Whitstable is a great location for flat water. At low tide it is shallow without having too much of a walk. Anyone wanting to learn the sport, practice freestyle or just blast, will find the conditions ideal. There is a good windsurf/kitesurf shop (Whitstable Windsurfing) to the east of town run by Mark, and should be the first stop for advice on kit or sailing conditions. Most windsurfers will use the beach off Tankerton slopes, just to the east of the shop.
- Beach Faces:
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North
- Best Wind Direction:
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West, North or North-east
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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North-east
- Not Good:
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Southerly
- Tide:
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Low to mid tide is best. High tide is normally a lumpy mess.
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Mud/sand.
- Any Hazards:
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The harbour entrance which is a working port and has strong currents. Also a shallow spit to the east called the ‘Street’ which shows at low tide. At high tide watch out for groynes.
- Other Water Users:
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Kitesurfers, yacht and dinghy sailors.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Beginners to Intermediate. Ideal for Freestyle
- Wipeout Factor:
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Flat water and no shore dump, so low risk.
- Instruction:
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Wild Times next to the yacht club teaches beginners and the NEW RYA Fast Forward scheme.
Website: Wild Times
Phone: Ian Wild on 01227 282800
Email: [email protected] - Kit Hire:
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Yes, with lessons from Wild Times.
- Friendly Factor:
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Very friendly, loads of blasters here who are always good for a bit of friendly banter on the beach.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Very friendly, loads of blasters here who are always good for a bit of friendly banter on the beach.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, Public ones near Tankerton slopes |
|---|---|
| Shower |
No |
| Windsurfing Shop | |
| Food |
‘Waterfront’ or Beach cafe for fry up’s |
| Parking |
Pay in the summer. Free parking along the top of Tankerton slopes. |
| Pub |
‘Waterfront’ or the Duke of Cumberland in town. |
- Accommodation:
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Stay in style at the Hotel Continentalotherwise loads of B+B’s
Click here for Whitstable accommodation - Local Hotshots:
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Pip Pardoe, 2004 Youth Freestyle Champion. Chris Calthrop, Maui Pro sailor but originally from here.
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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Kitesurfers use the beach behind the windsurf shop so best avoided. Most windsurfers go off Tankerton slopes which is half a mile to the east of the town.
- Extra:
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For nightlife head to Canterbury 6 miles away.
Whitstable Yacht Club is a great club that caters for all sailing and windsurfing. It also has a very good social scene. - How To Get There:
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From North take the M25, J2 onto the A2 which becomes M2 to Dover/Canterbury. :- ‘1’
From South M25, take J5 onto M26. Take J3 to M20. Then J7 onto A249. At J5 turn onto M2 Dover. :-‘1’
‘1‘….. At J7 take A299 to Margate. Approx 6 miles take left slip road into Whitstable. At roundabout take first exit downhill. Go through town untill you reach a castle on the left. Take left road and this will bring you out onto Tankerton slopes overlooking the sea. Follow until road veeres sharply right. Take left turn and park where you can.
- Report By:
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Paul Humphrey
