Kitesurfing in the UK can be a frustrating experience!
As a small island you’re pretty much guaranteed there will be wind somewhere within reach of you on any given day. Finding the time to get there at the right time, on the right tide before the wind dies can be more challenging!
That said the UK does have some truly world class kiting.
All the major pro tours (including the windsurf tours) used to stop here, until too many of the pro’s complained about the cold and cried off! The UK has produced Aaron Hadlow and several other kitesurfing superstars who all considered a UK beach their home spot during their years of training.
The range of conditions and the often spectacular backdrops are amongst the finest I’ve ever ridden.
If you’re relying on one spot for all your kitesurfing you could be in for some extended ‘dry’ periods as the UK doesn’t really have any guaranteed wind systems…unless you head up to the North of Scotland…only for the brave and thick of wetsuit! Most of the UK relies on low pressure systems pushing through from the Atlantic Ocean and these are notoriously fickle.
If however you’re prepared to travel and you have a load of free time in which to do so I think you’ll find the UK a real treat. With a massive range of conditions from some of the most awesome wave spots along the East and SW coast to the balmy, almost tropical conditions of Tiree the UK really does have it all and in bucket loads.
Marry the Local Beauty Queen…or not.
The UK also has one of the friendliest kitesurf scenes I’ve found anywhere in the world. Rock up at a new beach with a kite and within minutes you’re being invited to BBQ’s, getting beers forced in your hand and being offered the local beauty queens (who’s always the daughter of some local kitesurfer) hand in marriage…well OK I exaggerate but it is a friendly scene.
Birds and Beaches
Do be careful however as much more than in mainland Europe, us Brits are funny about our beaches (and in fairness rightly so). On many beaches you will need to purchase insurance or club membership to be able to ride there, on others you may need to prove your level before you’re allowed unfettered access. Still more have restrictions in place at certain times of year, generally either for sunbathers or birds (no not topless sun-kist beauties…mmmmm) but the real thing, birds, ducks and other things people tend to ‘spot’ that may require the use of the beach (as it’s their natural habitat…the cheek!)
Best advise is always to check in the local kitesurf shop if you can as they’ll be only too happy to fill you in on the state of play in their area. The reason for all of this hoo haa is that local clubs and kitesurfing businesses are very concerned with protecting the right to ride of all kitesurfers. Being only too aware that it only takes one idiot to cause a nasty accident which is then reported to the local council who then ban kiting on that beach…something non of us want. So respect these restrictions for what they are, ie intended to protect you and the entire kitesurfing community.
I’m sure many of you will have you’re own experiences, comments, whinges and tales of epic heroism to tell about UK Kitesurfing…let us know in the comments below:
