Minehead Kitesurfing?

[andylc]

Hi everyone,
Whilst we are in Tier 4, the only beach I can access whilst obeying the rules (and please can we avoid a pointless argument about whether to obey rules or not) is Minehead (UK).
I've never kitesurfer there and don't particularly want to rock up unless I can get a session in. The tide appears to be an issue with low tide being possibly affected by rocks. I'm happy in all conditions, winds, waves etc.
If anyone can give me the lowdown on whether it is worth making the trip it would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[Carlos_C]

try this
https://se.kiteforum.com/kitesurf/spot/minehead

looks like NW is best direction

[andylc]

Yes I know that! Local info about tides, launch sites (apparently can launch at lifeboat station but looks pretty dodgy to me), looks like low tide could be an issue due to estuary mud, exposed rocks and poles etc. Simple enough to work out what winds it works on!

[BillyGoatGruff]

Hi Andy - I have kited Minehead. You need a Northerly or Northeasterly, which as you know currently is bitterly cold at the moment. There are a fair few wooden poles sticking out the water but you can see them. There is also quite a high current running on an outgoing tide. I would wait for a SW and go to Brean/Weston.

[andylc]

Thanks - I was considering Minehead as it was the only beach in my Tier 4 area. Weirdly now we’re back in a National Lockdown I can kite where I like again! (I think...)

[dave1986]

New UK rules say "Exercise - You can continue to exercise alone, with one other person or with your household or support bubble. This should be limited to once per day, and you should not travel outside your local area.You should maintain social distancing. See exercising and meeting other people."

[andylc]

Local area has never been defined so I’m not sure - my closest beach is not far away - much closer than Minehead, but we live about 300m from the Devon border and strictly speaking we were not allowed to go into Devon (which was tier 3) even though there’s a chance we do it every day just walking the dog in the woods behind the house.

[Coopes]

Tides- If high tide is more than 8m, then there will be almost no beach left at high tide, so plan ahead (currently 9m+ this week). If its wind with tide, then you may have to do some walking as its got some big flow rates. Depending on spring/neap tide, you need to keep your session 2-3 hours either side of high tide, as you wont see the rocks through the muddy water as the tide lowers.
Wind- NW is best, and it works all the way to easterlies.
It can get very bumpy near high tide, but also smooths out in the middle of the beach as the water shallows. Stay away from the east side of the harbour as it gets gusty, and there are wooden post there so keep on the main beach. You can launch from the west side of the harbour on low tide in a small beach that appears, but it needs to be a NW and can be sketchy.

[andylc]

Thanks! Looks like I'm not going anywhere now since the latest rules!

[Carlos_C]

my nearest beach is an hour away (living in london) - so I may resort to getting the landboard out if I get a bit stir crazy