Current Forecast & Tides

About this spot

West Wittering is one of the most famous kitesurfing beaches in the UK — a long, wide sandy beach at the entrance to Chichester Harbour in West Sussex. On a good south-westerly afternoon in summer it can be one of the busiest kite beaches anywhere in England.

The beach produces different conditions at every state of tide. Low tide exposes extensive sandbars stretching over a kilometre offshore, creating a flat, shallow lagoon ideal for beginners, freestyle and wakestyle. Mid tide offers a mix of flat water inshore and building chop or small waves further out, good for all levels. High tide brings the sea right up to the beach and produces the waves that experienced riders come for, particularly in south-westerly swell.

The classic direction is south-westerly — sideonshore, often funnelled by the Solent, producing reliable wind and manageable conditions. Easterly is also excellent, creating a sideshore direction (port tack); best ridden on an incoming tide, as an outgoing tide running with an easterly wind creates a strong combined current that can push you downwind toward the groynes. North-westerly is cross-offshore and unpredictable — only suitable for experienced riders and not recommended for beginners.

East Head, the sand spit at the northern end of the beach, is managed by the National Trust as a nature reserve. The beach is owned and run by the West Wittering Estate — parking is pre-book only in summer and fills up fast at weekends.

Hazards

Lessons

2XS Kiteboarding 2XS is the on-site BKSA-registered kitesurf school at West Wittering, operating since 1991. They offer beginner courses through to advanced coaching, with equipment hire, rescue cover and hot showers on site.

Getting there & parking

West Wittering is reached via the B2179 from Chichester, about 8 miles south-west of the city. The West Wittering Estate car park is the main option — it's privately operated and pre-booking online is strongly recommended at weekends and during school holidays. The car park fills up fast in summer. Book on the West Wittering Estate website.

Nearby spots

Also worth checking: Hayling Island (10 miles east along the coast) and Calshot (25 miles south-west across the Solent) — worth knowing as one of the only Solent spots that works in north-easterly winds, when West Wittering is cross-offshore.

Water quality

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