Watersports on Hayling Island: Launch Spots, Zones and Rules

Hayling Island is known as the birthplace of windsurfing and is a popular place for kitesurfing, windsurfing, paddleboarding and sailing. The rules depend on where you are: the open seafront is run by Havant Borough Council, while the two harbours have their own harbour authorities. Always check the current rules and conditions before you go, and consider training and local clubs if you are new.

The seafront

Havant Borough Council says the seafront has more than three miles of beach used for activities including kitesurfing and sailing. In 2023 the council said the entire seafront is open to watersports users, with the exception of a single dedicated area for swimmers, marked by a series of buoys. It asked watersports users to:

- make sure that when launching you do not represent a risk to swimmers
- make sure you have sufficient space to control and manoeuvre your equipment safely
- listen to the advice of beach patrols advising on safe use of the shoreline

There are no lifeguards on the seafront, and the sandbanks and strong tidal flow at the harbour entrances can be dangerous. See our safety guide and tide guide.

Langstone Harbour

Langstone Harbour Board, based at Ferry Road on Hayling, says:

- windsurfing and kayaking are permitted, and windsurfing requires harbour dues
- canoes, kayaks and paddleboards must pay a harbour charge
- kitesurfing is not permitted within the harbour, and the board points kiters to Hayling Island's southern shore
- harbour users must not land on the islands, to avoid disturbing birds
- the speed limit is 10 knots
- wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid and carry a means of communication
- diving needs the Harbour Master's permission, and swimming should not take place in navigable channels

Public slipways include Ferry Point on Hayling, the busiest, which gives access into the entrance at all states of the tide, with the Harbour Office there. Charges for launching apply at all slipways and may be paid daily or annually. The board warns that tidal currents in its entrance can be an extreme hazard to kayakers and paddlers, particularly on the ebb tide.

Chichester Harbour

The Chichester Harbour Conservancy's essential safety guide says waterskiing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding and similar activities are not permitted in Chichester Harbour, and that all vessels using the harbour must pay harbour dues. Its paddlesports page lists launch sites with different tide access; for example, Langstone Bridge is high-tide access only. It asks paddlers to wear a buoyancy aid, check the weather and tides, and keep at least 50 metres from sensitive wildlife areas. The speed limit for power craft is 8 knots in the safety guide.

Wildlife-aware watersports

Both harbours are protected for their birds and seals. Langstone Harbour Board's advice is to give wildlife space: avoid resting and nesting areas, keep your distance from seals, and use designated launching and landing places shown on the Bird Aware Solent watersports map. See our nature reserves guide.

Getting started

For lessons, clubs and equipment, look to the national governing bodies and recognised training centres, and check each venue's own information. The windsurfing story is told in our history guide.