Ryde

Ryde offers a gently shelving, sandy, North-North-East facing beach close to the town centre. The sailing area is between Ryde Marina and Puckpool Point and is sometimes referred to as Ryde East Sands.

Submitted by:
SeanBo
Updated:
7th May 2004

Ryde
by: SeanBo

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Because of the gentle shelving, at low tide the beach is extensive and shows an ideal beginner/intermediate blasting venue (with no permanent obstacles) stretching out towards the main channel of the Solent. However, because of the gentle shelving, the beach is un-sailable (without a long walk) for about 1.5 hours either side of low tide (depending on tide type and the size of your fin).

Good sailors will be able to use the beach as a launch area to access the bump and jump conditions in the Solent and the beach can sometimes provide sailable waves, but the proximity of the mainland means that other spots will probably be better, when the conditions are right.

Overall the venue is well protected and safe, but the proximity to the Solent with its strong currents and busy shipping should be recognised. Ideally anyone unfamiliar with the venue should check the conditions at low tide so that they are familiar with the start of the deep water channel.

The beach is backed by a substantial sea-wall with few access points on to the sand itself especially close to the town. At the east end of the sailing area (near Appley Park) access is much better as the drop from the wall to the sand peters out and there are a couple of big, wide concrete ramps and some steps.

Because of the access to the beach, the ideal parking places for windsurfing and kite-surfing are at the Appley Park end of the beach, at the east end of the boating lake, close to the large green bandstand style seating area (Latitude 50:43:44 North, Longitude: 1:08:39 West) However, these spaces are very limited so arrive early on good days!

Appley Park itself contains a small Café, toilets, a small golf course, Children’s play area and way-marked walks. During the summer the promenade plays host to various sweets/drinks/ice cream and candyfloss stalls along with some very small amusement arcades etc.

Parking along the whole promenade is chargeable:-
1st May to 31st October 2004. 10am to 6pm 7 days a week.
1-4 hours £1.20
4-6 Hours £1.70
6-24 Hours £3.00

Rigging areas are on the promenade or the beach, but the promenade could be busy during holiday periods.

Ryde is a typical small coastal holiday town and offers most seaside town amenities including Guesthouses, B&B’s, Caravan/Camping Sites (nearby), Hotels, Cafes, Bistro’s, Restaurants, Shops, and Amusements etc. Busy in the summer, but often very quiet during the off season, Ryde can offer an ideal family holiday venue at most times of year, depending on your requirements.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year, but restrictions apply during the summer months.

Overall the venue is well suited for Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and probably kite-landboarding or buggying.

Submitted by - SeanBo