Current Forecast & Tides

About this spot

The Duckpond is the flat-water estuary lagoon that forms on the landward side of the Exmouth sand spit, at the mouth of the Exe. At high tide the lagoon floods fully to create a large, shallow riding area — sand-bottomed, sheltered, and typically waist-deep or less throughout. It is one of the best beginner and freestyle spots in the South West, and the contrast with the open beach at Sideshore just a few hundred metres away is striking.

What makes the Duckpond unique is its wind window. N, NW and NNW winds funnel down the Exe estuary from Exeter, arriving clean and consistent over the lagoon — directions that are cross-offshore to offshore on the spit and useless on the open beach. When the main Sideshore beach is on standby waiting for a southerly sea breeze, the Duckpond can be firing in a proper north-westerly. The two spots are genuinely complementary.

The tide is the key variable. The lagoon is at its best in the two hours either side of high water — this is when you have maximum depth and the widest riding area. As the tide drops past mid, water drains away quickly and estuary mud begins to appear. On big spring tides the drainage is faster than expected, so always plan to arrive before high water rather than chasing the flood from behind.

A Wildlife Refuge area within the lagoon is active from 15 September to the end of December — kitesurfers must stay clear of this zone during that period. Check local signage on arrival. Edge Watersports on Queen's Drive runs lessons here specifically because of the forgiving flat water.

Hazards

Local notes

Lessons

Edge Watersports is the local school and shop based at Sideshore on Queen's Drive. They offer lessons at both the main beach and the Duckpond — the latter being particularly well-suited to beginners thanks to its flat, shallow water.

Getting there & parking

From Exmouth town centre, take Queen's Drive along the seafront heading south-west. The Duckpond launch is on the estuary side of the sand spit, reached by walking across from the Queen's Drive car parks. The nearest car parks are on Queen's Drive — a short walk 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.

Nearby spots

Also worth checking: Exmouth Sideshore (the open beach 5 minutes away — the go-to when S/SE winds are forecast), Dawlish Warren (8 miles north up the coast), and Bantham (25 miles south-west — an excellent wave spot in SW conditions).

Water quality

Storm overflow data for the Duckpond at Exmouth is monitored in real time by South West Water via their telemetry network. Current water quality status — including active sewage discharges and recent spill alerts — updates automatically in the live forecast app.