Hayling Island is a very sheltered stretch of sand and shingle, broken up by regular groynes, with a long run of average beachbreaks and a right-hand sand point that feeds into the Chichester harbour entrance. It needs a mammoth swell coming up the channel before anything really happens, so the general lack of waves makes it better known as a kite and windsurf spot, and it is increasingly popular with the SUP crowd too.
When It Works
This one only wakes up for big swell. It draws swell from east through south to southwest, with southwest (SW) the best direction, and it is usable from 0.3 m / 1 ft to 1.2 m / 4 ft, roughly thigh to head high. The bottom is sand, producing long, mellow peelers with the occasional reeling bank when the sandbanks line up. At low tide, small waves can break a hundred metres offshore over huge sandbanks and roll and reform all the way to the beach. Very occasionally a monster swell will produce a genuinely good peak. It is a winter spot, best from December through February, and consistency is poor since it takes a huge swell to get going.
Wind and Tide
Look for north (N) offshore wind. It works across low and mid tide, with low tide the best call and a rising tide generally better.
Local Tips
Hayling suits beginners and intermediates, and there is room for plenty of gear here: fish, funboards and longboards all work, along with SUPs, and it is a well-established kiteboarding spot. The lineup stays quiet and can feel a little reserved. Paddling can be hard work, and there are strong currents, with rips when it gets big, so pick your day. The water can also be polluted after heavy rain.
Access
There are a few beachfront car parks, with free, paid and roadside parking options, plus restrooms nearby.
