Live Conditions

About this spot

The Duckpond is the flat-water estuary lagoon that forms on the landward side of the Exmouth sand spit — sheltered, shallow, and sand-bottomed. When the mid-tide window arrives it becomes one of the best freestyle and beginner spots in the South West: butter-flat water, forgiving depth, and a long working fetch. It drains away as the tide drops, so you need to be on it at the right time.

Intermediates use it to nail transitions and toeside; advanced riders use it for high-performance freestyle. On bigger N or NW days it can get properly powered with clean flat water all the way across.

Wind

N, NW, and NNW are the money directions — they come in over the land from behind, keeping the launch area sheltered and the water flat. The lagoon orientation means these winds are cross-shore to cross-offshore across the riding area. A northerly is usually the cleanest; NW can be gusty depending on the terrain upstream.

Tide

The mid-tide window is everything here. Too low and there's mud; too high and the lagoon merges with the main estuary and loses its flatness. On spring tides it drains faster than expected — check the tide table and don't arrive late. Budget for roughly two to three hours of good water either side of mid-tide.

Hazards

Local notes

Parking

The nearest car parks are on Queen's Drive along the Exmouth seafront — a short walk or drive to the estuary side. East Devon District Council (EDDC) manage the car parks in Exmouth, with long-stay and overnight campervan options available at several sites. Check current charges and availability on the EDDC parking page.