West Wittering is one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK, featuring miles of white sand and a massive tidal lagoon. It is a private estate, which means the beach is incredibly clean and well-managed. For wingfoilers, it offers two distinct experiences: wave riding on the open sea and flat-water blasting in "The Trench" (tidal lagoon).
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 | High |
| May | 15-18 days | 15-22 kts | 15°C | 12°C | 4/3mm | Chop | Very High |
| June | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 18°C | 15°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | Extreme |
| July | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 20°C | 17°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | Extreme |
| August | 12-15 days | 12-20 kts | 20°C | 18°C | 3/2mm | Sea Breeze | Extreme |
| 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 2XS historical records.
Primary Spots
The Trench (Lagoon)
At mid-to-high tide, a massive lagoon fills up behind the sandbar. The water is flat and waist-to-chest deep.
- Best Tide: Mid-tide rising.
- Access: A 10-minute walk from the car park.
- Ideal for: Freestyle and learning.
The Sea (Open Ocean)
Outside the sandbar, you have open ocean conditions. On a SW wind and incoming tide, you can get fun rolling waves.
- Current: Strong tidal currents run across the beach. Be careful on an outgoing tide (ebb), which can pull you downwind towards the harbor mouth.
Alternative Spots
Bracklesham Bay
Just down the road. A pure wave spot. No lagoon protection. Works on the same wind but gets deeper water more quickly.
Pagham
15 minutes east. A shingle beach that works on SW and W winds. Deep water, steep shorebreak.
Best Time to Visit
Optimal: September-October. Warmest water, consistent wind, and the summer crowds have thinned out. Summer: Only visit if you have pre-booked parking. The beach sells out on sunny weekends.
Parking Logistics (CRITICAL)
West Wittering is a private estate with a cap on visitor numbers.
- Pre-Booking: You MUST book parking in advance during the summer season (May-Sept) and on weekends. If you turn up without a booking, you will be turned away.
- Cost: £8-10 per day depending on the season.
- Website: West Wittering Estate
Gear Strategy
Foil Mast: A shorter mast (75cm) is useful for the lagoon (Trench) to give you a longer riding window as the tide drops. Wing: 5m is the standard go-to size.
Accommodation & Dining
Hotels & Pubs
- The Lamb Inn: Historic pub with rooms in West Wittering village. Great food. Visit The Lamb
- The Beach House: B&B right near the spot.
- Crouchers Hotel: 10 mins drive, more upscale.
Camping
- Nunnington Farm Camping: Walking distance to the village and beach. Very popular. €30-45/night. Visit Nunnington
- Scotts Farm Camping: Large site, family friendly.
Dining
- The Old House at Home: Traditional pub food.
- Drift-In Surf Cafe: Located at the 2XS center. Coffee, cakes, and lunch. The winger's hangout.
- Samphire: Modern British dining in East Wittering.
Schools & Rentals
Full-Service Centers
- 2XS (X-Train): One of the UK's premier watersports centers. Located right on the beach. They have a club, showers, changing rooms, and a massive demo fleet (RRD, Ezzy, Goya, Armstrong). Lessons and rentals available. Visit 2XS
Travel Logistics
Getting There:
- London: 1h45 drive via A3.
- Train: London Victoria to Chichester (1h30), then the "500" bus or taxi (15 mins) to the beach.
Traffic:
- The road to West Wittering (A286) is a bottleneck. On sunny summer mornings, the queue can be 1-2 hours long. Arrive before 9 AM or after 4 PM.
Local Rules & Etiquette
- Swim Zones: Strictly enforced red/yellow flag zones. Do not launch or ride there.
- Members Area: The Windsurf Club (2XS) has a members-only launch zone. Visitors should launch down the beach.
- Birds: The harbor is a nature reserve. Do not ride into the bird sanctuary zones (marked on maps at the beach).
Resources
- Shore Watersports Webcam - Nearby East Wittering view
- West Wittering Estate - Official parking booking
- Chichester Harbour Conservancy - Harbour rules and bylaws
- West Wittering Estate - Parking booking