Hill Head (Salterns Park)
Kitesurfing beach, windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding beach. With launching and landing area closely situated to the car park. Parking: 100 plus spaces available, in Salterns Free Car Park. Closely located to the grass area to the west of the car park, which is the launching and landing area for all kites. Refreshment: Ice cream van that is available on sunny days. There are also a few convenient stores located around the local area within, a 5 minute drive from the car park. I would still recommend people to bring your own drinks and maybe some snacks in case you are unable to reach the shops. Wetsuit boots are near on essential unless you don’t mind cutting your feet especially if you're a beginner who is going to be standing a lot. There is some sandy areas but few and far between. The grass area at Hill Head is fanatic for rigging and launching/landing your kite. Note that on a southwest wind, Hill Head experiences a good sea breeze on a sunny day, as well as a Venturi affect between Hurst Castle and the IOW bringing stronger winds to this area. Please only experienced local kitesurfer’s enter the water on cross shore conditions as these are always changeable and currents on spring tides in the channel can cause problems. Record updated by: George Dufty (George Dufty Coaching)
Details
Description
Kitesurfing beach, windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding beach. With launching and landing area closely situated to the car park. Parking: 100 plus spaces available, in Salterns Free Car Park. Closely located to the grass area to the west of the car park, which is the launching and landing area for all kites. Refreshment: Ice cream van that is available on sunny days. There are also a few convenient stores located around the local area within, a 5 minute drive from the car park. I would still recommend people to bring your own drinks and maybe some snacks in case you are unable to reach the shops. Wetsuit boots are near on essential unless you don’t mind cutting your feet especially if you're a beginner who is going to be standing a lot. There is some sandy areas but few and far between. The grass area at Hill Head is fanatic for rigging and launching/landing your kite. Note that on a southwest wind, Hill Head experiences a good sea breeze on a sunny day, as well as a Venturi affect between Hurst Castle and the IOW bringing stronger winds to this area. Please only experienced local kitesurfer’s enter the water on cross shore conditions as these are always changeable and currents on spring tides in the channel can cause problems. Record updated by: George Dufty (George Dufty Coaching)
Wind Direction
SE/S/SW/W/NW with SW/W being the best and most predominant
Water Conditions
High Tide = 3.5m+: Choppy, no swell but waves and troughs can build up.
Beach Type
Very sharp pebbles/shells.
Restricted Zones
Restricted zones: * Always launch and land your kite on the green, away from the play park and 20metres west of the manhole cover. * No beginners at high tide. * If kitesurfing to the East, keep an eye on any of the lessons and be curtious and give them priority - as we were all learners once!
Tidal Restrictions
High tide - Not for any rider below comfortable upwind riding as you cannot touch the sea floor at any point so it is unsafe unless you can get your self away from the beach with a 100% upwind water start. There are also groins submerged at the highest of tides. make sure you know where they are.
Activities
Kite Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Wind Surfing
Kayaking
Foil Wing
Water Quality
Kitesurfing beach, windsurfing, sailing, and paddle boarding beach. With launching and landing area closely situated to the car park. Parking: 100 plus spaces available, in Salterns Free Car Park. Closely located to the grass area to the west of the car park, which is the launching and landing area for all kites. Refreshment: Ice cream van that is available on sunny days. There are also a few convenient stores located around the local area within, a 5 minute drive from the car park. I would still recommend people to bring your own drinks and maybe some snacks in case you are unable to reach the shops. Wetsuit boots are near on essential unless you don’t mind cutting your feet especially if you're a beginner who is going to be standing a lot. There is some sandy areas but few and far between. The grass area at Hill Head is fanatic for rigging and launching/landing your kite. Note that on a southwest wind, Hill Head experiences a good sea breeze on a sunny day, as well as a Venturi affect between Hurst Castle and the IOW bringing stronger winds to this area. Please only experienced local kitesurfer’s enter the water on cross shore conditions as these are always changeable and currents on spring tides in the channel can cause problems. Record updated by: George Dufty (George Dufty Coaching)
Activities
Kite Boarding
Paddle Boarding
Wind Surfing
Kayaking
Foil Wing
Details
Description
Wind Direction
SE/S/SW/W/NW with SW/W being the best and most predominant
Water Conditions
High Tide = 3.5m+: Choppy, no swell but waves and troughs can build up.
Beach Type
Very sharp pebbles/shells.
Restricted Zones
Restricted zones: * Always launch and land your kite on the green, away from the play park and 20metres west of the manhole cover. * No beginners at high tide. * If kitesurfing to the East, keep an eye on any of the lessons and be curtious and give them priority - as we were all learners once!
Tidal Restrictions
High tide - Not for any rider below comfortable upwind riding as you cannot touch the sea floor at any point so it is unsafe unless you can get your self away from the beach with a 100% upwind water start. There are also groins submerged at the highest of tides. make sure you know where they are.
Water Quality