Exmouth Estuary (The Duck Pond), Devon

Brief intro: Flat water lagoon. Only works at high tide and it’s like sailing on a lake. Ideal for beginners and those craving very flat water. Beware it is fairly shallow.

Beach faces: North west

Best wind direction: NE and NW

Best direction for waves: N/A

Not good: Southerly

Tide: Mid to high tide, no water at low tide, only mud!

What’s on the bottom: Sand / sediment

Any hazards?: Only if you venture out into the channel/river where you have moorings and a fast tidal flow.

Other water users: lots of kitesurfers

Suitability/levels: Beginners to Advanced. The ultimate beginners spot because it is about 3/4ft deep across the whole Lagoon stretching as far as Lympstone. Perfect for learning to water start and freestyle heaven.

Wipeout factor: Can be quite shallow so forward loops and aerial freestyle equals sore bum!

Instruction: YES for all levels. Enquire at Waterfront Sports near the lifeboat station. (01395 276599)

Kit Hire: YES for all levels at Waterfront Sports (Naish, Tushingham, North, Starboard, Mistral ) (01395 276599)

Friendly factor: Average of 30 windsurfers most weekends and summer evenings on the estuary.

No wind alternatives: Phear Park Pitch and Putt 2mins drive away, public swimming baths in sports centre, typical seaside activities in the summer like donkey rides, boat trips, arcades etc.

Surfable?: NO

Facilities:

Accommodation: www.exmouthguide.co.uk Tourist Information Centre Tel. 01395 222299, Exmouth@btinternet.com

Local hotshots : Terry Luxton (UK Wave Rankings 8 th, freestyle guru), John Hibbard (UK Wave Rankings 5 th)

Local knowledge/secrets : If its an NW, even if it’s super light, it funnels down the Exe Estuary giving F4 plus land breezes depending on how hot it is.

How to get there: M5, turn off at Junction 30, follow signs to Exmouth on the A376, head towards sea front, when you get towards the town centre and pass the train station, take the 3 rd left off the roundabout and then 3 rd left again at the next roundabout, passing the rugby ground and it’s the next left. Park alongside the road.

Reporter : Terry Luxton

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