Ultimate all-terrain with flat water bias
Head to Padstow and take the Crugmeer turning.
Low tide Hawker's, waiting for the lagoons to fill in
Wave rating: 2/5
Flat water rating: 5/5
Hawker’s Cove in the Camel Estuary is one of the most unique kitesurfing spots I’ve seen anywhere. On its day, it’s a real flat water paradise and the water can be as clear as any Egyptian lagoon; as you blast across the flats, look down and see the turbulence trails in the sand from the wake of your Kiteboard.
You can sail and launch here at any state of tide, though pure low tide means a massive walk to the water and at high tide it’s not at its best. It’s during the middle of the tidal curve that all sorts of shallow lagoons appear, giving perfect flat water freestyle conditions. You can easily find a spot of water deep enough to try your most adventurous moves so it stays pretty safe.
Hawker's just before high tide. Thanks to Alex B for the pic.
An hour or so before it fills up completely, waves start breaking over sand bars near to the river. Although you wouldn’t exactly get pitted at Hawker’s Cove, on a windy day those walls are definitely worth a slap or two on the wave board.
Wakeskate action in a shallow lagoon
Launching
Another easy launch. At low tide, I suggest pumping up then walking down to the water’s edge, then self launching.
Winds
North and North East winds give classic conditions, as do South East winds. Anything with West in it or pure East is a real shocker so avoid.
Restrictions
During July and August, no kiting between 10am and 6pm in the Camel Estuary.
Low tide overview of Hawker's on the left, facing north. Access via the left hand corner.
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