Milford on Sea is a little known south coast spot. It lies between Christchurch and Lymington on the edge of Christchurch bay. It provides challenging conditions with reasonable waves that are formed by a sand bank off the shore. Sailing is picturesque with the Isle of White and the famous Needles in the background.
- Beach Faces:
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West/South-west
- Best Wind Direction:
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North-west or South-east
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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Big south-westerly swell with the winds in the west or east.
- Not Good:
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South-west
- Tide:
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Between the sand bar and the beach there is a channel. The current always empties the same way and can be pretty strong. Take a bigger board and fin than you would normally use.
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Sand and some submersed objects that you are warned about.
- Any Hazards:
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Bit of an initial shore dump, then a strong current. Once past this you will find a nice sand bar with long breaking waves. To get to the shingle beach you will have to go down some steep wooden steps.
- Other Water Users:
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Occasional surfers, swimmers.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Advanced only. The current can be very strong.
- Wipeout Factor:
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Not huge as it is quite safe where the sandbar breaks.
- Instruction:
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None
- Kit Hire:
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None
- Friendly Factor:
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The odd local out if the wind is in the right direction.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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The odd local out if the wind is in the right direction.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes & good enough for changing in. |
|---|---|
| Shower |
Yes, on the beach. |
| Windsurfing Shop |
www.spotonwater.co.uk in Mudeford |
| Food |
Nearby town. |
| Parking |
Large pay & display car park |
| Pub |
None nearby. |
- Accommodation:
-
Go to www.christchurchdorset.co.uk Or email [email protected]
Tel. 01202 451700 for the Bournemouth Tourist Board - Local Hotshots:
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Many of the usual crowd who might be found at Avon occasionally stray here including James Cox and Iain Hunter.
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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This is one of the few places on this stretch of coast that provides good sailing in a NW or SE wind. If the swell is still around (and it doesn’t take much to break on the sandbar) then you will get some good, fun frontside wave riding whilst everywhere else is offshore and flat.
- How To Get There:
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From Christchurch head towards Highcliffe and then Lymington. As you leave Highcliffe you will come to a roundabout that directs you either to Lymington or Milford on Sea. Take the Milford turning. The road goes for about 5 miles past a golf course and eventually comes to the outskirts of Milford on Sea. You will find the cliff top car park on your right.
- Report By:
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Clyde Waite
