Littlehampton 1
- Bodyboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Chop, Small waves
- Spot Type
- Busy
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Littlehampton 1 is a South Coast beach break that’s reasonably exposed but works only occasionally, so conditions and timing matter. The setup is generally built around larger southwest swells meeting a high tide, and north winds can help by grooming the swell for cleaner faces. From an in-water perspective, the water is described as chop/small-waves with small surf, and the bottom is sandy. Groynes and harbour/river structures add complexity: they can be submerged at high tide and the area near the River Arun is known for very strong tidal currents, which can be dangerous for swimmers and anyone without experience. For wind-related conditions, north through north-east winds are highlighted as favorable (and can be offshore), but wind reliability is described as low overall. Gustiness is reported as moderate, and the harbor pier may create localized wind shadow effects in some directions. Seasonally, winter water temperatures are very cold (around the high single digits °C), with spring and autumn periods often needing fuller protection. A spring wetsuit with hood, gloves, and boots is emphasized for colder months, and riders are advised to plan for cold-water exposure and to respect seasonal swimming-zone guidance.
- Best surf at high tide with southwest swell
- North winds can groom conditions offshore
- Hazardous tidal currents near the River Arun/harbour mouth
- Groynes can be submerged at high tide
- South-coast beach break setting with generally manageable access (launch difficulty rated easy).
- Works best at high tide and with southwest swells.
- North winds can improve wave cleanliness by grooming the swell offshore.
- Facilities are available (including toilets), and the scene is accessible via the seafront.
- Only works occasionally, so consistency can be poor.
- Strong tidal currents near the harbour mouth/river area can be dangerous for swimmers.
- Groynes and pier structures can create hazards, especially if they’re submerged at high tide.
- Rescue coverage is limited and lifeguards are seasonal.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- N, NE, NW
- Offshore directions
- N
- Wind Range
- 10–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Frontal — Provider notes describe frontal conditions for the wind pattern.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March, October, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Chop, Small waves
- Beach
- Mixed — Sand is present; conditions also transition to shingle/pebbles toward the high-tide edge.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Small
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Water described as chop.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach at low tide, transitioning to shingle and pebbles near the high tide mark.
Through the year
The beach is very busy with tourists in July and August, but the water is rarely crowded with surfers.
Winter months are the most unsettled.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Possible on the wider beach areas, though riders typically prefer designated zones further east.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–12 m²
Occasional windsurfing when conditions allow; groynes require careful navigation.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7 m²
Possible at higher tides, though shallow bottom and groynes make it less ideal than other nearby locations.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 1.5 meters
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
A reasonably exposed South Coast beach break that only works occasionally. Best when a southwest swell meets a high tide; north winds can improve face quality.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- SW
- Swell Height
- 0.5–1.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Works best at high tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- North winds are offshore and can groom the swell for cleaner conditions.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become messy or close out on very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Soft — Average to soft wave energy; conditions are often inconsistent.
- Wave Shape
- Mushy — Waves are often short and mushy; can offer cleaner faces with north winds.
- Peel Speed
- Slow
- Ride Length
- Short
- Ride Length Details
- Waves are often short and mushy, but can offer clean faces with north winds.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Littlehampton 1 in the full forecast view.
Littlehampton 1 wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–30 ktsGusts 49 kts
- Direction
- SW232°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2430 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.2–2.8 m6s period
- Temperature
- 9–16 °C
Over the next 7 days, Littlehampton 1 is forecast for daytime winds of 3–30 kts, peaking around 30 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 49 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.2–2.8 m with a period of about 6s. 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
- wooden groynes
- strong tidal currents near the River Arun/harbour mouth
- river traffic from the Arun
- submerged pier structures
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited
- Emergency Info
- Coastguard can be reached via 999.
Rules of the spot
Be aware of seasonal swimming zones. Stay clear of the active shipping lane at the river mouth; the Arun produces very strong currents near the harbour mouth and can be dangerous for swimmers and inexperience.
- seasonal swimming zones
- Only works once in a while, so patience is key.
- Best surfed on the rising tide about 2 hours before high water.
- Watch out for wooden groynes which can be submerged at high tide.
- The water near the river mouth can be very turbulent.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Littlehampton
- Nearest Town
- Arun
- Parking
- Pay and display parking lots are available along the seafront and near the East Pier.
- Public Transport
- Accessible via the Coastway West railway line; direct trains run from London Victoria and Brighton to Littlehampton station.
- Access
- From the A27 take the A259 into Littlehampton and follow signs to the sea front, which are self-explanatory.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Various hotels, guesthouses, and holiday parks are located within Littlehampton.
- Food & Drink
- Numerous cafes, kiosks, and restaurants are situated along the seafront and near the harbor.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is described as limited; it’s recommended to bring your own gear.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A seaside amusement park with rides and entertainment located at the harbor mouth.
A restored medieval castle and stately home located just inland from the coast.
Hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities along chalk ridges.
An award-winning architectural landmark offering local seafood and beachside dining.
A family-friendly train ride running along the seafront.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Littlehampton 1?
The best overall months at Littlehampton 1 are October, November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, March, October, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Littlehampton 1?
Littlehampton 1 works with N, NE, NW winds. Offshore directions are N.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Littlehampton 1?
Recommended equipment sizes at Littlehampton 1: Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 10–25 kts.
What skill level is Littlehampton 1 suitable for?
Littlehampton 1 suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Beginner to Intermediate.