Windsurfing

Windsurfing is limited to a one stretch of the beach along Hayling Bay and is limited in landing locations in the two harbours.

West Beach
This is the only area of the main seafront that windsurfing is permitted and the location of our SurfCam. Windsurfing was 'banned' from the other parts of the beach over ten years ago in order to protect swimmers and windsurfers alike, although care still needs to be taken in the summer months when launching etc., because it can still get crowded during the holiday season with children swimming close to the shore. Saying this though, once past the first twenty - thirty yards, you should be able to sail to your hearts content.

The winds are surprisingly consistent during the summer, with the sea breezes that strike up at midmorning to a force 3 usually. This is an ideal place to windsurf on Hayling where the West Winner sand bar acts as an ideal breakwater, extending almost a mile into the Solent.

During the summer, the waters within the Winner's reaches can get surprisingly warm with the rising tides and a hot day.

In winter, things change a bit, waves and swell are usually present with high winds, creating fun conditions for the more advanced. Care should be taken at high tides as the shore break can be very nasty at times (I have seen many a few rigs get broken by those who thought that they knew what they were doing!).

For more information on West beach see our beach guide.

Langstone & Chichester Harbour
Both these two harbours offer long stretches of smooth water for those not wishing to brave the more trying conditions of the more open waters of Hayling Bay.
Langstone Harbour can be accessed from a small car park just behind the Esso garage on the main drag onto Hayling.
Chichester Harbour can be accessed from Northney Marina and from Black Point if you are a member of the Hayling Island Sailing Club (Private Beach).

Care should be taken in both harbours as they are essentially shallow tidal inlets over what can be very dangerous mud flats that at no point should be walk across. Nestled amongst the mudflats are a few nature reserves that should also be avoided (These are marked on a Hampshire Wildlife Trust notice board at the car park of the Hayling coastal path).

For more information on Langstone & Chichester Harbour shores see our beach guide.

WARNING:

The currents around both the harbour mouths at the Ferry and Sandy Point can be extremely strong on the flood and ebb and therefore should be avoided at all costs.

• the latest weather forecast
• local conditions (tides, sea state, rocks)
• your equipment is seaworthy
• local regulations

Make sure that:

• you inform someone of your whereabouts
• you sail in the company of others
• you sail within your limitations
• are aware of offshore winds and strong tides
• carry distress flares and safety equipment
• you have a good wet suit.