Camber Sands is a known kitesurfing beaches in the south of England. Wide sands and shallow water suit the sport and so does the wind. Water sports at Camber Sands draw riders from London and beyond who come for a lesson or a long weekend of practice. On a breezy afternoon the sky above the dunes fills with kites.
A few extra layers help whatever the forecast says. Our guide on what to pack for a Camber Sands coastal break covers the full list.
The Kitesurf Centre describes the prevailing wind here as south westerly. That direction is cross onshore so it blows along the beach and slightly towards the shore. Many instructors like it for learners because a drifting rider tends to end up on the sand. The centre also reports usable wind on more than 90 per cent of days in an average summer at Camber and nearby Greatstone.
Two beaches ten minutes apart give the school a back-up plan. When the wind turns north lessons can move to Greatstone. Getting here is simple too. Rye station is four miles from us with trains from London St Pancras in as little as 1 hour 10 minutes.
Everyone starts on dry sand. A first session usually covers kite control and wind direction before you go near the water. The Kitesurf Centre runs beginner courses of one to five days and offers one to one tuition.
Intermediate and advanced riders can book coaching sessions. Kit hire is open to people who have completed a recognised course such as BKSA or IKO or an equivalent. High tide can limit the riding areas so check the tide times before you rig.
The Kitesurf Centre sits on the beach in the Broomhill car park behind the new promenade. It has a shop and a classroom plus changing rooms and free parking. The centre says it is the only school at Camber with a safety boat. The kite centre at Camber Sands is the obvious first call and weekends are worth booking ahead.
Summer is the busiest time on the beach. Local kitesurfing guides say warm weather heats the low marshland behind the dunes and pulls a sea breeze onto the shore. That breeze can lift the wind above the forecast.
Spring and autumn often bring windier spells across the UK coast and fewer people on the water.
Winter riders need a thicker wetsuit and shorter days to plan around so ask the school what it runs out of season. Whatever the month check the forecast and the tide before you go.
Beyond kites the water sports at Camber Sands include paddleboarding and windsurfing. Paddleboarding is the easiest way onto the water without a kite and our beginner’s guide to paddleboarding at Camber Sands explains where to start. The Kitesurf Centre also offers SUP and power kiting and landboarding for days when the sea is not playing along.
After a day of wind and salt water you will want somewhere soft to land. We at The Gallivant are a boutique hotel on the Camber Sands coast with twenty individually designed bedrooms.
Daily yoga runs in our studio or wild on the beach. Many guests tell us a gentle class is a perfect way to loosen up after a session. Dinner at Harry’s is French inspired and changes with the seasons. Have a look at our rooms to choose your base.
Every time you come and stay or eat and drink with us we make a donation to Blood Cancer UK. Since the pandemic they need our support more than ever. It’s a lovely feeling to make people happy.
Click on the Giving Back link to the left to find out more.
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