Southbourne lies between Christchurch and Bournemouth. The windsurfing break lies 1.5 miles east of the infamous Boscombe Pier surf break. It is one of the quieter venues on this stretch of coastline because most will head towards Avon beach for easier access and social sailing. However when there is a bit of a swell and a strong south westerly, Southbourne provides some great conditions, with a surprisingly powerful wave.
- Beach Faces:
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SSW
- Best Wind Direction:
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Westerly
- Best Wind Direction For Waves:
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South Westerly, swinging West.
- Not Good:
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Anything with North in it.
- Tide:
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Not a great tidal range, best conditions are mid tide
- What’s On The Bottom:
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Sand
- Any Hazards:
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Groynes, and a reasonably heavy shore break. There can be a lot of water movement when windy, making the place even more exciting.
- Other Water Users:
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Swimmers, bodyboarders and surfers.
- Suitability / Levels:
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Intermediate in light conditions. Expert in heavier conditions.
- Wipeout Factor:
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It only takes a F5 or above for you to get a really good working. The wave can be dumpy and pretty heavy.
- Instruction:
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None at Southbourne, but there is plenty 8 miles away in Poole Harbour. Even nearer is Spot on Water in Mudeford, Christchurch.
- Kit Hire:
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None at Southbourne, again there is plenty at Poole Harbour, and also from Spot on The Water in nearby Mudeford.
- Friendly Factor:
-
It can be quite isolated, but those out are friendly.
- No Wind Alternatives:
-
It can be quite isolated, but those out are friendly.
Facilities:
| Toilets |
There are Toilets near the Bistro |
|---|---|
| Shower |
There is a shower on the beach front near the Bistro |
| Windsurfing Shop |
Spot on Water in Mudeford |
| Food |
Bistro on the Beach, is on the beach! |
| Parking |
Pricey car park in the summer months |
| Pub |
Bistro on the Beach |
- Accommodation:
- Local Hotshots:
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James Cox, Tim Cox, Clyde Waite, Mark Warren, Matt Wemms, Gregg Dunnett.
- Local Knowledge / Secrets:
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Southbourne is probably the first to pick up swell in the area. SW going W will give surprisingly good frontside wave riding.
- Extra:
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There are two places to park, one is in the car park that leads down to the Bistro. The other is further east and next to a big patch of grass. This does involve climbing over a small fence and walking down the cliff. An aquired technique when windy!
- How To Get There:
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From the East and North, Southbourne is probably best accessed from the M27 via Lyndhurst and Christchurch on the A35. Head into Southbourne, and take the left just before “Chick King”. At the roundabout head left. Look for the car park on your right. For the free parking, keep going until you see a big grassy patch on your right and park in the road.
- Report By:
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Clyde Waite
