Sandbanks Windsurfing Guide
General info
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Sandbanks is situated on the open sea-side of Poole Harbour, which makes it a great place to make the step to windsurfing in open ocean. The conditions suit all levels of windsurfing and kitesurfing with the conditions favouring freeride and bump and jump.
Wave riding can be had on the beach break (a sandy bottom), which is good for learner wave sailors or alternatively for the more adventurous Hook Sands can be entertained. Hook Sands work best between mid to low tide and can produce some excellent waves for jumping and riding, which will usually be bigger than the waves breaking on the beach. At times where the conditions seem hopeless, a change in tide can come up the goods.
Features
Sandbanks is one of the few locations in the region that can make the most of a southerly and north easterly wind direction. In such situations it could well be worth the visit. If you are looking for a place to down-the-line wave ride in these directions, you need to look for a swell direction that doesn't much west in it. The best bet is to keep an eye on the Bigsalty Wave Rating.
Considerations
On the Purbeck side of Hook Sands is a shipping lane, that should be avoided if possible. Also, if you decide to venture out to Hook Sands it is best to take some spare rope and also a chum - it's a long way out!