Updated July 2025

The kitesurfing at Hayle (aka “the Bluff”) has been lifted but is restricted to kitesurfers who are insured and display a bluff pass. There are restrictions with a permit system as the Bluff is within the Harbours jurisdiction, and they are in place to keep all water users safe. Please see the “Bluff Code of Conduct“.

The Code of Conduct short version is “be competent, have insurance, have a permit, give way to boats at all times (keep 100m away)” Competent means able to ride upwind, self launch and self rescue with confidence in open ocean conditions.

Pass Costs

• BKSA Members pay £10
• BKSA Members With KKC Affiliation FREE
• Other 3rd Party Liability Kitesurfing Insurance £20 (please provide documentation to enable the pass to be sold)

The system is working well, so please use, don’t abuse the spot and the code of conduct.

Failure to have 3rd party insurance and display a bluff pass could result in a £1000 fine and a re-instatement of the ban on kitesurfing so please dont be the ONE!

Where to get your Bluff Pass…

To get your Bluff pass go to Down the Line in Hayle with your BKSA card in your digital wallet or your plastic card if you don’t have the digital version. If you don’t have BKSA membership, you’ll need other documentary proof that you have insurance to kitesurf and it is valid for the duration of the pass .

Parking

Payment for parking at the Bluff Harvey Towans car park is now mandatory and controlled automatically, you can pay via the Just Park available at https://www.justpark.com/uk

You can also park at the Bluff Inn on Phillack Towans car park North of the Harvey Towans car park where there is a cash payment machine in the car park itself.

Also just over the road from the Bluff Inn to the East is the Hayle Beach Parking Car Park which also has the Just Park system

Key Elements of the Hayle Kitesurf Agreement

• Any person kitesurfing within the jurisdiction of the Hayle Harbour Authority must wear a valid Bluff permit tag on their harness.
  • Wearing a tag is important as it signifies the kiter has a valid third party liability insurance of 5 million pounds, that the kiter has agreed to abide by the Code of Conduct, and by purchasing it has made a small contribution to the annual Water Users Licence for which Kernow Kitesurfing Club has to pay the Hayle Harbour Authority.
• All kite surfers MUST keep at least 100m away from AND turn away from all vessels using the channel. This remains the key guideline for the 2011 trial.
• No kitesurfing at any time south (which means inland) of Chapel Anjou marked by a large 5 knot speed restriction sign.
• All kitesurfers must be at intermediate level or above; no learning or teaching.

The permits are free for members of the KKC, £10 for non-members, and run from 1st April each year. Non-BKSA members may purchase a tag for £20 provided they have valid liability insurance of 5 million pounds.