West Bay
Skill Level – Intermediate – Advanced
West Bay, set along the north Kent coastline, is a spacious and welcoming kitesurfing spot ideal for both beginners and freestyle riders. West Bay waves have fantastic gaps that allow for nicely lined up jumps and plenty of time to spot a kicker.
The bay opens into a wide expanse of sand at low tide, giving plenty of room to launch, land and practice safely. With fewer beach users than nearby hotspots, it remains rideable through most of the tide cycle, becoming tight only at high tide and eventually cut off by the sea wall. As a bonus, West Bay stays far quieter than Whitstable on busy weekends, making it a great choice when you want space, consistency and a relaxed atmosphere on the water.
What3Words:///ship.hails.daredevil
Live Tide & Wind Forecast
Local Knowledge:
“This is a favourite spot among locals, a true hidden gem in East Kent’s spots. Parking convenience and limited chop compared to the other bays. Watch out when driving over because you can easily miss it. Low tide is the best time to get down there, you want to avoid risking high tide.”
How To Use The Bay
The beach can be accessed from the street, there’s free parking all along the beach front. This is probably one of the most convenient bays to kite at in East Kent in terms of proximity to your vehicle from the beach. The beach is a stone throw from your parking.
There are no rules against using the bay or to follow when using the bay.
The Tide cuts the bay off 2 hours either side of high tide. Please ensure you give yourself time/space to land, pack down and leave the beach safely. There is also rock beds on either side of the cove, so please be careful with high tide and kiting out to sea and then being blow down wind towards the rock beds because you will struggle to return to the beach to safety. This is less of a problem at low tide.
How To Get There
Co-ordinates: 51.38334555845032, 1.3293182251475668
Google Maps: West Bay, United Kingdom
Parking – Free parking is available along the road adjacent to the beach.
FAQ
Is West Bay suitable for beginner kitesurfers?
No, if you're a beginner and especially if you find yourself walking upwind, stick to Minnis for the North shore. See Minnis Kite Spot Guide
What wind directions work best at West Bay?
West Bay works best on anything with northerly in it; NW, N, NE all work. Anything southerly results in offshore conditions and should be avoided.
What’s the best tide state for kiting here?
The bay is best 2 hours either side of low tide, when the sand flats are exposed. At high tide, the sea comes right up to the wall with limited launch space.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes. Free public parking is available along the seafront. The road is free parking and usually completely empty.
Are there toilets or showers on site?
No, there are no showers on the beach.
Can I take lessons at West Bay?
No, West Bay is not a beginner spot. Please go to Minnis Bay and check the Minnis Bay Kite Spot guide for lesson information.
