Bewl Water Windsurfing Guide
General info
Windsurfing ratings
Bewl Water is a popular inland windsurfing venue, in the heart of Kent. It is a large open water venue with a friendly windsurfing atmosphere combined with many social activities. The centre focusses on a tradtional sailing club, there is also an active sailing scene that encompasses racing for windsurfers also.
The windsurfing itself is sheltered near the shore and a lot windier in the middle of the lake, as it funnels down the left arm of the reservoir. Being inland the lake benefits from Land breezes on hot days. There is an active instruction centre, and a thriving youth scene. Day or season membership can be bought, parking is good and there is plenty of grassy areas to set up picnic or bbq.
Features
It's the largest inland reservoir in the area, and if you are in London or the home counties it is not too far to drive too, especially if you do not have time to get down to the coast. It is also sailable in Northerly directions when the nearest coastal venues of Hastings and Camber Sands are not.
Considerations
On Sundays the water is very busy, in the mornings with rowers and in the afternoons with the large sailing fleets. There are also plenty of fishermen to consider. During droughts the water level drops very considerably.
Directions to Bewl Water
From the M25, take the A21 towards Sevenoaks and then Hastings. About 15 miles down you will see clearly marked signs (the brown type) telling you where Bewl Water is, don't ignore these as they make getting there much easier, apparently!