![]() This beach is one of the more known for kitesurfers and also for holidaymakers, as a kitesurfer you will be expected to exercise caution here, especially in busy summer months and bank holidays. Few kitesurfing schools operate here and have designated kitesurfing zones, also, often uses the grass field for the land or beginner lessons with the trainer kites. Located in Southend-on-Sea in Essex, this beach features almost sandy beach with a large grass field, ideal for setting your gear or to have a picnic. It all depends on your preference and abilities. If they like some stronger wind sessions, they would include a 7/6m kite, and for the lighter wind, they would get a 14/15m as an addition. Good examples would be an 80kg kitesurfer with a medium-size board (138-150cm) would have a 12m and an 8/9m kites. Most kitesurfer chooses to opt for the average quiver set. Equipmentĭue to the varied wind conditions throughout the year, you can be using kites from 5m to even 17m, depending on your choice. A pair of sandals may be useful for crossing the gravel car park and small stones (‘shingle’) beach areas in most of the locations around the UK. Boots and gloves are recommended during winter, early spring and late autumn they are not needed at any other time. During peak summer a 3mm wetsuit may be sufficient for some days. ![]() Some tough Englishman may disagree, but a 5mm wetsuit is required for most of the year. Winter kiting is quite popular due to some good winds and sometimes stronger swells bringing great waves around the coast, just in that case make sure you are dressed for the colder water. The kiting season in the UK generally runs from March to November for most riders, and that’s the time when you’ll see the most kiters on the water, making summer months the busiest watersports season. Please read this detailed article to make sure you fully understand this procedure. If you want to be considered an independent kitesurfer, you should be able to rescue yourself in deep water and know how to pack your gear and get yourself to the shore safely. Know how to perform a self-rescue should you need to. Additionally, if you are choosing a location you have never been before, make sure that you have a chat with the local kitesurfers or a school, they will be able to point out any underwater hazards or beach rules.Ħ. That is the main reason why in the UK we have to miss kitesurfing around the high tide in most of the beaches. In the UK it is very common to find steep shingle banks, lineups of groins and staircases almost on every beach. Once you are at the beach, you should be able to notice all the hard hazards that may be in your way for equipment set up and when in the water. On a sunny summers day, you can expect an increase in the wind that may not be suited for beginner kitesurfers or may exceed the capabilities for the gear that you have.ĥ. Don’t forget that sea-breezes and other thermic effects are very common in the UK. Look at a live wind feed/stats (if there is one at the spot) or ask friends at the beach to see if the forecast matches the live feed. And make sure there are no storm or wind direction changes shown in the forecast!Ĥ. In the UK, the best is to take all you have as the wind strength tends to change throughout the day. It will allow making the best desition on which gear you should take. For more details about tides, read this article.ģ. Majority of beaches in the UK are not kiteable 2-3H either side of high tide. ![]() You will be able to see the time gap that’s safest to kite in. It will indicate which beach will be the safest to kitesurf.Ģ. Check the forecast for the wind direction first. No one wants to make the trip to the beach and find out that conditions are not as good, or don’t have the right gear to enjoy the time on the water.Īs a good reminder, you can use this small checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for the independent session:ġ. How to choose the best location for your session?Īs in every location around the globe, preparation for the kitesurfing sessions is essential, and if kiting in the UK, it’s crucial.
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