Chesil Beach, located in Dorset, England, is a renowned destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a unique and captivating landscape. While the beach itself is not suitable for direct kitesurfing due to its dangerous nature, the nearby Portland Harbour provides an exceptional kitesurfing experience for adventurous water sports enthusiasts.
The Allure of Portland Harbour for Kitesurfing
Portland Harbour, situated adjacent to Chesil Beach, is a prime location for kitesurfing. The harbour’s clean winds, sheltered waters, and weak tides create an ideal environment for the sport. The unique 16-mile long Chesil Beach acts as a natural wave break, allowing for flat water conditions within the harbour, making it a popular destination for kitesurfers.
Accessing the Kitesurfing Spots
For those interested in kitesurfing in the area, there is a pay & display car park for Chesil Beach, just a quarter mile up the causeway from Wyke Regis. This car park costs around £5 for 4 hours and provides easy access to the kitesurfing launch sites.
Kitesurfers can launch from either the Billy Winters Carpark or from opposite the Chesil Beach Carpark further down the beach, both of which offer direct access to the flat water of Portland Harbour.
Unique Conditions of Portland Harbour
The unique features of Portland Harbour make it an exceptional kitesurfing destination. The harbour’s clean winds, sheltered waters, and weak tides create an ideal environment for the sport. The 16-mile long Chesil Beach acts as a natural wave break, allowing for flat water conditions within the harbour, which is further enhanced by the harbour’s location.
Clean Winds
The winds in Portland Harbour are consistently clean, providing kitesurfers with reliable and predictable conditions. The harbour’s sheltered location helps to minimize turbulence and ensure a smooth, steady flow of air, making it an excellent choice for kitesurfing.
Sheltered Waters
The harbour’s sheltered waters offer a safe and controlled environment for kitesurfing. The Chesil Beach acts as a natural barrier, protecting the harbour from the open ocean and creating a flat, calm surface for kitesurfers to enjoy.
Weak Tides
The tides in Portland Harbour are relatively weak, which is a significant advantage for kitesurfing. The minimal tidal movement ensures that kitesurfers can focus on their technique and maneuvers without having to constantly adjust to changing water conditions.
Potential Hazards and Safety Considerations
While Portland Harbour offers exceptional kitesurfing conditions, it’s important for kitesurfers to be aware of the potential hazards in the area. One notable hazard is the outgoing current around the Ferrybridge on ebbing tide, which can pose a risk to kitesurfers. Kitesurfers should exercise caution and be mindful of their surroundings to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
The 2012 Olympic Watersport Spot
The suitability of Portland Harbour for water sports is further highlighted by the fact that it was the site of the 2012 Olympic watersport spots. This recognition underscores the exceptional conditions and infrastructure available in the harbour, making it a premier destination for kitesurfing and other water-based activities.
Conclusion
Chesil Beach may not be suitable for direct kitesurfing, but the nearby Portland Harbour offers an exceptional kitesurfing experience. With its clean winds, sheltered waters, and weak tides, Portland Harbour provides the perfect environment for kitesurfers to hone their skills and enjoy the thrill of the sport. By being aware of the potential hazards and exercising caution, kitesurfers can safely and responsibly explore the unique conditions of this remarkable location.
References:
– YouTube Video on Chesil Beach Kitesurfing
– CS Board Sports – Kitesurfing in Portland
– One Ten Kitesurfing – About
– Kiterr.com – Kiteboarding in Dorset, United Kingdom
– SE Kiteforum – Chesil Beach Kitesurfing Spot