Pegwell Bay
Skill Level – Beginner
Pegwell Bay sits on the east side of Kent’s coast. The bay is shallow and wide, making it popular with beginners. The choppy water and gusty winds aren’t ideal for advanced tricks, but the shallow stretch which runs out nearly a mile, makes it forgiving for mistakes. Many new kitesurfers choose Pegwell Bay for this reason.
The area is also scenic. Surrounded by cliffs and wildlife, it feels natural and untouched compared to other local beaches.
What3Words: ///walls.helping.ideas
Live Tide & Wind Forecast
Wind Over Time
Local Knowledge:
“Please do not try to setup and walk out from the Hovercraft strip, it may disturb the birds, you will damage your kite gear and potentially hurt yourself. Instead please use the beach over next to the cliff face, then walk out along to cliff side to the edge of the water – this follows the King Charles coastal access margin- so as not to potentially disturb roosting birds. Reverse the route on your return. Once on the water avoid walking on the mudflats and give a wide berth (>200m) to any roosting grounds, which are found south west of the Hovercraft strip.
The tide cuts this bay off and boxes you in at high tide so finish and pack up 2 hours before high tide and don’t try to start your session until the tide is out past the hovercraft strip. Stay away from the cliff face, this will cause issues. Further up the bay, if you are closer to the western undercliffe and the tide cuts it off, be careful not to get dragged downwind towards the harbour, you will be cut off and may not be able to land. The solution here would be to kite down wind to Ramsgate Main Sands but you would have to pass the harbour so you will need to kite out to sea to pass. All of this is best to avoid. If you cannot land at Ramsgate, you could end of passing out the peninsula past Broadstairs and out to sea.”
How To Use The Bay
When you see the Viking ship, you can walk down to the beach through a path next to the Viking Ship Cafe. This will take you out through the bushes onto a road that is not accessible to cars that overlooks the setup bay. You can either walk down the side of the verge or walk down the road past the barrier, then around to your left to get to the other side of the beach. Please do not setup on the hovercraft strip.
How To Get There
Co-ordinates: 51°19’35.4″N 1°22’52.5″E
Google Maps: Pegwell Bay, United Kingdom
Parking – Free parking is available on the streets around the Viking Ship. You can park on the green by the Viking Ship Cafe but the gates close at 17:30 and you may find yourself locked in.
FAQ
Is Pegwell Bay suitable for beginner kitesurfers?
Yes. Pegwell Bay is a great spot for beginners. Be wary of tide times and wind directions pulling you into difficult spots to get out of, especially getting blown towards the harbour or cliff face. If you find yourself walking upwind, make sure you do not go out too far.
What wind directions work best at Pegwell Bay?
Pegwell Bay works best on S, SE, and SW winds. Offshore and cross-offshore conditions (e.g. W winds) are dangerous and should be avoided.
What’s the best tide state for kiting here?
The bay is best 2 hours either side of high tide, when the tide is out past the hovercraft strip. It's best to wait until your can see the beach from the Viking Ship Cafe to be absolutely safe.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. Free public parking is available along the streets by the Viking Ship, please be respectful of the residents who live there.
Are there toilets or showers on site?
There are toilets behind the Viking Ship Cafe, please ask the owners and ideally make a purchase if you use them. The Cafe is shut from 17:30 onwards so from that point, there are no toilets.
Can I take lessons at Pegwell Bay?
No, there are no lessons offered at Pegwell Bay. The Western Undercliffe which is the same bay area but only accessible at low tide is permitted for lessons.
