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Bigbury
Sandy Beach Dominated by Burgh Island
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Submitted by:
Airpowerd
Updated:
16th May 2004 |
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Bigbury
by: kelvin | |
Bigbury
by: kelvin | |
Bigbury
by: kelvin | |
Bigbury
by: IainO | |
Bigbury
by: justal | |
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Burgh Island is recognised as being one of the best kitesurfing spots in South Devon, but it's not ideal. First of all it is a very popular windsurfing and surfing spot, so you aren't very welcome if you are going to cause a nuisance. Opposite this spot is Bantham beach which is the better place to learn (and kitesurf generally) but Bantham is not as good as Burgh in certain conditions and wind directions.
Bantham surfers will head for Bigbury in a NW. It gets a little gusty from this direction as Bantham is in the lee, whereas the "right side" of the spit facing the island is ideal for this wind direction.
At low tide the spit between the island and Bigbury allows you to launch either side, depending on wind direction, but it does get very busy in the summer and unless you know how to handle a kite, avoid kiting here when it is busy. The best beach is just below bigbury. At medium to high tide this beach is quite small and frequented by windsurfers, so be careful. You would launch form this beach in a North Easterly. If you get in trouble and go downwind you will end up on the spit. BUT, if the tide is coming in and the beach is disappearing.......then you could be in trouble so BEWARE.
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Surf Conditions at Bigbury can be Good |
Buggying Conditions at Bigbury can be OK |
Windsurfing Conditions at Bigbury can be Excellent |
Kitesurfing Conditions at Bigbury can be Good |
| Windsurfing at Bigbury |
Kitesurfing at Bigbury |
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Comments on BigburyComments. | There are 4 comments about Bigbury. These are shown below | Post a Comment | |
Posted By:
justal
Administrator
Member#: 1
Location:
Registered: 21-07-2002
Last Visit: 21-11-2024
Mood: Just Chillin Dude |
Bigbury Bay is a pretty bay dominated by Burgh Island, which is only an
island at High Water. At low tide you can walk across the sands to Burgh
Island and enjoy a drink in the Pilchard Inn. Even at High water you can
take a trip across on the amazing tractor on stilts!!
Bigbury is a popular tourist location and can get busy in the summer. Car
Parking can be a problem when busy.
It's been a while since I was at Bigbury, so things may have changed a
little. When I was there last there were no camps sites or other
accommodation at Bigbury itself. It does have toilets, Lifeguards on duty
in the summer months and dogs are not allowed on the beach.
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Posted By:
IainO
Member
Member#: 153
Location:
Registered: 23-02-2003
Last Visit: 09-05-2011
Mood: Closer to the sea now |
From a windsurfing perspective I would add the following:
The beach faces South so directions fron NE through to NW work depending on
the tide.
NE - Flat/Chop wind funnels down the Avon Valley making for cross off
freestyle conditions. If there is a swell it can make for classic down the
line conditions as seen in a recent copy of Windsurf.
E-SE - Cross on port tack, can be fluky as the wind is coming over the
cliffs at Bantham.
S - Dead on shore. A nightmare to get out as the waves close out really
quickly. Unless you're desperate, try elsewhere.
SW - Cross shore from the right. Best at low tide as you avoid the Burgh
Island wind shadow. Waves can get over mast high as you get out past the
river and can break up to a mile offshore. High winds can close the beach
out completely.
W - Awesome at high tide as the wind funnels through the gap between Burgh
Island and the Mainland. Dead Cross Shore so good for jumps and riding. At
low tide Burgh Island creates a huge wind shadow.
NW - can be fluky on the main beach but useable on the beach the other side
of the spit of sand to Burgh Island.
Car Park holds over 400 cars and costs £5.00 for the day. Patrolled
regularly by the Council (even on weekends and Bank Holidays, all year
round). Decent toilet facilities and Cafe. Some free parking available
next to the emergency beach access road if you get there early.
Nearest shop is Reactive Watersports in Plymouth. Staff are very helpful
and you will see them on the beach if it's windy.
They also have a webcam overlooking Bigbury.
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Posted By:
Ian
Member
Member#: 29
Location: Land Locked
Registered: 04-08-2002
Last Visit: 25-02-2012
Mood: Chilled as hell |
Make the Car Parking Charges £5 for the Day
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Posted By:
IainO
Member
Member#: 153
Location:
Registered: 23-02-2003
Last Visit: 09-05-2011
Mood: Closer to the sea now |
Now £5.60 for the day - inflation eh!
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