Cornwall'98 Waterside Guide


Windsurfing East Cornwall

Pentewan Sands

Just south of St Austell on the Mevagissey road is this long east facing beach which is popular with beginners and experts alike. There is an excellent camp site directly behind the beach and it has been the successful location for many National and International windsurfing events with the local sailing club here proving very popular and sociable hosts. It is good in many wind directions although anything with west in it is offshore. NE and SSE are good directions for this spot but watch out if there is an easterly or big southerly swell as it can create an unpleasant kit munching shore break. Beware of the winds on the extreme sides of the beach as it can be a little fluky under the cliffs.

Par

This beach is situated between Fowey and St Austell offers good windsurfing in WSW winds at high tide. At low tide it is still sailable but be warned there is quite a long walk over the sandy beach to reach the water. This gentle beach can be a good spot for windsurfers looking nice soft swells to play on.

Looe, Hannafore Point

If you are looking for a spot in east Cornwall, drive round West Looe on Marine Drive to the seafront and park in front of the Coast Guard Station. The ideal time to launch is one and half hours either side of high tide when you get a clean run out to sea from the beach towards Looe Island. At low tide a maze of rocks is uncovered but if you follow the sandy gully down to the uncovered wreck it gives you easy access into clear water. Beware at high spring tide the water comes right up to the sea wall restricting launch. The best wind direction is definitely from the SW but it can also be sailed if the winds is from either the S or W as well.

Millandreath

Another south coast beach offering a wide range of sailing conditions for all levels of ability. Conditions are best at low to mid tide and can be a great spot for heading out into Looe Bay fro a bit of cruising. Beware of other beach users, especially in the height of tourist season as it can be pretty crowded.

Seaton

If the wind is from the E or SE and you are in east Cornwall then check this spot out. The conditions here do vary with the tide and it is best to avoid this venue if the tide is high and there is a swell running. The shore break can be pretty devastating breaking into the sea wall to the left and dumping onto the beach on the right. Up to three quarters high tide you rig up on the grassy area in front of the beach and if the wind is fresh you will be able to get some port tack jumping on the well formed ramps.

 

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