Exmouth (The Duckpond)

Large estuary suitable for sailing and kitesurfing in most wind directions.

Submitted by:
justal
Updated:
21st Jun 2004

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The spacious resort of Exmouth boasts fine gardens and parks, some dating from the town's Victorian heyday. A sea wall and Queens Drive back Exmouth's long sandy beach, which has a wide promenade lined with shops, restaurants and pubs.

Toilets are available, including facilities for disabled people. Cafés, restaurants, kiosks and pubs can all be found on the front and in the town. A slipway provides access for boats.

Dogs are allowed on the beach all year around in restricted areas.

In addition to Exmouth's suitabiity for watersports, Exmouth is a gateway for walking the Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Coast site, along the South West Coast Path to Sandy Bay/Budleigh. Bird watchers can walk to the estuary bird hide, situated on the East Devon Way (a long distance footpath) or take avocet cruises.

Exmouth has two quite different locations for windsurfing and kitesurfing, The Duckpond is described here, see the 'Exmouth Seafront' listing for the Seafront.:

THE DUCK POND as it is known to the locals, is rather a special place just within the Exe Estuary. At high tide it can offer a large sailing area where you can be pretty sure that you are going to be within your depth if you come off the board. It's perfect for learning and sailing in maxed out conditions. Exmouths Duckpond can be sailed in most wind directions and if the worst comes to the worst you can be pretty confident that you will be blown to shore. There is usually ample parking on the water front, but occasionally, at peak times, you may have to dump your gear and park in an overflow car park about two minutes walk away. There are toilets & showers in Exmouth Windsurfing Centre's School building and 3 minutes walk will see you in the Town. There is a large, grassy area for rigging up right next to the water.

The big drawback to the Duck Pond is that it's only sailable for a couple of hours either side of high tide. A tide table is a useful investment. High tides vary in height between about 2.7 and 4.2m, although wider extremes occasionally happen. On a sub 3m. tide, sailing is really only practical for about 3/4 hr either side of high tide and don't use a fin that you mind stacking into a sand bar. You'll find all levels of sailors sailing here from complete beginners to first time short boarders to sailors throwing the occasional loop on really windy days. During the summer months, the "Duck Pond" also has it's own Fun Racing Series. Anyone can join in, just ask at the Windsurfing Shop for details.

Kitesurfing is also popular on the Duckpond, and can be practised for a little longer either side of high tide than windsurfing as not so much water is needed.

Edge Watersports is situated right on the Duck Pond.