The water conditions vary quite considerably making this an interesting spot to visit. It will definately test all your skills. Generally prevailing winds are South Westerly or South Easterly which gives the best cross shore conditions. With sandbanks stretching far out from the shore wave conditions vary throughout the day ranging from flat water to head height during the same wind conditions. Sometimes there can be a rip but this varies at different parts of the beach. Northerly conditions are rare except in the winter when it gets pretty cold with the windchill anyway.
The beach is 11 miles of golden sand backed by a massive dune system. When the tide goes out there is a large area of flat sand that dries out quickly. Sometimes large pools can be created depending on the sea conditions in the prevailing months which make it great for teaching. During most of the year there is normally a large area of soft sand between the high tide mark and the dunes. This sometimes dissapears during high tide and winter storms. Hopefully the snow has fallen in the hills less than 80 miles away so we do a bit of snow kiting instead.
The beautiful thing about the Scottish weather is if you don't like what is happening at any moment in time you generally only have to wait for 15 minutes and it will probably change. Water temperature can be as high as 17-19°C. Cold for you southerners but we're tough up here. It normally only changes a few degrees throughout the year. Air temperature is a different situation and wetsuits should be warn throughout the summer. Some guys use 3mm on the really good days. During the winter last year we got away with 5mm but wore windproof clothing over the top. Its the windchill that gets you in the end, with the water much warmer. We kitesurf all year round. Aberdeen is in the rain shadow of the Cairngorms so the reality is we generally get many dry days. Contrary to popular belief the water temperature doesn't vary that much and the water temperature is not too far removed from the south coast of England, over 500 miles away.
Scotland is generally windier than the rest of the UK. Summer time is generally big kite time with 3-5 Bft. So far large foils are getting more water time than anything else. These winds are generally from between SW to SE. March through to September. During the winter months anything goes and the winds often pick up to force 7-9. The windsurfers love it! These high winds can be gusty but are generally predictable so by checking local weather stations you can be fairly safe there isn't going to be a sudden shift in direction.
If you are comming in by air fly to Aberdeen Airprot. Taxi or bus in to Aberdeen where there is a great night life all through the year. The locals are quite friendly but think anyone wanting to play in the north sea must have a few links missing. To get to Balmedie take the bus/taxi or blag a lift north on the A92. 3 miles north of the city centre yiou come to the Bridge of Don. 4 Miles north of this there will be a sign to Balmedie on your right. You'll be able to see the sea on your right all the way. If its on your left you are heading south! When you get to Balmedie just head straight for the beach. With so much space yoiu can set up virtually anywhere. Access to the beach is via the country park car park which is basically the end of the road when you head for the beach at Balmedie.
There are no rules or regulations at the moment although we are in discussion with local council staff to keep things safe and fun for ourselves and the rest of the beach users. If we see anyone acting dangerously we talk with them but safety equipment is generally up to the individual.
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