Windsurfing

Portland harbour has been a Mecca for windsurfers since almost the beginning of the sport many years ago. This is because it has some almost unique geography helping it not just in terms of other sites in the UK but worldwide.
With predominately south-westerly winds blowing over the equally famous Chesil beach the waters in the harbour itself, at least close to shore, is about as flat as salt water is ever going to get. Coupled with this, Chesil beach is shaped like the top half of a wing and this has the effect of smoothing out and slightly accelerating the air blowing over it giving you a very smooth ride if the wind is in the right direction.Although Chesil beach is stony, Portland harbour is sandy making wading out at low tide pretty comfortable. If you are a beginner the area is perfect as, if you get the tide times correct, you will be able to sail around and fall off in waste deep water for quite a way out. Also, the harbour is pretty much enclosed so you are always going to hit a shore or harbour wall unless you are really unlucky. Remember that if you are a beginner the south-westerly wind is offshore and will blow you out into the harbour if you are not careful so do keep in your depth at the start of your windsurfing career!

For the more advanced windsurfer Portland harbour is an excellent place to practice manoeuvres. So if you are trying to nail the 360° backside clew first trick then at least the conditions are not against you! Of course, Portland harbour is famed for speed sailing owing to its unique geography. If you are an all out speed freak that is trying to get close to the 40 knot and above barrier then this is the place to be. Each year there is a speed week that normally attracts some big names of the windsurfing world and indeed we had Björn Dunkerbeck stay with us in the past, the record breaking 11 time overall world champion.

If flat water isn’t your thing then you need to travel down to the end of Weymouth beach to Overcombe corner. This provides some good chop or even the odd clean wave if you are lucky and is a windsurfing only beach which does make life easy. Slightly less well known as a windsurfing area is the beach over at Ringstead that sits on a reef and can have some lovely days. As this is not a well known spot keep safety in mind and always sail with a friend and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.  Also, take a spare fin as that reef seems to like them as the tide lowers!

For more details about any of the activities mentioned on this website, pop-in to Portland’s Visitor Information Centre.  Open all day – every day.  Situated at the Heights Hotel.