Water Sports - Windsurfing

Another South-facing beach, near Looe. Conditions are best at low tide and can be a great spot for heading into Looe Bay for a bit of cruising. It can however get crowded at the height of the summer. Best Wind Direction: SE and SW. Suitable for all abilities. Local RYA teaching establishments, equipment retailers should be able to advise you further on suitable windsurfing locations.

Falmouth Harbour is the world's third largest harbour and has a lot to offer windsurfers. The myriad of creeks and inlets offers a wonderfully safe yet massive expanse of water to play in. Considering the size of the water, launch sites are scarce. But the three main sites allow you to sail in any wind direction or up the hill past the church. This beach works well in most directions except W which is off shore and very gusty. Best Wind Direction: SW, S, SE and E.

Set in a mile wide bay on the east side of the Lizard this is an excellent site for beginners and intermediates who like to blast down-wind because in any wind from S to NE the water in the bay remains flat. The only time it gets wavey is in an easterly. A wonderful spot, well worth a visit. Best Wind Direction: S to NE. Suitable for everyone.

A small East facing sandy cove at Falmouth, with flat water in most conditions. Quite sheltered, therefore good for beginners. Best Wind Direction: S and NE. Suitable for everyone.

A fantastic sailing location with the beautiful back-drop of St. Michael's Mount at Penzance Most windsurfing takes place from the two main car parks. This site caters for all levels of ability, depending on the conditions. The beach has a shore dump at high tide. It's best to wait until the tide drops below the steep shingle part of the beach. If it's too onshore at Station House, Long Rock is a better bet. It's more sheltered in fickle winds, bigger swells or close to high tide. There's a prominent black mast in front of Long Rock which is covered near high tide. If you are sure where the rocks are, head towards the Mount straight after launching. Best Wind Direction: All except NE and N. The best condition is West which gives a cross shore breeze. Suitable for all abilities depending on conditions.

Stithians Lake, near Redruth, 01209 860301 (Open all year)

Tuition, hire and launch for dinghy sailing and windsurfing at this windy West Cornwall Lake.

Siblyback Lake, near Liskeard, 01579 346522 (Open April – October)

Dinghy sailing and windsurfing tuition, hire and launch for all ages and abilities at this scenic lake on Bodmin Moor

A tiny village and beach near St Mawes which faces SE. Best Wind Direction: SW and S. Suitable for intermediates.

Half-way up the Camel Estuary, opposite Padstow, Rock is ideal for all levels of windsurfing, from beginners on long boards to short-board sailors. Tides are very important here as the estuary becomes restricted around low tides especially on Spring Tides. Best Wind Direction: NW and SE for cross-shore. Suitable for everyone.

The ideal time to launch is one and a half hours each side of high tide when you get a clean run out to sea from the beach towards Looe Island. Low tide uncovers a maze of rocks but if you follow the sandy gully down to the uncovered wreck there is easy access into clear water. At high spring tide the water comes right up to the sea wall restricting launching and landing. Best Wind Direction: S to W. Suitable for all abilities.

Upper Tamar Lake, near Bude, 01288 321712 (open April – October)

Dinghy sailing and windsurfing tuition, hire and launch for all ages and abilities at this scenic lake near the coastal resort of Bude

This beach is situated between Fowey and St. Austell and offers good windsurfing in WSW winds at high tide. At low water it is still sailable but can involve a long walk over the sands. Best Wind Direction: WSW. Suitable for all abilities.

Pendower Beach is easily accessible via Veryan through a small National Trust Car park at the back of the small dunes bordering the Pendower Hotel. In lig pular with beginners and experts alike. NE and SSE are good directions but watch out if there is an easterly or a big southerly swell as it can create an unpleasant kit destroying break. Beware of the wind on the extreme sides of the beach as it can be fluky under the cliffs.
Best Wind Direction: NE and SSE. suitable for all abilities.