Daymer Bay is the jewel in the Cornish crown of windsurfing. It can provide flat water for blasters, speed demons, freestylers AND onshore & offshore wave riding all in one day due to the tidal range. Consequently, it is a very popular spot but because of the variety of flat water and waves there is room for everyone. They are four main areas: the main beach, the flat section in the middle of the estuary, the wave break on the far side and the aplty named ‘doom bar’ furthur out to sea. (At low tide this is almost an extension of Polzeath beach).
Note: You will be charged £3 per board during the summer season to sail here as well as parking fees bringing it to a fiver.
- Beach Faces:
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The main beach faces westerly. The estuary runs north/south.
- Best Wind Direction:
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It can be sailed in anything from south clockwise around to north.
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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North and North-west and a southerly if there is a big swell.
- Not Good:
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Anything with east in it.
- Tide:
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Very much so. The estuary going into Padstow/Rock really runs fast but as a windsurfer you can take advantage of this by sailing wind against tide. This means you stay on a broad reach all day and the wind will be a few knots stronger as well. On a general rule, if it’s a north-west wind then sail on a high tide going out. If it’s southerly, sail with the tide coming in.
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Sand and a bit of rock near the cliffs. Stay 20 metres away from the cliffs however and you’ll be fine.
- Any Hazards:
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The tide & estuary which can be full of motor craft in the summer.
- Other Water Users:
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Kitesurfers but not on early summer mornings (see photo opposite)! Not many swimmers/inflatables due to tide – they all go to Polzeath beach.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Beginners in summer through to advanced wave riders. Can be a good place to learn all about waves.
- Wipeout Factor:
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Not that bad. Daymer Bay is somewhere to ‘hide’ when there is monster swell at Gwithian down the road. However, big tides and a good breeze can see head to logo high waves, mast high on ‘doom bar’.
- Instruction:
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K100 Percent windsurf coaching. Phone 07976 740559.
- Kit Hire:
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None
- Friendly Factor:
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Lots of ladies sail here so any single men wanting to meet the windsurfing woman of their dreams should drop by!
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Lots of ladies sail here so any single men wanting to meet the windsurfing woman of their dreams should drop by!
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, on site. |
|---|---|
| Shower |
No |
| Windsurfing Shop |
Yes, right in the car park selling spares and other bits & bobs. |
| Food |
Yes, at cafe in car park. |
| Parking |
Free in the winter but come the season expect to pay a fiver. |
| Pub |
Go to Polzeath. For posh grub with a view try Coast Cafe. |
- Accommodation:
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Try Cornwall Online.
- Local Hotshots:
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Andy King has recenlty moved to Cornwall so this has become his local spot. Also the Demon Sails guy, Mathew and Dan who used to work for Ultrasport!
- How To Get There:
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If you live outside of Cornwall then you need to get onto the A30 at Exeter and just keep driving until you get to Bodmin where you take the A389 to Wadebridge. From here take the B3314 following all signs to Rock but just before you get into Rock, turn right to Polzeath. Carry on this road for about a mile and look for a turning on your left down a steep hill signposted Daymer Bay. If you get into Polzeath, you’ve gone too far.
- Report By:
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Andy King
- Photo Credits:
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Courtesy of 360photography.co.uk
