Windsurfing at Lee-on-the-Solent
Wind conditions, launch spots and the best directions for the Solent
Lee-on-the-Solent has been a windsurfing spot since the sport arrived in Britain in the 1970s and 1980s, and the beach remains a popular launch point for sailors of all levels. The Solent's reliable winds, relatively sheltered waters, and the long beach frontage make it one of the better windsurfing locations on the Hampshire coast.
The prevailing wind on the south coast is south-westerly, which blows cross-shore at Lee-on-the-Solent. This is a good direction for windsurfing: it allows for sailing across the wind in both directions along the beach, and if anything goes wrong, the wind pushes you roughly parallel to the shore rather than out to sea. South-westerly winds of force three to five provide ideal conditions for intermediate and advanced sailors, with clean chop building across the fetch from the Isle of Wight.
Northerly and north-westerly winds blow offshore at Lee, which is less suitable for beginners (as the wind carries you away from the beach) but creates flat water conditions near the shore that advanced sailors use for speed runs and freestyle. Offshore winds require more experience and better self-rescue skills. Easterly winds blow onshore, creating small waves that can be fun for wave sailing practice.
The main launch point is from the shingle beach along Marine Parade, where the beach is accessible via ramps and openings in the sea wall. The stretch of beach west of the sailing club is commonly used, as it avoids the busier bathing areas. During summer, windsurfers should be aware of swimmers and other beach users, and launching well clear of the main bathing area is both courteous and practical.
The Solent's tidal currents are a factor that all windsurfers need to understand. The flood tide runs east along the coast, and the ebb runs west. In strong tidal flows, a windsurfer can be carried a considerable distance along the coast without realising it. Understanding the tidal cycle and its impact on your position is an important part of sailing safely at Lee.
Equipment storage is available through the sailing club for members, and some windsurfers use roof racks and vans to transport kit to the beach for day sessions. There is no dedicated windsurfing club at Lee, but the sailing club accommodates windsurfers, and the informal community that meets on the beach shares knowledge about conditions and kit readily.
For beginners, the sheltered waters close to shore on lighter wind days provide a reasonable learning environment. Lessons are available from instructors in the area, and the sailing club's training programme includes windsurfing elements. The beach slopes gently, so walking out to waist depth for a water start is straightforward.
The best months for windsurfing at Lee-on-the-Solent are April through to October, when air and water temperatures are tolerable and the daylight hours allow for after-work sessions. Winter sailing is entirely possible in a good drysuit, and some of the windiest days occur between November and March.