The Severn channel has one of the largest tidal ranges in the world. This means there is no water at low-tide and the area between beach and channel is covered by sinking mud. Land-based kitesports work best at low tide, when the beach has dried and the sand is flat and solid. Water-based kitesports are only possible around high tide (2hrs either side of the maximum height during spring tides, and up to 3hrs either side during neap tides).
See below for a map with beach area's for use, local facilities and hazards.. Click on each icon or area to see a description. In summary
* Land-based kitesports are only allowed in the Windzone (light blue) and only if a member of a local club (council rules). They have 'right of way' in this zone but other beach users are not always aware, please be polite. On some weekends the Windzone is booked by other clubs or closed by the council, see our 'events' agenda for details.
* Kitesurfers use Royal Sands, the dark blue area to setup - just South of the wooden posts that mark the beach carpark - they are welcome on the beach if they have valid 3rd party insurance (like BKSA) and can be asked for proof by the council. Kiters do not have a 'right of way' here over other beach users, please take care. The red zone is the area North of the pier, kitesurfing is not allowed here. Using the light blue area is allowed for members of local clubs, but please give way to landboarders, buggies etc and do not leave your kit lying in their way. There is more mud here, so your session cannot be as long around hightide as on Royal Sands, and there is also a windshadow from Brean Down, depending on wind direction.
See below for a map with beach area's for use, local facilities and hazards.. Click on each icon or area to see a description. In summary
* Land-based kitesports are only allowed in the Windzone (light blue) and only if a member of a local club (council rules). They have 'right of way' in this zone but other beach users are not always aware, please be polite. On some weekends the Windzone is booked by other clubs or closed by the council, see our 'events' agenda for details.
* Kitesurfers use Royal Sands, the dark blue area to setup - just South of the wooden posts that mark the beach carpark - they are welcome on the beach if they have valid 3rd party insurance (like BKSA) and can be asked for proof by the council. Kiters do not have a 'right of way' here over other beach users, please take care. The red zone is the area North of the pier, kitesurfing is not allowed here. Using the light blue area is allowed for members of local clubs, but please give way to landboarders, buggies etc and do not leave your kit lying in their way. There is more mud here, so your session cannot be as long around hightide as on Royal Sands, and there is also a windshadow from Brean Down, depending on wind direction.