Aldeburgh is one of those traditional fishing towns with decent pubs, decent places to eat and some good windsurfing! It’s not a wave spot, but the two sailing areas offer good bump and jump and perfectly flat conditions within 20 metres of each other.
2 launch sites
As you enter the town of Aldeburgh drive right through then across the big dirt track and the shingle spit. Park near the Martello Tower. On the left is the bump & jump beach and on the right is the flat water river.
- Beach Faces:
-
East/North-east
- Best Wind Direction:
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South-west or North-east for the sea, and North and East for the river.
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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It’s a lot to ask for, but a few days of strong south-westerly might produce something.
- Not Good:
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None! Almost all directions are sailable between the two locations.
- Tide:
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The seaside is quite near a river mouth so there is a bit of current but the tide doesn’t go out that far. The river will rip out, but this provides amazing broad reach flat water speed or freestyle sailing if you time your session with wind against tide.
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Mud in the river and sand/shingle on the beach.
- Any Hazards:
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There are quite a lot of moored boats on the river launch, but not too much of a problem. The sea can have a fairly gnarly shore break.
- Other Water Users:
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Fishermen and sailors from Aldeburgh Yacht Club.
- Suitability / Levels:
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All levels; you can learn and advance on the river so long as you sail no more than a couple of hours either side of high tide. Advanced sailors will enjoy the variation of the river and the sea.
- Wipeout Factor:
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Low on the river, and not much more on the sea.
- Instruction:
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None
- Kit Hire:
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None
- Friendly Factor:
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Not that many sail here. You can have the place to yourself.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Not that many sail here. You can have the place to yourself.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
No |
|---|---|
| Shower |
No |
| Windsurfing Shop |
No, but a chandlery in Aldeburgh. |
| Food |
Some amazing restaurants. In season there is a snack bar near the beach. |
| Parking |
By the shore & all free. |
| Pub |
Plenty in town serving finest Suffolk Ale & Punch. |
- Accommodation:
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Aldeburgh website has a list of B&B’s + campsites.
- Local Hotshots:
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There is definitely an opening here!
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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If the tide is going out on the river, then head towards the river mouth by the water’s edge and you will be broad reaching for ages in perfect mirror flat water. Also nearby Thorpness and Walberswick can get some decent waves occasionally.
- How To Get There:
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Join the A12 and take it past Ipswich towards Lowestoft. Near Saxmundam you will see Aldeburgh signposted on your right.
- Report By:
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Clyde Waite
