Watersports

Kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing on the Arun coast

Littlehampton's position at the mouth of the River Arun, with both sheltered river water and open sea, makes it a natural centre for watersports. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing, windsurfing and kitesurfing all take place along the coast and on the river, attracting participants ranging from complete beginners to experienced enthusiasts who travel to Littlehampton specifically for the conditions.

Stand-up paddleboarding has grown enormously in popularity in recent years, and Littlehampton is well suited to the activity. The river upstream of the harbour provides sheltered, flat water that is ideal for beginners and for those who prefer calm conditions. Paddleboarders can launch from the harbour area and head upstream towards Arundel, passing through attractive countryside with views of reed beds, water meadows and the distant castle. The river route avoids the hazards of the open sea and the harbour entrance, making it suitable for paddlers of modest experience.

Kayaking follows similar patterns, with the river providing the gentler option and the open sea offering more challenge and variety. Sea kayakers launching from East Beach can explore the coastline in both directions, heading west past the harbour mouth towards Climping or east along the Rustington shore. The harbour entrance requires caution, as the tidal current is strong and boat traffic can be heavy, but experienced kayakers handle the crossing routinely. Guided kayak tours of the river and coast are available from local providers during the summer season.

Sailing at Littlehampton is centred on the Arun Yacht Club, which occupies premises on the river near the harbour. The club caters for dinghy sailors and yacht owners, with racing programmes, social sailing and training courses running throughout the season. The club's location at the river mouth gives access to both the river and the open sea, and the racing courses take advantage of the tidal conditions and the coastal winds. Visitors and newcomers are welcome, and the club runs introductory sessions for those who want to try sailing.

Windsurfing and kitesurfing are best served by West Beach and Climping Beach, where the open aspect and reliable winds create suitable conditions. The beaches west of the river are less crowded than East Beach, providing more space for launching and landing and reducing the risk of conflicts with swimmers and paddlers. Kitesurfing requires significant space for the kite lines and is not appropriate on busy bathing beaches, but the wide expanses of Climping provide the room needed.

Safety is paramount for all watersports at Littlehampton. The tidal currents, particularly at the harbour entrance, the possibility of offshore winds carrying paddlers out to sea and the presence of boat traffic all create hazards that must be understood and managed. Buoyancy aids should be worn at all times, and participants should carry a means of communication, ideally a waterproof VHF radio or a mobile phone in a waterproof case. The RNLI lifeboat station at the harbour responds to incidents involving watersports users as well as larger vessels, and the coastguard can be reached on Channel 16 or by dialling 999.

Equipment hire and tuition are available from several providers in the Littlehampton area, with stand-up paddleboard hire being the most widely available. Wetsuits, buoyancy aids and other safety equipment can be hired alongside the boards and kayaks, making it possible for visitors to try watersports without investing in their own gear.