WHERE, WIND, TIDES, PERMITS
THE HARBOUR
Kitesurfing in Portland Harbour is insanely good on a given day. We can Kitesurf most places in the harbour but must be considerate to other water users. We can launch from either the Billy Winters Carpark or from opposite the Chesil Beach Carpark further down the beach. We must remember though a few local rules and bear in mind a few tips to stay safe.
1. Always Kitesurf with a Portland Port Harbour Permit. Available via the button below or pop into Flow Boardsports to purchase from the team
2. Do NOT Kitesurf in the swim zone outside Billy Winters to the north of the harbour. We have enough space, enjoy the rest of the harbour.
3. You must hold 3rd party kitesurfing insurance. We suggest the BKSA.
OFFSHORE WINDS
While you can kitesurf in 360 degrees of wind in Portland Harbour due to its shallow nature, we must be aware that we can be blown out in offshore winds. Thus, always get off and walk back in before it gets deep. You should always be well practised in self rescue techniques. Should you get into trouble ride / bodydrag to the sides of the harbour and perfrom a self rescue to exit the water safely. The harbour works great in onshore winds also. EASTERLY variants are ONSHORE. WESTERLY variants are OFFSHORE.
TIDES
The right tide can make the difference between your session being easy as pie or either a struggle to get off the beach (high tide onshore winds) or back to it (high tide offshore winds)! The tide is best for beginner kitesurfers (lessons - first rides - turning - learning to go upwind etc) when the tide is low. You can kitesurf around 3 hours either side of low tide and stand up for a good distance off the beach. Just make sure you walk back before it gets to deep.
LAUNCHING
Launching in Portland can seem a little daunting, especially if youve kited on open beaches in Devon and Cornwall most of the time. Follow a few bits of advise and then you dont need to worry. You will be launching on the grass above the stones. Make sure you have a firm fixing underfoot. Focus on kite control and slow movements. Walk down over the stones into the water with your kite in a safe position. If in doubt, ask any of the local kiters or Flow team to launch you in the water.
WEYMOUTH & PORTLAND KITESURFING CLUB
THE CLUB
Weymouth and Portland Kitesurfing Club is a BKSA recognised club that provides the local kitesurfer with a meeting point (Facebook) where many great memories are shared. The club are also great support when it comes to ensuring the protection of Kitesurfing in Portland Harbour
To join the Club, please select "Weymouth&Portland Club" when joining the BKSA for your insurance: or contact the club through the Facebook page.