healthy active living

Surfing at South East England beaches

The Kent, Sussex and Isle of Wight coastlines are alive with colour on a windy day for some of the best kitesurfing, windsurfing and surfing to be had in the country. Some of these South Eastern beaches have facilities, hire shops, schools and protected bays for those of you looking to learn and master one of the great water sports. For the more experienced riders amongst you, there are also some of the most epic conditions for an unforgettable time ripping up the waves. You’ve just got to know where to go in South East England… No worries, we’re on to it.

Winner of the best water sports beach in South East England...

Brighstone Beach, Isle of Wight

This western beach on the Isle of Wight has everything; secluded surroundings and space to ride in empty waters; epic landscape with breathtaking scenery; and the best swells that roll on up for wavesailing. This bay is best suited to intermediate to expert kitesurfers and windsurfers and its high level of riding has made it one of the venues used for the annual White Air contest. Despite the long paddle, the bay is fantastic for surfing as well and definitely worth the effort. Aside from the white cliffs, beach and a couple of locals sailing here, you will very often find yourself alone on the best of windy days. It’s the stuff that dreams are made of.

Runners-up for the best water sports beaches in South East England...

Joss Bay, Kent

It is no coincidence that surfers have been flocking to Joss Bay for decades. This beach is the best surf spot in the South East of England and suitable for all levels of surfer. Long, slow waves characterise the water at low tide and shorter, faster rips at high tide. Tuition and rental are both available on the beach so there’s nothing to stop you riding those waves even if you’re a beginner.

West Beach, Hayling Island

On the south coast of Hayling Island, West Beach is the only place to go for windsurfing and kitesurfing. With a long sandy and shingle beach, sand dunes and huge sand banks at low tide, the water is often warmer here as it gradually rises during the day. The West Winner sand bar extends out for about a mile into the Solent and acts as an ideal breakwater, ensuring that the waves are never too big in the summer. In the winter bigger waves and swell arrive in the bay, which provide excellent riding for the more advanced.

Camber Sands, Kent

A huge, shallow sandy beach, Camber is one of the best places for learning to kitesurf and windsurf with a vast expanse of waist-deep water extending out for about a mile into the sea. The consistent on shore breezes also guarantee very few disappointed windsurfers and kitesurfers who rock up excitedly each day of the season.