HKA

Wind Directions

We appreciate that every rider will have their own opinion on the conditions that each wind direction brings. This is a general summary and should be adapted according to your riding preference (wave riding, freestyle, wake style etc) and the state of the tide - i.e. 30 knots SW at low water will be flat but at mid water + it will be choppy.

However you adapt the information below, offshore winds are to be avoided - better to save yourself and your kit; there will be better days to follow.

Check the Wind

Go to Chimet for a 5 minute delayed wind and weather check.

Wind Rose

Wind Rose
Basic Wind Information

The wind rose pictured here may seem as though the cardinal points are reversed but remember, wind is described in relation to the direction it is coming from.

The prevailing wind for the South coast is South Westerly.  This provides good cross-onshore conditions.

Remember, no matter what your other half tells you, you cannot lament too much about the wind.  As a kitesurfer, it is almost impossible to be a wind (or weather) bore - if they don't appreciate your endless commentary about the wind, keep at it - they'll crack!

Wind Speed & Strength

Direction is important but equally important is the speed and strength of the wind. Underpowered in a Southerly wind is dangerous on Hayling as this is directly onshore and it is difficult to get away from the beach.

What's the difference between speed and strength? For the same wind speed, low pressure, winter winds, laden with moisture are denser and have more power than summer, high pressure winds. Take note of this if you are new to winter kitesurfing.

Wind Direction Guide

Direction Aspect Conditions
Warning - Use Caution South Onshore Exercise caution especially when busy. If you are underpowered do not ride as you risk dropping your kite on the beach. It is very difficult to get away from the beach particularly if it is busy. Ensure you keep your kite low when on/near to the beach. Try to ride or walk out to the sandbar and kite in the mid/far lagoon to reduce beach congestion.
Good South West Cross Onshore Excellent conditions particularly when the sandbar is exposed. Flat water in the lagoons and waves on the outside if there is a swell.
Good West Cross Shore Excellent conditions particularly when the sandbar is exposed. Flat water in the lagoons. Probably the best direction for waves if there is a swell.
No Kitesurfing North West Cross Offshore No kitesurfing recommended. At low water (springs) the sandbar will be exposed and it may be possible to kitesurf further out. The beach will be in the lee and it is difficult to keep power in the kite near it. It will also be gusty - these are the conditions when lofting most often occurs.
No Kitesurfing North Offshore No kitesurfing. In Northerly winds you should go to Ryde Sands, IoW.  Drive to Southsea, get the hovercraft to Ryde (10 minutes) and walk 5 minutes to the beach.
No Kitesurfing North East Cross Offshore No kitesurfing. If you are desperate to kitesurf, go to Pagham or Ryde Sands, IoW. Otherwise you need to move to the East coast.
Average East Cross Shore Average conditions although the lagoons are choppier as the sandbar does not provide shelter. Waves will be mushy if there is a swell as the wind collapses them. This is a good direction for kiting around the sandbar - beware of the currents on the West side though.
Good South East Cross Onshore Good conditions although the lagoons are choppier as the sandbar does not provide shelter in this direction. There will be waves on the outside if there is a swell but they tend to be mushy.