West Town is popular windsurfing venue. The top part of the beach is shingle and the groynes coupled with a noticeable shore break can make launching difficult at high tide. At low tide when the sand bar is exposed its a sailing area with a wide variety of conditions, in lighter winds it's suitable for the more experienced beginner and in stronger SW winds head upwind to the sand bar which starts the waves working from mid to low tide.
At the North end of the Island you can sail in Langstone Harbour from a launching point known as Esso Beach. This provides a more sheltered flatter sailing area and is better suited to beginners than the sea front, although it can get a bit muddy at low tide
In summer there may be Weever fish around so be carful walking on the sandy bottom. Boots might be a wise idea if you plan on falling in lots...
Probably the quickest sea location to get to from North West London - as long as you don't get stuck in Hindhead that is -
Langstone Harbour (Esso Beach): Turn of the A3M to head east along the A27, then follow signs to Hayling Island. Just after the bridge across there's an Esso garage on the right and a mall turning immediately afterwards into a small car park.
West Town: Continue past the Esso garage, bear right at the first round about and turn right at the second. Less than a mile along there's a left turn into the car park just before the golf course.
For Langstone harbour there's a small car park behind the Esso garage, and for West Town there a large gravel Sea front car park, the price for which varies through out the year up to about £4.50 in the summer
Langstone Harbour: Most abilities
West Town: Intermediate & above
There's a Cafe on the sea front at West Town at the east end of the beach and a toilet at the entrance to the car park. There is also a fresh water tap at the west end of the car park (take your own hose!)
Hayling
Sore Watersports: On the north east side of the island just after the bridge across
Tel: 01705 467334
Andy Biggs Windsurfing : On the sea front road through West town between the roundabout and car park