Watersports in Hampshire

For top world class sailing, windsurfing and kayaking, look no further than the Solent. The Hampshire coastline has many attractive harbours, marinas and estuaries, providing ideal locations for watersports.

The River Hamble, with its annual regatta, is one of the country's leading yachting centres and many kinds of leisure craft and sailing facilities can be found there.

Both yacht charter for the experienced sailor or sailing courses for beginners are available at numerous coastal centres in Hampshire.

Visiting boats are welcome in many marinas and a choice of locations is available, from quiet and unspoilt spots such as Emsworth or Keyhaven to attractive town harbours such as Lymington or those with easy access to bars and restaurants such as Port Solent.

Hayling Island's award-winning beaches are the popular home of windsurfing while the Calshot Activity Centre on the edge of the New Forest offers a variety of courses in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and powerboating for people of all ages and abilities.

Hampshire is also a great place to go kayaking and stand up paddle boarding (SUP) with a variety of trails and routes to follow. Whether you like to be out in the open in places such as Southampton Water and Calshot Beach or if you prefer more comfortable exploring along Beaulieu River and Basingstoke Canal, there is plenty to discover.

For the more adventurous, the Solent also offers opportunities to try out kitesurfing, waterskiing and wakeboarding.

If you are looking to start sailing the Hamble School of Yachting run numerous approved courses and taster sessions.