Botany Bay
Skill Level – Advanced
Botany Bay, known as “Pump House” to locals due to the Southern Water Pump House at the end of the bay on Forness Point, is one of East Kents most challenging bays. To get to the bay is difficult due to it’s remote location but that’s not what makes it so hard to use. The bay is usable on Northerly and Easterly winds which is the only time East Kent gets it’s swell. With the swell being only generated by wind, it tends to be very rough and without much time between breaks, so you have little chance to recover once you catch an edge.
The tide does not cut the beach off as it does on North Coast spots like Minnis but there is a very large, deep and complex rock bed with seaweed reefs on the low tide area of Botany Bay so you should use Botany Bay 2 hours either side of high tide to avoid getting caught, dragged or trapped by the rock bed.
This is a spot that we recommend you attend with an experienced local for your first attempt.
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Live Tide & Wind Forecast
Wind Over Time
Local Knowledge:
“This is a wild bay with fantastic conditions for twin tips, foils and surfboards. With the right skills and planning, you can hit PBs.
Kiting here at high tide is a must, it can get quite dangerous and difficult to traverse at low tide. Make sure you have a phone and know how to contact the emergency services. Please only use this bay with an experienced local or someone who has kited here before”
How To Use The Bay
At high tide there are two ways to access the bay. You can drive to the Botany Bay pub or down Botany Road and park at the end. These car parks and roads are extremely busy during the summer and Kiting on this beach will be impossible due to the crowds. This is fine because there is rarely strong enough wind conditions during the summer for this bay. The car parks should be available during the winter months.
The alternative is to park your car on Palm Bay green, walk down “The Ridings” and then down through the Botany Bay Beach Walking Trail. This requires a walk/climb down the side of the cliff directly into the centre of the bay.
The route through Foreness Point is cut-off during high tide and requires climbing over seaweed covered structures, which is very slippery and often the waves will make it too difficult to cross.
How To Get There
Co-ordinates: 51.3808° N, 1.2858° E
Google Maps: Botany Bay, United Kingdom
Parking – Car park at the end of Botany Road.
Car Park by the Botany Bay Pub.
Park on Palm Bay Road near the entrance of “The Ridings”.
FAQ
Is Botany Bay suitable for beginner kitesurfers?
No, not at all.
What wind directions work best at Botany Bay?
Botany Bay works best with E, N, NE.
What’s the best tide state for kiting here?
The bay is best 2 hours either side of high tide.
Is there parking nearby?
Botany Road and Botany Bay Pub parking is somewhat close.
Palm Bay Road and "The Ridings" are quite a walk.
Are there toilets or showers on site?
No, there are no toilets.
Can I take lessons at Botany Bay?
No, Botany Bay is completely unsuitable for beginners.
