Hayling Island surf guide
Surf: Very sheltered, sand island that needs a mammoth SW swell coming up the channel for anything to happen. Long stretch of average beachbreaks and a right sand point into the Chichester harbour entrance.
Environment: Strong currents. Popular area with windsurfers. Parking by the beach.
Surf: General: This sheltered stretch of sand and shingle is broken up by regular groynes and the lack of waves make it more famous as a kitesurf / windsurf spot, however it is increasingly popular with the SUP crowd. Low tide can see small waves break a hundred meters offshore due to huge sandbanks and roll and reform all the way to the beach. Very occasionally will produce a good peak in a monster swell.
Tides: Works on all tides but low best.
Size: Thigh to head high.
Wind: N
Swell: SW
Bottom: Sand.
Paddling: Can be hardwork.
Spot Rating: Long, mellow peelers, occasional 'hen's teeth' reeling banks.
Access: There are a few Beachfront car parks.
Crowds: Crowd Factor: Quiet.
Local Vibe: Chilled.
Environment: Can be polluted after rains.
Hazards: Rips if big.
Season: December - February - it needs huge swell to get going.