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Live Conditions
About this spot
Exmouth sits at the mouth of the Exe estuary on Devon's south coast, with the main kitesurf launch at Sideshore on Queen's Drive. The beach is backed by the wide, shallow estuary on one side and faces open sea on the other — which gives it a split personality depending on tide and conditions. At mid to high tide it offers a proper stretch of working water with reasonable swell; at low tide exposed sandbanks shrink the usable area significantly.
Edge Watersports is the local school and shop based at Sideshore — they're the people to talk to for lessons, kit hire, or local knowledge.
Wind
SE is the best direction — cross-shore from the east, giving clean runs along the beach with a good angle. S is workable, slightly more onshore but manageable in lighter swell. SW and W push too far onshore for the main beach; when those winds are forecast, the Duckpond on the estuary side is a better option.
Tide
Mid to high tide only. At low water the sandbanks dominate and the jet ski zone becomes active — there simply isn't enough navigable space. Check the tide table and plan to launch on the flood. The best sessions are typically two hours either side of high water.
Hazards
Local notes
Parking
The main car park for Sideshore is right above the launch on Queen's Drive — large vehicles and campervans have space here. East Devon District Council (EDDC) manage several seafront car parks with long-stay options. Check current charges and overnight campervan availability on the EDDC parking page.
