Kitesurfing
Jersey’s strong winds, combined with the choice of west, south or east facing beaches, make it an ideal place for kitesurfing.
To practice kitesurfing in Jersey, you must have British Kitesurfing Association recognised insurance and be registered with Ports of Jersey. British Kitesports Association Jersey | British Kite Sports Association
Basic rules
- Always look out for and avoid other kite surfers when you’re on the water
- Stay clear of swimming areas and other water users
- Please also do not park on beach slipways unless specifically allowed within the designated areas. This is so that emergency vehicles can have access to the beach
- Kites should be inflated at the top of the beach and not in car parks
- Kites should be launched and landed near the shoreline to ensure the safety of beach users and wildlife
Choosing the best kitesurfing locations
When deciding on the location, it’s important to check the weather and wind conditions.
As a beginner, you would want a steady wind and flat water. Ideal wind strength is between 10 and 15 knots.
At the coast, the ideal is usually a cross shore wind, as it allows you to sail out and back to the same spot, but even if you do go downwind which is inevitable while learning you will still come back into shore and be able to walk back to where you started.
An onshore wind means that you will be blown back on to the beach. It is very challenging to kitesurf in unless you are very competent at getting upwind. Not only this but it usually brings shore break and waves making it even harder to get out.
Popular beaches for kitesurfing are:
- Rice Bowl, Greve d’Azette, St Clement
- St Aubin, Bel Royal, St Lawrence
- St Ouen (avoid Le Braye in summer
- Gorey – Royal Bay of Grouville
Be aware of restrictions to specific beaches, such as Le Braye (during the summer months) and Grouville Bay which has a voluntary code of conduct in place. Information about the code and kitesurfing areas is available from the Jersey Kitesurfing Association.
