Dan R Posted April 25, 2011 Report Posted April 25, 2011 (edited) Hi guys, I'm going to be staying in Castle Douglas in July and wanted to know if there was any where near by to go kiteboarding or kitesurfing, other than Luce Bay? I dont know if there are parts of the coastline that are "no-go" areas or what the conditions are like, so any advice would be good. Does anyone know if you can kitesurf at Loch Ken either? The family wants to go windsurfing there but I'd rather go kiting! Edited April 25, 2011 by Dan R Quote
sandoflucejack Posted January 27, 2012 Report Posted January 27, 2012 Hi Dan, No kitesurfing at Loch Ken. There are a few other beaches in the area where you can kite surf but Luce Bay on a nice SE really is the best. Here is some general info i have put together on the area. It is by no means complete or definitive. I do plan on making a on-line guide for the area as soon as i find some time. Luce Bay Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers Southerly through to Easterly Description: The ultimate kite surf location. 7 miles of pristine sand with shallow warm waters. In terms of access, space and quality there are few locations in the UK which can compare with Luce Bay. The shallow warm waters offer the perfect beginners environment and will give any one confidence to push harder and progress. Here is a nice little vid of Luce Bay. Also, if you are that way inclined the bay is excelent for kite buggying and boarding. The bay has hosted many of the Scotish Power Kiting Associations races. Access: It is possible to access the bay from the village where there is a large grass recreational area which is perfect to set up and launch if the tide is high. A word of caution, the wind can be very turbulent here if the wind is coming directly S or W. Best access is from Sands of Luce Holiday Park. Here you can park in the tent field or at the public car park. Please be aware that the park is privately owned and whilst the owners encourage kite and wind surfers they have asked all beach users to respect one another, the beach and the park. Tides: Luce has a huge tidal range. It is possible to launch and kite in all tidal states. Do expect a big walk to the water if you launch at low tide and do watch pumps and equipment on an in coming tide. Dangers: Luce Bay is almost entirely sand. There are large boulders on the beach towards the village which are visible at mid to low tide. There are no such risks if launching from the park. If you refer to an OS map you will see a large military training area with a large area marked ominiously as 'Danger area”. The area is now rarely used by the military however, if red flags are visible (very rare) do not venture in to the danger area. In the event of an active millitary exercise it is advised to not venture further east than the holiday parks boundaries. Glen Luce Lagoon Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers Westerly through to Easterly Description: The ultimate flat water location! On mid to high tides a huge lagoon fills to create a huge knee deep flat water expanse. Access: Best access is by using the Glen Luce golf club car park. This is generally not a problem but please do respect the owners and users of the club. It is possible to get to the waters edge of the lagoon along the dirt track beside the club car park. This is only recommended for 4x4s and the more enthusiastic driver. Please do check the condition of the track before you use it. Tides: Usable in a ll tide states. Best at mid to high and on a flooding tide. If you go at low or on a ebbing tide expect a long walk back. Dangers: Almost entirely sand. The further east you go the more likelihood of rocks. There is also a very large (30 foot) and obvious wooden pole in the lagoon. If you kite in the mouth of the lagoon where the water is deeper watch your board if you fall. The tide is strong and will take it at an alrming rate. Sand bars and shallows. Windsurfers will need to watch there fins and kiters should be cautious of 'going huge' in certain areas. There are large sections of the lagoon which are ankle deep! Cockle Shore Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers Northerly Description: A large mud flat on the shores of Stranraer. Suitable only in a Northerly for kite surfers as everything else tends to be a bit turbulent. Access: Parking at shore edge. Tides: Can get a bit tight to the beach wall for launching at high tides. Dangers: There are now no ferries operating in Stranraer so you don't need to worry about that. There are however a number of wooden stumps and rocks along the Cockle shore but nothing to deadly. Please do check at low tide before venturing out. Ardwell Bay Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers North Westerly Description: A small picturesque beach which if nothing else is a great spot for a picnic. That said it can be rather good if a little tight (when compared to Luce Bay) for kitting on. The bay is shown quite well in this video [video=youtube;GN61fH8vO-w] . Access: There is a car park at the edge of the beach. This is accessed by a track suitable for most vehicles. It would not be suitable for low cars. Tides: Best with