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When the weather hots up, there are plenty of fun ways to cool down in Hampshire.
With a gorgeous 230 miles of coastline along England’s sunny southern shores, Hampshire is a haven for water devotees who have been drawn to the area for hundreds of years reflected in the county’s rich nautical history.
What makes Hampshire so exceptional when it comes to water activity is the Solent – one of the most famous sailing areas in the world. This special strait of water is protected by the Isle of Wight to the south, trimming the New Forest coastline to the west and the historic maritime city of Portsmouth to the east, with the modern commercial port of Southampton at its centre.
Within this natural aquatic playground there are so many watersports to try, and whilst we’re submerged in the summer months there is no better time to dive right in and have some fun (just be sure to know you limits and check the conditions and tide times before you go).
Sailing and boating in Hampshire
There is good reason that Hampshire is world-famous for its sailing – the county’s coastline is dotted with countless marinas and natural harbours to satisfy seasoned sailors as well as those seeking to try their (deck)hand at sailing for the first time.
Lymington, a pretty Georgian market town with two marinas, is one of the top sailing spots in Hampshire and a great place to start your voyage. Meander up the neighbouring Beaulieu River in the New Forest and stop by the 18th century shipbuilding village of Buckler’s Hard.
Further east, the River Hamble is widely recognised as a premier boating destination, with several marinas along the river and the delightful Hamble village.
The county’s keen boating scene is reflected in major events throughout the year including the Round the Island Race, Cowes Week, and the Southampton International Boat Show.
Kitesurfing in Hampshire
Beaches lined by beginner-friendly lagoons and reliable sea breezes offer some great year-round conditions in Hampshire for wind watersports like kitesurfing, wind surfing, and wing foiling.
Calshot, a unique spit of land surrounded by water at the entrance of the Southampton water, lends itself to some of the best kitesurfing conditions on the south coast with Nomadic Kitesurf school offering courses for newbies.
Another great place to learn and launch, Hill Head, between Southampton and Portsmouth has a well-known kiters beach.
Hayling Island is home to CBK Kitesurf School, the longest running kitesurf centre in the UK.
Windsurfing in Hampshire
With similar conditions needed to kitesurfing but without the limitations of needing space to launch, windsurfing has been popular in Hampshire for decades.
Calshot is one of the best places to get started with the RYA training centre at Calshot Activities Centre offering a great range of windsurfing courses for all levels.
Lepe, Hill Head, Lee-on-Solent, Stokes Bay, and Hayling Island are also top windsurfing spots in Hampshire.
Wing foiling in Hampshire
The new kid on the watersports block, wing foiling is a fusion of kite surfing and windsurfing with the added excitement of riding a foil board when you’ve mastered the wing.
This new water sport is taking off in Hampshire with courses being offered in Hamble and Fareham by Adventure 360 and Nomadic at Calshot.
Stand-up paddleboarding in Hampshire
One of the fastest growing watersports, the popularity of stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) has surged in recent years and it’s easy to see why – it’s a super fun and accessible watersport that the whole family can enjoy.
It’s not just the coastline that offers great watersports in Hampshire, the county’s waterways and rivers also lend themselves to water sporting adventures. With calm waters, the Basingstoke Canal is a great spot for beginners to test out paddleboarding for a relaxed trip out on the water with pubs along the way. You’ll need to get a paddleboard licence (£5 for the day) to explore the canal.
The River Hamble is a legendary SUP spot in Hampshire – don’t forget to reward your paddling efforts with a drink at the Jolly Sailor pub overlooking the Hamble marina.
Beaulieu is a beautiful river to explore from the water, it’s privately owned so the only place you can launch is Bucklers Hard, which needs to be pre-booked and paid for, but the 6-mile round trip up the river to Beaulieu is beautiful.
Keyhaven to Hurst Castle in the New Forest, and Langstone Harbour near Portsmouth are also great spots for beginners – just be sure to check the tide times so that you don’t get stuck in the low-tide mud!
When you’re feeling confident to hit the coast, Stokes Bay (where you can hire boards from Stoked Watersports), Southsea Beach, and Hayling Island are all great seaside SUP spots.
Kayaking and canoeing in Hampshire
If you prefer paddling whilst sitting, all the SUP spots can also be enjoyed by kayak and the New Forest Activities specialises in canoeing and kayaking excursions to explore the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.
Wakeboarding in Hampshire
There are designated areas in the Solent for wakeboarding and water-skiing with Stokes Bay or Osbourne Bay being good locations for getting towed in the water.
Further inland, there are some great wakeboarding parks in the county at the New Forest Water Park near Fordingbridge (where you can try the inflatable obstacle course too) and the South Coast Wakepark in Portsmouth.
