THE DUCKPOND
The 'Duck Pond' works best on a NW because the wind funnels from the direction of Exeter and cleans up as it comes down the estuary. Plan your kiteboarding to avoid disappointment and arrive 2-3 hours before high tide (except neap tides). The Duck Pond has good parking and a green where you can prepare your kit, then you can walk up the estuary and launch from one of the sand banks, giving yourself an upwind advantage and space.
It is possible to launch from the green and many people do this, but it is best to plan your trip and arrive early and get the best of the tide - conditions are much better when the tide is on the push and still fairly shallow. If you don't plan your trip you are forced to launch on the grass, navigate through parked cars, hop over a fence - down a slip way, then start power stroking with your kite over land with a wall facing you - a recipe for a kitemare and worse.
Wind: NW is best, W and N are OK, but more gusty
How to get there: Come in to Exmouth on the A376, at the first roundabout take the second exit, at the next roundabout shortly afterwards, take the third exit, then bear left into the car park. Park next to the grass.
Facilities: Pay and display car park (ticket machine at entrance), toilets (at entrance), Edge Watersports shop, takeaway food nearby in town centre
FOR PICTURES: check www.exepics.co.uk
THE SEAFRONT
The Seafront is where the Exe meets the sea. The main sailing area is sheltered by a massive sandbank which keeps the swell at bay and provides excellent flat water conditions. For those who seek a wave it is possible to get on the back of the sandbar and get some wave action. A deep channel (which runs very fast) runs alongside the narrow beach backed by a road. This area is for experienced kiters only. It is possible to kite on the seafront on any state of tide, but it definitely works best on a dropping tide about 2/3 hours before low water, This is when the sandbank comes up and the channel starts running very flat - helping stay upwind in lighter conditions and allows constant practicing of tricks without slipping down wind. But, drop your kite and be ready for a struggle.
Wind: Works best in S, SE and ESE. This is when clean wind comes in off the sea and is on shore. SW works but is gusty.
How to get there: Come in to Exmouth on the A376 and follow the signs for the seafront, turn left on the seafront and cross a mini roundabout, drive past the inshore lifeboat station on the left and shortly afterwards turn left into the car park. Try to park at the far, then cross the road and walk down the beach - this is the designated launch area.
Facilities: Car park, tap for rinsing gear, cafes, toilets 200m, Edge shop 1 mile
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