a bit of a beach but can be kite surfed at high tide. Dangers: The middle section of the beach is predominantly sand. There are rocks to either side. New England Bay Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers Southerly through to Easterly Description: A very pleasant beach sitting on the west of Luce Bay facing SE. It is kitable in similar conditions to that of Luce. I would recommend Luce over New England but if you want a change of scenery it is very nice. It can be good fun to Lauch from New England and do a down winder to Luce. Access: You can park at the beach edge by parking along side the caravan park. Tides: Usable in all tidal conditions just be careful not to crash a kite on a caravan at high tide. Dangers: The odd boulder and the beach does have more pebbles than sand. Port Logan Bay Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers Northerly through to Westerly Description: Has to be the most idyllic bay in the area. It was the set for 1000 Acres of sky. The bay faces NW and is suitable in northerly and north westerly winds. It can generate quite a nice swell too. For the trivia fans it was also the finish line for the first trans Irish sea kite surf crossing. It also has a rather nice pub which has great views over the bay. Access: Car park on the edge of the beach. Tides: Best at low tide but is possible in all tides. Dangers: There are a few bands of large rocks. Please do check the beach at low tide before venturing out as these could pose a significant risk. Labrax Bay Suitable for Kite surfers, wind surfers and surfers. N-NW Advanced only Description: A small bay witch is growing in reputation for being a quality surf location. The surf here is thickle but can be good. For a good swell you need a north westerly swell direction and it needs to squeeze between the Mull of Kentyre and Northern Ireland. In the right conditions there are beach and reef breaks to surf on. Access: The beach is very remote and is only accessible by quite an extreme track. Only accessible in vehicles with a high ground clearance. Tides: Best at low to mid tide Dangers: This is a very exposed bit of coast with a relatively small safe kite surfable area. There are big swells, rips and rocks. Only venture out if you are experienced and have had a good look at low tide. If it does all go wrong you will need a chopper to get you out! Monreith Bay Suitable for Kite surfers and wind surfers N-NW Intermediate and Advanced Description: A small bay with quite a small surfable area. Very good for wind surfers. It is possible to surf across to St Meden Bay which is located to the SW. Access: Park at edge of road and use steps to beach. Tides: Very tight at high tide. Best on a mid ebbing tide. Dangers: Lots of rocks! Quite a small safe sand area. Killantringham Bay Suitable for Kite surfers, wind surfers and surfers. N-NW Intermediate and Advanced Description: The largest of the beaches on the West of the Rhinns. It can also have rather good swell in the right north westerly swell conditions. Access: Follow signs to Port Patrick. Just before the port turn right onto the B738, after a couple of miles turn off left signposted for Killantringham light house. Take the narrow access road to the car park. Parking is provided at the southerly end of the beach. Tides: Only at mid to low tide. Access is cut off at high tide. Dangers: There are bands of rocks along this beach. Please check at low tide prior to venturing out. Wig Bay Windsurfers only N-NE Description: A nice easily accessed spot. There are a number of different points to launch a windsurfer and it has been known for kite surfers to launch along this part of Loch Ryan. Though wind turbulance would probably be an issue. Access: Many car parks along the western shores of Loch Ryan, just follow the A718 until you find a spot you like the look of. Tides: All tides. Dangers: Keep clear of ferries Moss Yard SW-SE Suitable for kite surfers and wind surfers Description: A small distance from the rest of the Luce Bay locations but certainly worth a mention due to the quality of the location. From the beautiful double headed beach it is possible to surf across to Sand Green to the north east. At low tide the water is nice and shallow. Access: Park at the Moss Yard caravan park car park. There is a small charge that applies to the car park to help maintain access and a small toilet. You then follow a path round to the double headed beach. Tides: Can be used in all tidal conditions. Can be a little tight to launch at high tide. Dangers: Limited launching area with a close proximity to rocks. Quote
Dan R Posted August 17, 2013 Author Report Posted August 17, 2013 Thanks for all that Jack. Its been a year so now getting ready to head back to the area. I think I'll probably head to St Luce bay but it'll be with either the buggy or board. Not quiet there with the kitesurfing just yet. Any other kiters from this area able to pass on advice for this spot? Whats the best wind direction and apart from being gusty when from the S or W, are there any directions that dont work? Should probably be up there in a week or so hopefully! Quote
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