Paddies Hole (Redcar)
- Freeride, Wave
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Paddies Hole is a tidal, shallow-water kitesurfing spot on Teesside Coast near Redcar, where wind from the west to west-southwest (WSW/W/WNW, sometimes NW) is typically the best match for the site’s flat-water lagoon characteristics. Conditions reported for the spot emphasize a flat water base but with chop, and water quality described as cloudy or fair. Because it’s tidal, access and launch feasibility change through the day; sources warn that the beach/launch area can disappear at high tide, so checking tide tables is important before committing to the session. Safety is a major theme for Paddies Hole. Multiple hazards are reported around the launch and riding zone, including stakes/metal stakes, iron slag/sharp industrial byproducts, industrial debris, and nearby fishing boats/boat traffic. The spot is described as technical due to the surrounding hazards, and there are also reports of strong currents near the River Tees mouth—especially if you leave any more sheltered area. For sports suitability, kitesurfing is the best-matched activity, with descriptions focusing on freestyle/freeride/foil potential depending on conditions and careful scouting for depth and debris. Windsurfing is also mentioned as popular for speed sailing, while foiling is described as advanced and limited due to variable depth and submerged metal debris. Overall, it’s a well-regarded flat-water option for riders who prioritize local awareness, tide planning, and hazard control over convenience.
- West-sector winds (WSW/W/WNW) are the primary sweet spot.
- Tide-dependent launch—check conditions because the beach can disappear at high tide.
- Technical riding environment with stakes/slag/industrial debris and boat traffic.
- Flat-to-choppy lagoon conditions can suit speed and freestyle styles when wind is in the west sector.
- Wind is described as suitable for kitesurfing with a practical wind range for planning kite sizes.
- Recognized locally/regional among flat-water enthusiasts, while remaining within an industrial setting.
- The launch/ride area is shallow and tide-dependent; the beach can vanish at high tide.
- Highly technical with multiple hazards (stakes/metal debris, slag, industrial remains) and boat traffic.
- Strong tidal currents near the River Tees mouth—caution when leaving any sheltered area.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- WSW, W, WNW, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–30 kts
- Wind Type
- Gradient — Best wind directions are west and west-southwest (WSW/W/WNW). Sources describe the wind as suitable for the site’s flat-water lagoon conditions.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Described as moderate gusts.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Mixed — Beach composition reported as mixed.
- Beach Size
- Tidal
- Waves
- Flat — Reported as flat/flat water; chop may be present depending on conditions.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Chop is mentioned alongside flat-water conditions.
- Launch
- Small — Small beach area that can disappear at high tide; launching may occur near fishing boats and industrial remains.
Through the year
Busy with local riders on windy weekends; quiet during the week.
November to March shows the most storm surges and stronger gale-force winds; winter storms bring the strongest winds.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Flat, shallow, chop/technical lagoon conditions suitable for freestyle and freeride; wave riding can be possible depending on conditions. Surrounding hazards make it technical.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–12 m²
Reportedly popular for speed sailing using glassy flat water behind the breakwater.
- Sail Sizes
- 5–7.5 m²
Can be used for foiling, but riders must be extremely wary of shallow areas and submerged metal debris.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- Variable; best to scout at low tide to identify deep channels.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Paddies Hole (Redcar) in the full forecast view.
Paddies Hole (Redcar) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 6–27 ktsGusts 47 kts
- Direction
- SW219°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2427 kts
- Windy days
- 5/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.3–1.7 m5s period
- Temperature
- 6–15 °C
Over the next 7 days, Paddies Hole (Redcar) is forecast for daytime winds of 6–27 kts, peaking around 27 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 47 kts. The prevailing direction is SW. Waves run 0.3–1.7 m with a period of about 5s. 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
- stakes
- metal stakes
- iron slag
- sharp rocks
- industrial debris
- strong tidal currents near the river mouth
- boat traffic
- submerged metal debris (reported for foiling)
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Regional context indicates limited rescue availability, supported by RNLI and Coastguard services.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest hospital with A&E is James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough. In an emergency call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Rules of the spot
Avoid the main shipping channel of the River Tees; be respectful of local fishermen using the harbor.
- Do not obstruct the boat launch or harbor access.
- Avoid the main shipping channel of the River Tees.
- The spot is highly tide-dependent; the beach can disappear at high tide—check local tide tables.
- Launch/ride with extra caution around hazards such as “slag” and metal stakes.
- Avoid the main shipping channel and don’t obstruct boat launch/harbor access.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Middlesbrough
- Nearest Town
- Redcar
- Nearest Airport
- Teesside International Airport (also described as Durham Tees Valley Airport)
- Parking
- Limited parking available in small pull-offs or along the side of the road near fishing huts; a car park at Coatham, Redcar is recommended for access (walk along the beach).
- Public Transport
- Northern Rail network with stations at Redcar Central and Hartlepool; bus services connect Middlesbrough/Hartlepool to Redcar and Seaton Carew with limited train access noted (nearest station at Hartlepool).
- Access
- From where you park it is about 10m down a few steps onto the beach. Another description notes access via the road to South Gare (a rough, potholed private road through industrial areas).
- Cost Level
- Budget
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Guesthouses and hotels are available in Redcar.
- Food & Drink
- Often a mobile catering van (Snack Shack) at the end of the Gare; no permanent cafes at Paddies Hole.
- Equipment Rental:
- No rental available on-site.
- Gear Storage
- Specific gear storage facilities described as limited; some clubs/schools may offer temporary storage.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Teesside Coast combines industrial scenery with recreational seaside spaces. The wider region is associated with a strong tidal environment near the River Tees estuary.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Paddies Hole (Redcar)?
The best overall months at Paddies Hole (Redcar) are May, June, July, August, September. The best wind months are January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Paddies Hole (Redcar)?
Paddies Hole (Redcar) works with WSW, W, WNW, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Paddies Hole (Redcar)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Paddies Hole (Redcar): Kitesurfing: 7–12 m² · Windsurfing: 5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–30 kts.
What skill level is Paddies Hole (Redcar) suitable for?
Paddies Hole (Redcar) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Advanced.