LAKE PIER

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OVERVIEW


A local gem, once considered a secret spot, Lake Pier beach is located at the western end of Poole harbour between Rockley Caravan park and the Royal Marine base. The draw to ride here is located 1km west of the launch spot where several grass spits / banks protrude from the water enough to flatten the chop without disrupting the wind creating a dream freestyle location.
Good for all levels of riding, but exposed and isolated, riders should head here in buddies or with safety support.

 
 

WIND DIRECTION

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SE | S | SW | W

Winds from the W, SW, S and SE are all rideable here. However the more westerly the wind is the more up-winding is required to get away from beach dangers and reach the slicks. The more Easterly the wind is the easier the launch and reaching the slicks, then the more difficult the return will be.
SSW, S and SSE are best.

 

TIDES

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Rideable: 4 hours either side of high tide

The water at the back of the harbour stays high enough to ride the slicks 4 hours either side of high tide, but riders should be aware than for 2 hours either side of low tide the mudflats either sides of the grass will be exposed and leave just deep water channels.
Riders should also note that the tidal current here can be quite strong when flowing mid tide, flooding in East-West and Ebbing out West-East

 

WATER CONDITIONS

 
 

FLAT WATER

 

Hazards

This riding spot has 2 areas; the lake pier beach launch and the banks/slicks.

The Launch spot is a relatively small beach, just 30m wide at high tide. The beach meets a bramble bush embankment, it is framed to the west by a protruding headland and the east by a large wooden pier. Beyond these points there is no landing space for around 1km+, therefore riders should be confident they can return to their starting point. They should take care to give ample space to avoid collision.

The grass banks are isolated 1km from shore, made up of mud and grass with a soft mud under surface. Marking the edge of them and the boat channel is some marker posts and buoys.
Riders should be aware that extraction in the case of an emergency will rely on boat access to reach the shore and therefore can take time. They should take extra care riding here not to become stuck in the mud and entangled with markers.

Riders should also note that 1.5km west of the grass banks is a trainline and powerlines. In a southerly wind these do not present a hazard but should be aware of.

 

Local restrictions / etiquette

  • 3rd Party insurance is mandatory to ride in the harbour - It is available from the BKSA.

  • All independent kiters require a riders permit from the PHC.

  • As the launch area is small riders should take it in turns and give each other time to depart the beach.

  • This beach is home to the Poole Kayak and canoe club, they have a club house here and use it for regular meets, kiters must give them right of way.

  • Kiters should be aware that 2-3km south (upwind) of this location is a nature protection and bird sensitive zone. We must respect this by not visiting the other islands.

 

Local logistics and amenities

  • Postcode: BH154LR

  • Pay and display car parking is located beachside

  • Public toilets are located in the car park