Cornwall'98 Waterside Guide

---

Windsurfing the North Coast

Rock

This scenic launch site situated opposite Padstow halfway up the tidal Camel Estuary is a spot ideal for all levels of windsurfing abilities from beginners on long boards to expert short boarders. There is plenty of good parking with easy access to the beach. Be prepared to pay harbour dues to the harbour master (around £2.00). Check out the local tide times as this venue is only enjoyably sailed a maximum of two hours before and after high tide, due to the shallow sandy bottom which dries out save a narrow channel. The ideal wind directions for cross shore sailing are NW and SE. Competent sailors can sometimes be found launching from Rock and sailing down the estuary around Bray Hill to Daymer.

Daymer Bay

Just around the corner from Rock towards Polzeath is arguably one of the best windsurfing spots in the country. This venue is ideal for most short boarding levels of ability offering both flat slalom conditions at low water to great waves. Driving from Rock towards Polzeath on the coast road turn left at Trebetherick just before the old style Red Phone Box and Kite shop and it will take you down to the beach. Windsurfing at Daymer Bay can only easily be accessed through one private car park, which has recently started charging a launch fee per windsurfer on top of the parking fee. This does however provide only a minor distraction as this venue works on many wind directions from S through W & NW & N. Even a strong NE on lower states of the tide can be sailed. Real care should be taken on an Ebbing Tide (out going) as the tidal current is exceptionally strong and many competent sailors have been caught out here.. On an incoming tide many unsuspecting sailors have also been caught out under the imposing Bray Hill at the southern end of the beach but staying a reasonable distance away will lead to many hours of trouble free sailing. For sailors looking for waveriding and jumping SW and NW are the best direction for sailing over to the other side of the bay and playing around Doom Bar. For anyone looking for a slightly more forgiving introduction to wavesailing it is best to play around just off the main beach as any swell will provide a small well-spaced wave from around three quarter tide to high tide. If the coast is totally maxed out and unsailable then this spot is definitely a good bet.

Harlyn Bay

For experienced wave sailors looking for cross shore conditions Harlyn could be one to try out if the wind is from W or possibly WNW. Due to the cliffs on either side the wind tends to be fairly gusty here and watch out for a dumping wave at low tide.

Constantine Bay

Another spot suited to experienced wave sailors in a SW. The best approach to the beach is via the southern route and it is best sailed on a rising tide from low water as there is a severe rip on an outgoing tide. Do not sail or drift too far down wind as this could lead to an inevitable rock climb. It is worthwhile taking time out to have a chat to the life guards concerning the prevailing conditions if they are on duty.

Watergate Bay

This two mile long west facing beach can lay on some good conditions for intermediate or better wavesailors. The best conditions are generally from low to three quarter tide (although can be sailed from 3/4 tide to low) in a SW or WSW wind. With a reasonable ground swell running it can produce quite a heavy wave.

Newquay

Fistral Beach is probably more famous for its surfing, but can provide quite a great spot for intermediate or better short boarders. The quality of the wave here, as at Watergate will depend largely if it has been wind generated (northerly) which tends to lead to a more bumpy and agitated sea state or a ground swell which leads to a much cleaner wave. With a N or NE wind it comes over the headland on the right and can be quite gusty and is best sailed from low to 3/4 tide. A SW wind coupled with a solid ground swell can provide some quite awesome conditions. The wind can be a little fickle on the inside at times but waves of over mast high have been sailed here but only by the expert few. Watch out for a severe rip that has put even the best sailors on the rocks on an incoming tide. It takes you from left to right straight on to the rocks under the imposing Headland Hotel.

Crantock

An easy wave sailing spot in a W wind, but should only be sailed on a rising tide. With an ebbing tide it couples with the river on the beach to take any unsuspecting water user straight out to sea!

Perranporth

For the serious, knowledgeable and experienced Perranporth can be sailed from low to mid tide in S, SW, N and NE. Watch out if the swell is over 4 foot as the rips and undertow can be strong.

Perran Sands

Few wave sailors regularly sail here but those that do have sampled some of the biggest and fastest and heaviest waves on the "North Shore" of Cornwall. For experienced sailors the access to the beach is arduous and can be reached by driving through Perran Sands Holiday Park until you get to the top of the sand dunes. A 10 minute walk carrying all the kit you are going to need is then required to take you down the sand dunes to the waters edge. A government health warning should go with this spot as you will have to walk up it after you have finished and it is hard enough when you have not been sailing and not got the burden of kit as well!!! In a S, SSW or strong N winds the rewards are certainly worth the effort. For obvious reasons this uncrowded spot has been known to lay a perfect cross shore wave sailing at its very best. It is sailable on most states of the tide although winds can be erratic at high tide.

Contents
The Cornwall Gazetteer

© SilverQuick Communications Cornwall
All material is subject to copyright. Please read the copyright notice