What it's actually like

Sandbanks is a skinny spit of sand with Poole Harbour on one side and Poole Bay on the other, and that is exactly why I love it. Two completely different sessions, a short walk apart. If you want flat water, look at the harbour.

If you want something tastier, walk over to the sea side. Harbour side or sea side, pick early, because on a warm weekend it gets crowded fast.

The sea is down around 8°C by February, and you learn to get into a damp winter suit in the car park in seconds, before your fingers give up.

Your month

When it's good

The climate record and a finer forecast model disagree by 22 per cent here, and no nearby shore weather station can settle it, so rideable days are not shown.

At a glance

Is it for you?

Skill levelComfortable

WaterMixed bag

Crowds · OctBusy patches

Local vibeWelcoming

Water qualityUsually clean

NightlifeA bar or two

CostMid

When it gets busy

Crowds

Jan · Low

On warm summer days, weekends and school holidays both sides get very busy, on the sand and on the water. Come on a winter weekday and there is plenty of room.

On the water

What October usually does

Wind directionS to NWS and SSW for bumps on the sea side, SW to NW across the harbour. NW is offshore on the sea side, so take it inside.

Wind strength15 kt and upWhere the fun starts. Winter gusts run far higher, so rig for the mean, not the gusts.

When it blowsThrough the short dayShort winter days, so time your session by the tide.

Your playground

Launches & safety

Local intel

Getting there & on the ground

Nearest airportBournemouth (BOH)About 11 miles by road.

On the groundOctober to MarchThe windy half of the year.

Getting aroundCar or busBuses run to Sandbanks. Parkstone and Poole stations are under 3 miles away. Roadside parking on Banks Road and the Shore Road car park are both paid.

Stay, schools & kit

Who works this beach

Easy RidersSchoolKite · Wing · FoilBeach club on the Shore Road promenade. Teaches on the harbour and the seafront.Photo: Carrie Fulker via Google

The Watersports AcademySchoolWindsurf · WingMulti-sport centre at 15 Banks Road, teaching in the waist-deep harbour.Photo: Imogene Meyer via Google

Poole Harbour WatersportsSchoolWindsurf · WingSchool van on Whitley Lake, opposite the Tesco Express on Banks Road.Photo: Poole Harbour Watersports via Google

Did I miss something out?Send it straight to me. I wrote this page.