LOCAL SPOTS
Millisle Beach
Located on the Ards Peninsula East Coast this beach that faces East with car parking , public toilets, promenade and a coffee van in summer months . The centre of the beach has a large carpark and will be busy during summer months .Two kite locations - Main beach in front of car park and at the southern end of the beach opposite the borstal (road side parking )
The south section of beach is a natural lagoon formed by a rocky reef and also has a sea wall and boulder defence wall . The northern section of beach is home to a seal colony and has large sections of rock pools . There is no lifeguard service at this beach .
Best kitesurfing at mid /low tide but is manageable for intermediates and above at high tide
Wind directions - East , South East , North East , NNE
Medium waves at mid tide at Borstal end of beach
Greyabbey Bay
Situated on the shores of Strangford Lough and just outside the small village of Greyabbey access to the water is gained through the football ground that is home to Rosemount Rec.
Greyabbey bay is a high tide only spot which can be accessed 2-3 hours either side of high tide depending on tide height. Rocks at lower water levels therefore caution required and safety margins maintained particularly around shoreline.
|Suitable for any riding ability and particularly suited to beginners . Historic fish trap (line of rocks) in the middle of the bay which becomes exposed at low or falling tide.
Wind Directions - South , South West SSW High Tide Spot only
Chop and small waves - Can ride out into Strangford Lough deep water channel and around the small islands
No Lifeguarding and no facilities however Greyabbey village is a 5min walk
Greyabbey does not work in any wind direction that starts with W or E and is an ASSI area nd therefore protected by legislation
Wardens Bay
Wardens Bay is a shallow flat water spot near Ards Sailing Club in Strangford Lough This area of Strangford Lough is designated an Area of Special Scientific Interest and as such particular care should be taken at all times and more so when migratory birds are present. The area is a spot for kitesurfers of all abilities . No facilities available and parking is extremely limited .
This a low tide spot only. Kiting at anything other than low or mid tide is not recommended and is likely to be hazardous .
Submerged rocks stones and shells and a large mussell bed to the south of the beach create potential hazards .There are riding zones which negate these risks
Wind Directions - South , SSW , SW WSW , W , North , NW
Mostly chop and small waves
Caution - Upwind riding essential for W WNW , NW or North as the downwind tack is straight down the Lough into the deep water channel
Ballyholme Beach
Ballyholme beach is a busy suburb beach in the seaside town of Bangor . Approximately 1.3km in length with typical rocky shore .The majority of Ballyholme beach is backed by a seawall and a promenade. A car park , public toilets and children's play area are also located here. There are a number of groynes crossing Ballyholme beach which are prominent at mid to low tide .
Rocky areas of the beach become exposed at mid to low tide and caution should be applied . Ballyholme is best kited at low or mid tide states. High tide sessions should be avoided as safety margins cannot be maintained
Wind directions - North , North West , NNE and WNW (gusty)
Small to medium waves particularly on West side of the beach. Too much East or West makes Ballyholme very gusty and unsuitable - Other beaches offer alternatives
Ballywalter Beach
Ballywalter Beach is a sandy beach to the south of Ballywalter village. The beach is in a rural setting backed mostly by fields . There are a number of rock pools and rocky outcrops which are submerged at mid to high tide states. Caution required at the left hand side of the beach due to numerous rocky outcrops and small reefs, however the wide expanse of sandy beach from the carpark to the caravan park at the far end is ample space for numerous kiters .
Mid to low tide preferred for kitesurfing
Public toilets available at play area, car parks and shops cafes available in Ballywalter village which is a 5min walk
Wind directions - East , North East South East ( SSE and NNE provide cross shore riding )
Cloughey Beach
Cloughey Beach is South East facing and boasts a wide sweep of sand and a section of sand dunes . The beach has a boardwalk and a castle to explore . There are public toilets and a large car parking area. There is a long spit of stones providing protection from Irish Sea swell.
There is a hidden reef which becomes visible at low tide and requires caution . The northern end of the beach is protected by a break water which provides some flat water options. the beach is plagued by seaweed and full low tide sessions can be difficult because of t