Make a weekend of it
Make the most of your watersports experience by booking a night or two to stay in Hampshire.
Hampshire has a variety of places to stay – from quaint self-catering cottages to holiday centres and the best glamping sites. If you are looking to get the family together or maybe treat them to a getaway – we are sure that you will find the perfect break in Hampshire.
Visit our accommodation page and browse a range of hotels, campsites, glamping sites, and self-catering properties.
We’d love to see your photos of watersports in Hampshire on our Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook pages. Tag us in your pics by using #VisitHampshire.
Related
The Georgian market town of Lymington is set on the coast in the beautiful New Forest National Park, between Southampton and Bournemouth. Famous for its sailing history, there are two large marinas filled with fishing boats and yachts, as well as two sailing clubs. The town’s narrow streets are lined with pretty period cottages and houses, as well as plenty of local pubs and restaurants.
Whether it's enjoying a riverside picnic, exploring the charming High Street or visiting the world-famous motor museum, the village of Beaulieu provides a great day out.
Escape to the beauty spot of Buckler’s Hard, where history and stunning scenery come together for an unforgettable trip out in the New Forest countryside. Once a bustling shipbuilding village where ships for Nelson’s Navy were built, the charming village of Buckler’s Hard now a peaceful haven. Relax with a cuppa and a slice of cake, take a ramble beside the Beaulieu River, or delve into the village’s history in the Buckler’s Hard Museum.
Hamble is a picturesque destination which is ideal for anyone wanting to discover some of Hampshire's best coastline and countryside. With superb riverside views, Hamble village and its quaint cobbled streets offer an alternative shopping and dining experience.
There's nothing quite like Cowes Week; the oldest and largest annual sailing regatta in the World and an iconic feature of the British sporting calendar.
Now in its 55th year, Britain’s largest festival of boating is back and bigger than ever. Southampton International Boat Show returns from 13-22 September 2024 and promises to be a real show stopper. With everything you need to make the most of life on the water, from SUPs to superyachts, there is something for everyone.
Nomadic Kitesurf school follows the wind waves and sun offering Kitesurf and Paddleboard lessons in the UK as well as coaching clinics abroad. The cater for everyone from individuals to large groups and run everything from 2 hour taster sessions to a 5 day course.
Hayling CBK Island kitesurfing school and the kitesurf shop have been established for 10 years now. However with the introduction of the kitesurf club this now allows all three core activities to be co-ordinated under one organisation.
Calshot Activities Centre offer a wide range of exciting water and land-based activities for all ages and abilities. The historic hangars accommodate the tallest climbing wall in the South, an indoor velodrome, dry slope and so much more.
This small, quiet village overlooks the Solent and has lovely views of Hurst Castle and the Isle of Wight. Although there are no shops, there are two sailing clubs and a small pub.
Come and discover this artillery fortress, built by Henry VIII, at the seaward end of a coastal spit offering one of the best views in England. Commanding the entrance to the Solent, its strategic location has developed the castle into a powerful fortress, steeped in centuries of military history.
Langstone Harbour lies between Portsmouth Harbour to the west, and Chichester Harbour to the east. It is a tranquil and beautiful place, the heart of a dynamic urban area, and a vital part of an extensive biological system.
Stoked Watersports provides kayak, SUP, Red Shark Bikes and SUP Wings for hire. Able give a great experience for all abilities from beginners to experienced enthusiasts of all ages.
It’s not surprising that windsurfing was invented on Hayling Island in Hampshire. The island is bordered by both Chichester and Langstone harbours and also has three miles of beaches along its seafront on the Solent.
New Forest Activities offer a variety of safe and enjoyable activities for families, couples, individuals and groups of all ages and abilities led by expert outdoor instructors. For tours with a difference, take to the water with Canoeing and Kayaking on the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve.
New Forest Water Park is a family run business situated just outside Fordingbridge, on the outskirts of the New Forest. They have several activities running on site, wakeboarding, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding and the UK's 1st Aqua Park being. The inflatable Aqua Park now measures in at 80 metres long, 40 metres wide and has 2 trampolines, monkey bars, flippers, slides, hurdles, rockers, rollers, an overhang climbing wall, a swing, a giant iceberg(!) and much more.
Welcoming everyone from beginners to pros, South Coast H2O is home to the UK’s longest System 2.0 straightline cable; suitable for wakeboarders, kitesurfers, wakeskaters and just about anyone who wants to rip it up on the water from 8 years old.
The Adventure 360 wingsurfing and wingfoiling school is based at Cliff Road Meon Shore Titchfield Haven Fareham and Warsash Shore Road Southampton offering the best conditions possible to set you on your Winging journey. Adventure 360 also offers paddle board lessons on the River Hamble.
