Sandy Acres

Beach Overview

Sandy Acres, also know as Mexicos or Upton Towans…this is a real gem of a kitesurfing and windsurfing location. It holds a prize position on St Ives beach sandwiched between Gwithians and Hayle River mouth. Backing on to sand dunes it offers a rideable spot at pretty much any state of the tide although you will need confidence at high tide as there is not much beach left to launch and land your kit.

Try to gauge the conditions correctly to take the right kit down as it is quite an enjoyable stroll down the steep sandy dunes. Just remember to save some energy as the soft sand is a bit of a killer with soggy kit on the way back up.

The general rule of thumb is the swell will get bigger the further you head east towards Gwithian Towans. This spot can offer a great stepping stone from the flatter water often found at the Bluff (Hayle). But do not be lulled into a false sense of security here as it offers waves with a serious punch in the right conditions. Often the waves are reasonably spaced to give good rides or brilliant boosting if you want to hit some ramps on a twin tip. Be wary of rips as there is generally always current taking you downwind with the prevailing conditions so you will need enough power to be comfortable. Worst case scenario is you have a walk back up the beach and the likelihood is that you will often have some company too.

Local Watersport coach, Lee Harvey (numerous times UK Wave kite Champion) can be seen ripping up sections here if the conditions are good. He often runs wave coaching clinics from either here, Gwithians or Marazion.

Love this Go Pro photo from Lee with Mike Perry bottom turning…

BEACH KEY INFORMATION

BEST WIND DIRECTION

West South Westerly

WORKABLE WIND DIRECTIONS

From West South Westerly through North Easterly to Northerly

TIDAL RESTRICTIONS

This is a gentle shelving beach so there is a big tidal range and you can kite right up to high tide save for the odd exceptional high spring tide where the beach would disappear. Watch out for a dumping heavy close out wave at low tide.

HAZARDS & RESTRICTIONS

There is plenty of beach here and not many hazards of a physical nature to be wary of. But Keep away from the flagged lifeguard patrolled areas to the west and east. Also watch out for the surf schools running lessons in season here. They are visible as all their customers wear bright coloured rash vests.

USEFUL LINKS

Recommended Wind Window

Location, Parking & Access

PARKING

This is a pay and display Car Park - (if you use the Just Park APP you can sign on using Location ID 529176). Make sure you are registered and paid within 15 minutes of going through the gatae). They are red hot - Make sure you have a valid ticket and that it is displayed visibly. You will need to collect a ticket before you get to the parking area. This can be found on the right hand side of the gate way. It is a further 300- 400m of bumpy lane to get down to the gravel car park at the top of the dunes next to the Sandy Acres Cafe.

BEACH ACCESS

It is a 4-5 minute stroll down a sandy and sometimes rocky path to the beach and it is definitely down! Just remember to save a modicum of energy for the yomp back up through soft sand

Photo Gallery