors out. After sailing, hop into the Club House for a beer and a chat.

Yes, but usually when there are waves there is wind. The Hot Pipes, 5 mins down the coast, can produce some excellent surfing. Ask in the Club House.

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Robby Swift and Guy Cribb Sail at Hove quite regularly when in the country. Other hot shots include Matt Pearch, Scott Topham, Laird Ross, Adam Humphries and Lucy Robson.

Catch the tide on the push for the best waves. To get some good wave riding, try to catch the tail end of a low pressure, giving West or North-west winds.

Hove Lagoon Watersports will run its regular Ocean Carnival Event between 28-30 May (over May Bank Holiday). This year (2005) will see the following:
UKWA National Racing Championships, UKWA Freewave Series and Hove Lagoon Watersports Windsurf and Dinghy Taster sessions at £5 per person, adults and children.
Also a regional Zap Cat Race event, Extreme BMX and Skateboard displays. Massive Saturday and Sunday night parties including outside bar, four live bands and some quality DJ’s from some of Brighton’s top night clubs. Free to everyone.
For more info email: info@hovelagoon.co.uk

To view an online map to Hove Lagoon & Beach, click on the map at the top of this page.

Route from London
Follow M23 from London until it turns into the A23 and follow it to Brighton Sea Front. Turn right at the pier roundabout and follow the coast road for about 3 miles until you see Hove Lagoon on the left hand side.

Route from the west
Head for Shoreham and follow the A259 coast road until you pass the Ocean Sports surf shop on the right. Turn right at the next set of traffic lights.

Alternative route avoiding Brighton traffic
Take the A27 Brighton bypass and take the exit for Shoreham Harbour. Follow the road until you come to the traffic lights by Sainsbury’s. Turn left and then right at the next lights. Follow the road over the railway down to the coast and turn left. You will be about a few minutes west of us.

Jon Malyon (JB)