Hayling Island, located on the south coast of England near Portsmouth, is one of the UK's premier watersports locations. It is famous for its sandbar, which creates a unique flat-water lagoon at low tide known as "The Trench." The spot works best on SW and W winds, which are the prevailing directions for UK weather systems.
Detailed Wind & Conditions Chart
| Month | Wind Days | Avg Wind Speed | Air Temp | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Conditions | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15-18 days | 18-28 kts | 6°C | 7°C | 5/4mm + hood | Stormy | Low |
| February | 15-18 days | 18-28 kts | 6°C | 6°C | 5/4mm + hood | Stormy | Low |
| March | 16-20 days | 16-25 kts | 9°C | 8°C | 5/4mm | Mixed | Medium |
| April | 15-18 days | 15-22 kts | 12°C | 10°C | 4/3mm | Mixed | Medium |
| May | 15-18 days | 15-22 kts | 15°C | 12°C | 4/3mm | Chop | High |
| June | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 18°C | 15°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | High |
| July | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 20°C | 17°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | Very High |
| August | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 20°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | Very High |
| September | 18-20 days | 15-25 kts | 18°C | 17°C | 3/2mm | Strong | High |
| October | 18-22 days | 18-30 kts | 14°C | 15°C | 4/3mm | Strong | Medium |
| November | 18-20 days | 20-35 kts | 10°C | 12°C | 5/4mm | Stormy | Low |
| December | 16-18 days | 20-35 kts | 7°C | 9°C | 5/4mm + hood | Stormy | Low |
Data compiled from Chimet and Bigsalty historical records.
Primary Spots
West Beach (The Trench)
This is the main wingfoiling zone.
- Low Tide: A sandbar emerges about 800m offshore. Behind it (the "Trench"), the water is butter flat and deep enough for foiling. This is world-class speed sailing territory.
- High Tide: The sandbar is covered. The water becomes choppy with a steep shorebreak. Entering and exiting can be difficult for beginners.
The Seafront (East of the Golf Club)
More exposed to ocean swell. Good for wave riding on strong SW days. Deep water, no sandbar protection.
Alternative Spots
Bracklesham Bay
20 minutes drive east. A wave spot that works on SW winds. Sandy beach, no sandbar. Better waves than Hayling but choppier.
Hill Head
30 minutes west (near Southampton). Works on W and NW winds. Solent chop conditions.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: September and October. The water is still relatively warm (for the UK), and the autumn low-pressure systems bring consistent wind. Summer: June-August relies on thermal sea breezes. Can be hit or miss, but pleasant when it works.
Tidal Logistics
CRITICAL: The "Trench" magic only happens 2-3 hours either side of Low Tide.
- Check Tides: Easytide Hayling
- Spring Tides: The sandbar is more exposed, creating flatter water but a narrower channel.
- Neap Tides: The bar might not fully uncover, leaving some chop.
Gear Strategy
Wetsuits: A good wetsuit is the most important piece of gear. 5/4mm for winter/spring, 3/2mm for summer. Boots are recommended in winter. Wing Size: 5m is standard. 4m for autumn storms. 6m for summer sea breezes.
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels
- The Langstone Quays: upscale hotel on the north of the island. €100-150/night. Visit Langstone
- Newtown House Hotel: Historic manor house. €80-120/night.
Camping
- Fishery Creek Park: Tidal creek access, peaceful. €30-50/night. Visit Fishery Creek
- The Oven Campsite: Family friendly, pool. €25-45/night.
Dining
- Inn on the Beach: Right on the spot. Great fish and chips, sunset views. The classic post-session pub.
- Salt Shack Cafe: Located at Northney Marina. Great breakfast.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- CBK Hayling Island: The main club on the beach. They offer rescue boat cover (membership required), showers, and a compressor. Lessons available. Visit CBK
- H2O Sports: Located nearby, offering gear sales and advice. Visit H2O
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- London Heathrow (LHR): 1h15 drive.
- London Gatwick (LGW): 1h drive.
- Train: London Waterloo to Havant (1h20), then 10 min taxi.
Parking:
- West Beach car park is Council-run. It is expensive (approx £8-10/day). The machines take cards.
- Height barriers exist but are usually open in winter.
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Rescue Cover: It is highly recommended to join CBK for the day (£15-20) to get rescue boat cover. The currents in the Solent are strong.
- Swim Zones: Marked with buoys in summer. Do not foil inside.
- Golf Club: Do not land your kite or wing on the golf course. They get very angry.
Resources
- Inn on the Beach Webcam - Live view of the seafront
- CBK Hayling Webcam - Kite beach view
- Havant Borough Council - Beach infod data from the harbor entrance (very accurate)
- Cambermet - Nearby live data
- Hayling Kitesurfing Association