Monks Hill is another great Solent Water sailing spot between Hill Head and Lee-on-Solent. There is a very good group of sailors there with a friendly atmosphere and everyone helps each other out, has fun on the water and gets out whenever it is windy. It’s an easy place to sail with more of a bump than a wave, good sea breezes and wind funneling effects.
- Beach Faces:
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South
- Best Wind Direction:
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South, South-west, South-east
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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South, South-west, South-east on mid to low tide where you can get some nice ramps to jump off. No real riding waves though.
- Not Good:
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North, North-west
- Tide:
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The tide is best at mid to low, as high tide can be choppy.
- What’s On The Bottom:
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A mixture of stones, sand and even mud in places but mostly stones.
- Any Hazards:
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None really, some groynes to keep away from and some rocks to the left in really low tides.
- Other Water Users:
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There are a few jet skies.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Beginners to advanced. It is calm enough to teach, and good for every level depending on the wind strength.
- Wipeout Factor:
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None really unless it is high tide and a Force 8 when there can be a nasty shore break.
- Instruction:
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None but Andy Biggs can organize some from the shop in Gosport.
- Kit Hire:
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Demo kit available through Andy Biggs windsurfing.
- Friendly Factor:
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Very friendly, lots of locals happy to help and lend a hand to any one.
- No Wind Alternatives:
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Very friendly, lots of locals happy to help and lend a hand to any one.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
Yes, on site. |
|---|---|
| Shower |
Yes, but a cold, outside one. |
| Windsurfing Shop |
Andy Biggs windsurfing 2 minutes away Tel. 02392 582614 |
| Food |
The awesome Shack restaurant on the beach. |
| Parking |
Free all year round and lots of spaces. There are often a lot of sun bathers in summer. All the more to look at if there is no wind. |
| Pub |
Pub close by: Osbourne View. |
- Accommodation:
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Local bed and breakfast on beach side just along from car park at Lee on Solent.
- Local Hotshots:
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Chris Murray, current 2005 Freestyle Champion.
- Extra:
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Always someone down there windsurfing if it is windy so it is very safe and sociable place.
- How To Get There:
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Get on the M27 and take junction 9 from the west, 11 from the east. Head towards Lee-on-Solent or Stubbington. Follow the signposts to Hill Head, go past till you see a sign for The Shack and go in to that car park. You are now at Monks Hill.
- Report By:
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Chris ‘Muzza’ Murray. Chris is sponsored by YES Sails, Chinook and AHD.
