Name:

Hythe Beach Kent

Beach description:

Hythe is a small, coastal, market town positioned between Dymchurch and Folkestone, in Kent. It features a large, pebble beach which backs onto a promenade, where you can park for free. The beach is actually spilt into 3 areas: Main Beach, Fisherman’s Beach and Foreshore Beach. Kitesurfing is done at Main Beach. The beach is steep so not an ideal venue for beginners. Hythe will work on E around to WSW, but is best on SW to WSW.

Beach Access

Head for the Hythe Imperial Hotel, Princes Parade, Hythe, Kent CT21 6AE. Launch / land more-or-less opposite. On street parking is free.

Code of Conduct

Hythe is popular fishing competition spot, but it's rarely a problem for launching / landing, due to the size of the area. It's good to ride along to Folkestone and come in just before the harbour wall. You can park there if you are doing a downwinder. The beach is actually spilt into 3 areas: Main Beach, Fisherman's Beach and Foreshore Beach. Kitesurfing is done at Main Beach. Foreshore beach is next to the MOD firing range which is used day and night. Be sure to stay well clear!

Wind Direction

East, South-East, South, South-West

Water Type

You can get clean runs between sets just after low tide, with the tide on the turn and returning, but it depends on the conditions. WSW and SW winds are best for this. Hythe unsuitable for beginners, due to the very steep beach and shore dump, which make it difficult to launch and very easy to end up in deep water quickly. It's best to head out at low or mid tide. You can kite all tide states, but there can be a big shore break at higher tides, and the beach is very steep. Low tide is best.

Hazards

Fishermen. Rock groynes (their location is very obvious). Rocks at low/mid tide to the East end of the beach (in front of Sandgate). Steep beach, gets deep quickly. Heavy shore break. Proximity to the road at high tide. MOD Firing range.