Name:

Bridlington

Beach description:

Kitesurfing at Bridlington is done at the South Cliff end of the beach. Anything North of the Spa is strictly off limits. Park at the park and ride and ride directly in front of it. Anything South of there is fair game. The adjacent beach to the south, Fraisthorpe Beach is much more popular than Bridlington for kite surfing, but there are situations where Bridlington can be your best choice: High tide (there’s almost always a bit of beach left) and a SSW wind (due to the direction the beach curves around). During the summer months Fraisthorpe is the better bet, as Bridlington can become crowded. Bridlington will work on anything from a NNE, clockwise around to a SSW, though it can be gusty on a pure Northerly as the wind comes over the town. The more easterly winds are usually the cleanest.

Beach Access

Just south of Bridlington is the Park and Ride. Follow the signs and park at the Park and Ride. It costs £4 for the full day throughout the summer months – May to October. From 9am – 6pm. The rest of the time it’s closed (yup, unbelievable) In the winter months, when it's closed, you can park on the roadside outside the entrance barrier. The beach is literally right in front of the car park.

Code of Conduct

Bridlington has a bit of a history of conflict between kite surfers and other beach users. A ban has been mentioned several times. You’re only allowed to ride South of the cafe in front of the car park. If the beach is really quiet you should be fine. Just make sure you’re respectful of other beach users and as safe as you can be. You may be asked to show insurance. If the beach looks busy you’re much better off just down the road at Fraisthorpe Beach, which is the designated kite surfing beach.

Wind Direction

North-East, East, South-East, South

Water Type

Bridlington is a shore break with usually mushy waves so it's not a great wave venue, though with strong winds it does sometimes have pretty large waves. Occasionally, at certain tide states, Bridlington does develop some small, flat-water lagoons - perfect for freestyle/wake-style riding. However these sweet spots rarely last long, and you inevitably find yourself back in the messy waves. Bridlington will work on any tide state. Even if it's a particularly high tide there's usually some space to launch and land.

Hazards

Overall Bridlington is pretty safe, the main hazards are other beach users - dog walkers, horse riders, tourists etc. Find a decent space to launch / land, head south once you get on the water and you'll be fine.