This spot works well when tide is on ebb, low tide is absolutely awesome as you are effectively kiting in a lagoon, and the water is like a mirror. As the tide drops, various banks of sand/shingle become exposed (good fun for jumping over) eventually limiting the available area to either left or right of the peninsular. Surfing further out does not pose a problem as you are effectively in a massive bay. It is not recommended that the estuary is used on an incoming tide as you will rapidly travel into the river mouth. Inexperienced riders should stay away from the river mouth/current, there is plenty of space to the south of the shingle bar.
Walk to Shingle Beach and head for peninsular opposite the Martello tower. Since October 2004 a huge spit has started to form that extends round and in front of car park, this spit has now closed in (December 2005) and creates a lagoon. Rigging area is limited at high tide, please head to end of spit if busy with other beach users. When tide is out there are patches of exposed sand, you may prefer to lay your kite here as the beach is cleaner. Keep well away from groynes further up beach. Space is limited, please respect others and the local kite school that uses this area for teaching.
You can use this location all year depending on weather. Spring to autumn is popular. Winter can be hard as it's cold and desolate. Nice weather in summer.
Follow A14 to end at Felixstowe roundabout, straight over and left at next roundabout, at third roundabout turn right and turn left at forth roundabout. Follow the road for one mile and parking (cheap) can be found at the top of the cliff, south of the golf course or continue to the Ferry Boat Inn car park (free).
06-03-17 Dom: If your landboarding come visit us at the Grove too... which is just round the corner... As directions - A14, straight over 1st roundabout, straight over 2nd, 1st exit on third roundabout heading left down a small lane. Large field (about 12 football fields size) we're down there every w/e!
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