Daymer Bay
Beach Overview
A stunning beach that at low tide forms long stretches of golden sand backed by dunes from Daymer Bay to Rock with superb views across Camel Estuary. Classically if it is strong North Westerly this spot will offer some great riding whether you are kitesurfing, wing foiling and obviously windsurfing.
‘Winging or kitesurfing …. when it is good, it is one of the best spots in the world I have ever enjoyed.’
Daymer bay is a little beach dead opposite Hawkers Cove, a popular flat water spot on the west side of the estuary. Daymer is a little more exposed to the incoming swell and some small waves. Daymer Bay is possible to ride regardless of the tide. There’s usually a little bit of beach to launch and land a kite even on high tides. There a few boats around the estuary, so remember to keep a safe distance from them.
Summer Restriction – No Kiting between 10am and 6pm in July and August.
Other than this and avoiding the wind shadow and tidal currents near Bray Hill and you should have a gem of a location to play with. Flat water boosting in the channel, or some great ramps and softer waves just in front of the beach are ideal for all levels. If there is a reasonable size wave coming into the estuary and you are confident in getting up wind then head over to the far shore. The wind may not be as clean but you could well discover some amazing down the line waves with seemingly endless opportunities to put some turns in .
Best Waves
A lot of the time the waves are smaller and less powerful on the Eastern side of the bay as they wrap around from the entrance to the Atlantic. Often longboard surfers have used it and It is one of the spots the local adopters of prone foil surfing are regularly enjoying with rides over 500m! Check out the Kernowfoilcrew Instagram page
If there is solid ground swell you will see experienced riders going across the channel to catch swells from the Doom Bar across towards Hawkers Cove on the far side – This works better between Mid to High tide, although the wind is often more gusty here because of the headland.
Historical Fact… (thanks to Loic for this gem!) In the 19century they actually quarried out a segment of Stepper Point to get more wind in the bay for the sailing ships. You can see how much in the above pic. Nice consequence for all kiters!
BEACH KEY INFORMATION
BEST WIND DIRECTION
North Westerly
WORKABLE WIND DIRECTIONS
From Northerly through Southerly to Southerly
TIDAL RESTRICTIONS
Be warned the tide is strong here. At mid tide it rips out and can make relaunching any style of kite very tricky. – The best directions would be N, NW, SW & S – Westerly winds are directly onshore and it can get gusty so care should be taken as this beach can get very busy. At high spring tides there is not much beach left
HAZARDS & RESTRICTIONS
Summer time restrictions in July and August - No Kiting between 10am and 6pm. You can be especially vulnerable on a southerly and outgoing tide as it really does rip out. Looking out from the Car park across the beach to the south there is the imposing Bray Hill - as the tide comes in it does have an impact on both the wind and the current - it is always best to launch and land well away from its affect. If you are crossing the channel be aware of boat traffic from Rock and Padstow and also at mid tide the current is seriously strong. On the northern side of the beach (your right if you are looking over towards the channel) there are plenty of stones and rocks to be aware of if you try to get too close to the shore - It is a good idea to get there at low of mid tide to scope them out.
HAZARD MAP
USEFUL LINKS
Recommended Wind Window
