Hurst Split (Hurst Coast)
- Freeride, Big air
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Flat
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) is a dedicated, advanced coastal windsport location at the end of a long shingle spit near Hurst Castle. The environment is dominated by the Solent entrance: while the inside/leeward area can be mirror-flat in the right winds, the surrounding water is characterized by very strong tidal currents and deep water close to the spit edge. Access is a major practical factor. Riders typically manage a long walk along shingle with gear (often over 1.5 miles each way), and many people use a trolley or access by boat/ferry. Because of the remote setup and the strength of the currents, the spot is not considered a beginner-friendly beach. Wind conditions are typically in the moderate-to-strong range, with good reliability for south-westerly and easterly gradients. Summer can add afternoon sea-breeze influence that boosts or sharpens winds from the SW sector when conditions are sunny, while broader seasonal patterns keep the main riding window extending through autumn and winter. Safety is the defining theme: hazards include extremely strong currents, busy shipping lanes, and the combination of sharp shingle with deep water offshore. Practically, this means you should only kite or windsurf if you can self-rescue, stay well clear of ferry/shipping channels, and respect seasonal restrictions associated with the reserve status.
- Mirror-flat water potential on the inside/leeward area during suitable easterly winds
- Extreme tidal currents and deep water close to the edge
- Afternoon summer sea-breeze/thermal enhancement can strengthen winds
- Legendary flat-water potential on the leeward/inside area during suitable wind directions
- Clean water and a big shingle spit setting for dedicated riders
- Seasonal wind window with generally good wind reliability for common gradients
- Extremely strong tidal currents and nearby deep water
- Shipping lanes/ships are a hazard
- Remote access and long shingle walk with equipment; rescue response can be delayed
- Not suitable for beginners
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- SW, WSW, E, ENE, NE
- Offshore directions
- SW, WSW, NE, ENE, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Spot wind can vary between southeasterly/sea-breeze influence in summer and broader south-coast patterns from Atlantic systems; thermal sea breezes may enhance afternoons.
- Reliability
- Good, especially for south-westerly and easterly gradients.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat
- Beach
- Pebble — Shingle/spit environment with pebble/sand-like surface described as pebble.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Small — Small wave conditions reported; outer areas can become choppy/swelly depending on wind placement.
- Launch
- Big — Long, narrow shingle bank with limited space at high tide; access via a long shingle walk along the spit or by ferry from Keyhaven.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Launch area is long and narrow with limited space at high tide; moderate-to-difficult overall due to access and conditions.
Through the year
Quiet overall due to difficult access; peak summer brings more walkers but few riders.
Winter months (November to March) bring frequent low-pressure systems and strong winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat-water potential on the leeward/inside side of the spit during suitable winds, with chop or swell more apparent outside. Currents are extremely strong and the spot is dangerous for beginners.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Suitable for speed/slalom on the flatter water side, but access with gear is a significant deterrent and the tidal environment is challenging.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
More suitable on the seaward/deeper channel side; inside lagoons are often too shallow and currents are very challenging.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.0m on the inside, deep on the outside
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) in the full forecast view.
Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–31 ktsGusts 48 kts
- Direction
- SW233°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2431 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.5–4.1 m7s period
- Temperature
- 10–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–31 kts, peaking around 31 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 48 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.5–4.1 m with a period of about 7s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Very strong tidal currents in the Solent entrance (up to 4-5 knots reported)
- Busy international shipping lane / ships in the strait
- Deep water immediately off the spit edge
- Sharp shingle and pebbles
- Remote location with long walk for rescue
- Isolation (long walk back)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated rescue availability reported for the spit itself. HM Coastguard and RNLI stations are nearby, but response time to the spit can be delayed. UK emergency number 999 or 112.
Rules of the spot
Open all year round. Respect seasonal bird-nesting restrictions in the SSSI areas and stay clear of ferry/shipping channels. Only ride if you can self-rescue and manage strong cross-shore/clearing tidal currents.
- Respect the SSSI nature reserve status; avoid disturbing nesting birds in seasonal restricted areas.
- Stay well clear of the ferry and shipping channel.
- Bird nesting no-go zones.
- Access is a major barrier: expect a long walk over shingle (about 1.5 miles each way) unless arriving by boat or using a trolley.
- Only ride if you are confident in self-rescue and handling strong cross-shore currents.
- Parking can be limited at the spit itself; free road parking is available on Saltgrass Lane though it may be constrained.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Keyhaven
- Nearest Town
- Hampshire
- Parking
- Free road parking on Saltgrass Lane, though parking can be limited at Hurst Spit itself. Pay and display parking also available at Keyhaven or Milford-on-Sea.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Far — Broad range of stays in the wider area, including campsites and B&Bs in Milford-on-Sea and Keyhaven.
- Food & Drink
- A seasonal cafe is located at Hurst Castle at the end of the spit.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental services available on the spit itself (some riders may access rental via local mobile schools).
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Visitors can combine the technical water sports at Hurst Castle with nearby New Forest and coastal countryside activities.
Artillery fortress at the end of the spit with panoramic views of the Isle of Wight.
An artillery fortress by Henry VIII located at the tip of the spit with panoramic views.
Historic market town with Georgian architecture and maritime/sailing history.
Trails for cycling, hiking, and horse riding among woodlands and heathlands.
Traditional pub in Keyhaven popular with the local boating and wind-sports community.
Open-air sea water baths with swimming lanes and family activities.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Hurst Split (Hurst Coast)?
The best overall months at Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) are May, June, July, August, September, October, November. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Hurst Split (Hurst Coast)?
Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) works with SW, WSW, E, ENE, NE winds. Offshore directions are SW, WSW, NE, ENE, E.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Hurst Split (Hurst Coast)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Hurst Split (Hurst Coast): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) suitable for?
Hurst Split (Hurst Coast) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate to Advanced · Windsurfing: Advanced · Wingfoiling: Advanced.