Name:

Hawker’s Cove, Cornwall

Beach description:

Hawker’s Cove sits on the west side of the opening of the Camel Estuary which runs into the popular town of Padstow. The riding here is superb. At mid tide it hardly gets deeper than waist height. It provides a flat water paradise for practicing those tricks you hadn’t dared to try yet. You can ride at any level of tide, though low tide means a fair walk to the water. Mid tide provides the best conditions. Hawkers Cove will potentially work on anything from a N clockwise to a S wind. Though N to NE are safest and least gusty. South easterlies to southerlies can potentially wash you out to sea if you get into trouble. If you're not 100% confident in your abilities, stick to N to NE. If the wind turns to westerlies, head to Daymer Bay.

Beach Access

Take the turn off at Treator on the B3276 outside Padstow. Follow the narrow road until you almost reach the end of the road. Watch out for the narrow track on your right which leads to the car park (farmer's field).

Code of Conduct

During the summer months of July and August, kite surfing is not allowed between the hours of 10am and 6pm.

Wind Direction

Water Type

Small waves and flat water make Hawkers a nice freestyle / wakestyle venue. Hawkers Cove is doable on just about any tide state. But you don't get much beach at high tide. It's best around mid tide.

Hazards

Hawker's Cove is pretty safe really. Even if the wind changed direction it's only a short way to the other side of the estuary to Daymer Bay. Quite a long drive for someone to come and pick you up though! The harbourmaster isn't keen on kite surfers crossing the busy estuary. They've had to rescue one or two in the past, and there are potential conflicts with passing boats. If you're going to do it, stay well clear of boats and keep track of your position (i.e. don't go trying a trick where the likelihood of crashing is high when you're too far down wind either towards Padstow, or the estuary mouth).