Kitesurfing in the UK – The Top 10 Airtime Kite Boarding Spots
Poole Harbour, Dorset
Possibly the most popular spot on the South Coast for beginners. Poole Harbour offers excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing, with shallow water and calm seas. More advanced kitesurfers will enjoy playing in the choppier waters of the outer harbour and sea. Unsurprisingly, Poole has many kiteboarding shops and stores, selling more kitesurfing equipment than you can possibly need, along with a friendly bunch of locals. All of whom will happily join you for an after session beer down the road in Bournemouth.
Weymouth Harbour, Dorset
Conditions in Weymouth are so good for kiting that the site has been named a Centre of Excellence for the 2012 Olympic Games. Flat, calm waters are ideal for beginners to mid level riders, while the experts will revel in achieving the highest possible speeds.. Get down here in October to find out just how fast is possible!
Shoreham, West Sussex
Very possibly the top spot for advanced kiteboarders in the South. Visit Shoreham to see pro riders honing their skills in the tricky conditions. Not a great place for beginners or intermediates, the locals here are very good and expect the same from other users of their spot!
Gwithian Beach, Cornwall
An epic spot, and easily the best in Cornwall. The NW facing beach catches the Atlantic swell nicely and creates a moving playground – Beginners are advised not to go out on really big days! Usually uncrowded, Gwithian is a contender for the best spot in the country.
West Wittering, West Sussex
Kiting at West Wittering is limited to members only. (Guest fees can be paid.) Is it worth it? Well, low tide at West Wittering gives you a mirror like lagoon, perfect for learning or flat water tricks. Mid tide results in conditions completely dependent on the wind. Keep an eye on the forecast and you’ll know whether to expect waves, choppy, or flat water. And high tide is playtime for advance kiteboarders, watch and learn!
Hayling Island, Hampshire
Hayling Island is a great spot for beginners, low tide results in totally flat, waist deep, water for over one kilometer. This is due to the West Winner sand bar, which is usually visible from mid to low tide. High tide is for advanced kiters and riding the south-easterly swell. Don’t miss the Fat Face Night Surf competition held yearly in September.
Hill Head, Hampshire
Hill Head is an excellent spot for first time kitesurfers during low tide. Kite surfing lessons are readily available, the instructor is one of the best in the South. The beach slopes very gently, allowing learners to stay well within their depth for a long way, just don’t forget to wear booties if you’re going to be standing a lot. The sea bed is comprised of very sharp pebbles/shells! High tide can be choppy, with little to no swell but waves and troughs can build up.
Island of Tiree, Hebrides
Home to the Tiree Wave Classic, held here in October, Tiree attracts professional windsurfers from around the globe. So it’s pretty good for kitesurfing too! With at least 9 epic spots, Tiree is somewhat of a mecca for kiteboarders and windsurfers around the world.
Brandon Bay, Co Kerry
Brandon Bay is one of the top kitesurfing spots on the planet, as proved by the choice to host three PWA professional wave sailing events in 2000, 2001 and 2002. You’ll find most of the action happening along The Maharees, a sandy peninsula between Brandon Bay and Tralee Bay. Stay aware of the surf conditions, waves here are among the largest you find in the UK!
Ainsdale Beach, Southport
Sandwiched between Liverpool and Blackpool in Merseyside, Ainsdale has been called the perfect place to learn and practice kite surfing. The beach is constantly named as one of the ten best in the UK, it is wide open and free from obstructions.
Airtime Sports is an authorised dealer for some of the biggest names in the kitesurfing and streetboarding industries.
Not only can you purchase some of the world’s top kitesurfing equipment and streetboarding brands at great prices. Professional staff also run regular demo sessions from the beach just outside the shop and offer regular reviews of the latest kiting and boarding equipment.
