5 of the best places to go kitesurfing near London

Looking to escape the city and try something new? England's south coast is well-known for its many great kitesurfing spots. Combining the freedom of surfing with the powerful thrills of wakeboarding, kitesurfing is a high-adrenaline water sport that's growing in popularity around the world. 

From quiet sandy beaches to bustling seaside towns, Londoners are spoilt for choice when it comes to great places to go kitesurfing. To help you find the spot for you, we have listed 5 of the best places near London to try this thrilling sport.

1. Lancing Beach, West Sussex

Lancing Beach provides excellent kitesurfing conditions year-round. Its shallow waters make it ideal for beginners, who can enjoy the luxury of clearly marked zones for both teaching and freestyle kitesurfing. 

Recommended Outlet: Lewis Crathern Kitesurfing

If you are a beginner or you are looking to hone your skills with the guidance of a professional, we highly recommend Lewis Crathern. Lewis is one of the most experienced big air riders in the world, and is the 4x British Champion. He offers 2 hour one-on-one coaching sessions, providing high-quality training tailored to your specific needs. 

Travel: Nearby Worthing Station is a 90 minute journey from London Victoria, or a 2 hour drive.

2. Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex

Bracklesham Bay is one of the most popular places to go kitesurfing on the south coast. Its beautiful 8-mile sandy beach boasts incredible sunsets thanks to its southwest facing position, and its southwesterly wind is ideal for beginners, guiding kitesurfers back onto the beach rather than out to sea. 

Recommended outlet: Get Kiteboarding

Get Kiteboarding is managed by expert instructor and extreme watersports enthusiast John Aldcroft, and provide hands-on guidance via fun, engaging sessions. If you are a beginner looking to gain some confidence on the water, Get Kiteboarding offer 2 hour introductory kitesurfing lessons.

Travel: Chichester Station approximately 90 minutes from London Victoria. There you can either get a 20-minute taxi or a 30-minute bus ride to Bracklesham Bay. If you’re travelling by car it is just a 2 hour journey from London along the A3.

3. Calshot, Hampshire 

Calm waves and shallow waters make Calshot a great place to learn kitesurfing. It's also a fantastically picturesque spot, with views of the Isle of Wight just across the Solent. Nearby Calshot Castle was built by Henry VIII to defend the sea passage to Southampton. It's now owned by English Heritage, and has an on-site cafe to enjoy after your kitesurfing session. 

Recommended outlet: Nomadic Kitesurf

Nomadic Kitesurf in Calshot organise a wide range of sessions taught by experienced instructors. They offer private kitesurfing coaching, as well as introductory sessions for groups.

Travel: Southampton Station is an 80 minute journey from London and then you're a 30 minute taxi ride from Calshot beach. Alternatively, drive for around 2.5 hrs.

4. Greatstone, Kent

Greatstone sits on the Kent coast, a few miles from the border with East Sussex. The fantastic winds at Greatstone make it hugely popular with kitesurfers, who are equally drawn to its miles of flat, sandy beaches. Its unique position also makes it one of the few spots on the south coast where kitesurfing is possible in northeasterly winds - truly a hidden gem on the Kent coast!

Recommended outlet: Infinity Sport Kitesurfing

Pawel and Sylwa from Infinity Sport Kitesurfing have been teaching kitesurfing around the world for many years. They offer a wide range of kitesurfing sessions for beginner and advanced surfers alike. For more experienced kitesurfers, Sylwia's offers regular female-only sessions via the Girls Together Kite Club. Get together and surf in a relaxed, friendly environment!

Travel: A 30-minute taxi ride away, Ashford International is itself a half hour train ride from St Pancras International. Alternatively, Greatstone is around a 2.5 hour drive from London.

5. Camber Sands, East Sussex

Just along from Greatstone is Camber Sands in East Sussex, known for its wide beaches, consistent fair winds, and friendly locals. As its name suggests, it's also famous for its sandy beach - the only one of its kind in East Sussex!

Recommended Outlet: Camber Kitesurfing

Camber Kitesurfing in Camber Sands offers a large range of sessions: day courses, private lessons and small group lessons. You will be provided with the most up to date kites, boards and safety equipment. If you are looking for a larger group activity they cater for larger corporate activity groups, stag and hen parties and team building days.

Travel: Via train, you can go from London to Rye, then it's only a short taxi ride to Camber Sands. Alternatively, Camber Sands about a 2 hour drive from central London.   

As you can see there are plenty of spots within 3hrs travel from Central London, so there really is no excuse not to get out there and give it a go! Now is the time to set yourself a new challenge and try kitesurfing this year.

To easily find and book your next kitesurfing adventure you can visit the eola marketplace.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest information and adventure activities available near you!

Read more

7 of the best places to go stand-up paddleboarding in London

The best surfing locations near London