Chichester Harbour, west sussex is a huge body of protected water, perfect for paddleboard adventures?
Chichester Harbour is a remarkable destination on the south coast of England, West Sussex and is absolutely perfect for paddleboarding enthusiasts looking to find a safe adventure playground. With its calm waters, diverse wildlife, and stunning scenery, paddleboarding here is truly an amazing experience. This blog post will cover the best launch spots, safety tips, and other useful advice to enhance your paddleboarding journey in this beautiful area.
Why is paddleboarding in chichester harbour so amazing?
Paddleboarding has grown in popularity thanks to its accessibility and the unique vantage point it offers on waterways. Chichester Harbour, designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), provides an exceptional backdrop for your paddling adventure with its serene waters and picturesque coastlines.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a novice eager to learn, the harbour can accommodate all skill levels, offering up opportunities for fitness training, sight seeing or just a chilled time on the water.
Best Launch Spots for Paddleboarding
Here are some of the top locations to launch your paddleboard in Chichester Harbour:
1. Itchenor
This is perfect place that has everything you may need to get on the water. A main car park just 2 minutes walk from the waters edge, a local pub and the harbour conservancy where you can buy your day ticket.
There is a hard slip ramp, which makes launching really easy at all states of tide, but there are some things to be aware of including currents, moorings, jetties and boat traffic.
2. West Wittering
Aside of the main beach front at West Wittering, you also have East Head, which is the corner, bringing you into the main harbour.
Parking at West Wittering is expensive and super busy in the summer months, but out of season there is loads of free space. Head down the car park as far as you can go and check it out there.
Issues you’ll encounter here will be current as the tides rush in and out of the harbour. It’s very powerful and not to be played with, especially for novices.
3. Bosham
On the west side of the harbour is the charming village of Bosham. It has a few launch spots, but as with many of these locations, you need to consider the tide and how this may affect your ability to enter and exit the water safely and without getting to muddy.
There’s loads of little shops, cafes and pubs to enjoy as well.
4. Dell Quay
This is a great spot as far into the harbour as you can get. More of a high to mid tide spot, you can park along the road and walk down to the Crown and Anchor pub.
Getting in is muddy, but if you goto the right side of the slip way it is harder ground.
Safety Considerations
We’re big on promoting safety and you should always consider the following:1. Wear Appropriate Gear
Choose clothing that allows for movement while keeping you warm in cooler temperatures. A wetsuit is a smart choice during colder months.
2. Use a Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Always wear a PFD, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer or if conditions change unexpectedly.
3. Check Weather Conditions
Before venturing out, review local weather forecasts and tide times. Changes in conditions can affect your safety.
4. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings
Be mindful of other water users, like boats and jet skis, particularly in busier areas like Itchenor and West Wittering.
Tips for an Enjoyable Paddleboarding Experience
To make the most of your time paddleboarding in Chichester Harbour make sure to:1. Plan Your Route
Map out potential routes based on your skill level and desired scenery. Start with shorter distances to build confidence before tackling longer journeys. Also check weather using apps like Tides Near me and Windy.
2. Bring Snacks & Hydration
Keep your energy levels up by packing light snacks and plenty of water. Staying hydrated is essential for an enjoyable outing.
3. Capture Memories
Use a camera mount designed for paddleboards to snap stunning photos as you glide through the water.
