Spot Guide: The Bluff, Hayle

Back to the Spot Guide Index >>

The ban on kitesurfing at Hayle (aka "the Bluff") has been lifted. There are restrictions with a permit system. See the press release for the day the kite ban signs came down.

Bluff Ban Lifted
KKC Press Release (PDF)
Bluff Kite Zones and Rules
(PDF)
Hayle (aka the Bluff) kitesurf ban lifted   Bluff kitesurfing zone and rules

Key Elements of the Hayle Kitesurf Agreement

  • Bluff permit tagAny person kitesurfing within the jurisdiction of the Hayle Harbour Authority must be a member of the British Kite Surfing Association (BKSA) and must wear a valid Bluff permit tag on their harness.
  • All kitesurfers MUST keep at least 100m away from AND turn away from all vessels using the channel.
  • No kitesurfing within 3 hours of High Water (as given by the UKHO for St Ives).
  • No kitesurfing at any time south of Chapel Anjou where there is a large 5 knot speed restriction sign.
  • All kitesurfers must be at intermediate level or above; no learning or teaching.

The permits will cost £5 for members of the KKC, £10 for non-members, and run from 1st April each year. These are available from:

Location

Take the turning on the A30 for Hayle and drive towards the centre of town. Approx. 350 meters on your right you will see a turning sign posted towards Phillack and the Towans. Take this road up the hill and continue driving leaving the Caravan Park on your right and it leads you down to the Bluff Pub on your right. Please Park sensibly and pay as per the car park signs. The Pub serves a good pint and some excellent food.

Overview

It is worth having a chat to the lifeguards (here in summer only) on the way down to the beach or certainly with any other sailors. On an ebbing tide there is a severe rip which only slows as low tide approaches – your board is off out to sea very fast if you lose it in the channel. Watch out as high tide arrives as the beach at the bottom of the access path disappears.

Wind Directions

NE, N, NW and W (Westerly can be gusty for kitesurfing and so better to move up to Gwithian)