Scotland · United Kingdom
Vatersay / South Beach, Scotland (UK)
19.7kts
SW · Windsaison
Vatersay's sheltered bay masks serious tidal currents and kelp. Consistent Atlantic wind, but you need local knowledge and self-sufficiency.
- 19.7kts
- Durchschnittswind
- 293
- Windtage / Jahr
- 15:00–18:00
- Beste Windzeit
- SW
- Hauptwindrichtung
Lage
- Nächste Flughäfen
- Airport - Glasgow International
- Koordinaten
- 56.9147, -7.5300
Monatliches Windprofil (Peak-Fenster)
Jan
89%
fahrbar
24.3 kts
Feb
93%
fahrbar
24.2 kts
Mär
85%
fahrbar
22.5 kts
Apr
77%
fahrbar
20.3 kts
Mai
55%
fahrbar
17.2 kts
Jun
80%
fahrbar
20.5 kts
Jul
69%
fahrbar
16.8 kts
Aug
76%
fahrbar
23.3 kts
Sep
83%
fahrbar
21.6 kts
Okt
84%
fahrbar
24.8 kts
Nov
90%
fahrbar
23.5 kts
Dez
81%
fahrbar
27 kts
Beste Windrichtungen
- SW
- SSE
- WSW
- S
- SSW
Wasserbedingungen
- Ocean
- Flat Water
Beste Monate
Gefahren
- Strong tidal currents and shallow areas requiring awareness of tide tables before launching
- Cold water temperature and sudden weather changes typical of Scottish Hebrides
- Rocky outcrops and kelp beds that can affect water conditions and navigation
- Limited rescue services and remote location requiring self-sufficiency
Was das für dich heißt
- Material tragen — nicht über Steine ziehen
- Starke Strömung — upwind zurücklaufen, nicht abtreiben lassen
- Im Stehbereich auf Finnen und Leinen achten
Ausstattung
- Basic accommodation and supplies in nearby Castlebay village
- Limited facilities on beach; plan ahead for freshwater and food
- No dedicated kitesurfing school or rental shops on-site
Lokale Tipps
Check tide times and local weather forecasts religiously—conditions change rapidly in the Hebrides. Access can be difficult in poor visibility; visit during settled weather windows.
Einstieg & Strand
Launch from the flat water beach; the sheltered bay provides manageable conditions but requires checking tidal flows. SW and SSW winds are most consistent for this location.
Lokale Regeln
Respect local fishing activities and maritime traffic in the bay; coordinate with other water users given the remote, small spot. Keep sessions brief during peak tidal movements.
Was anziehen
Wear a 5/3mm wetsuit year-round; water temps rarely exceed 12°C even in summer. Add booties and gloves during winter months (Nov-Mar).
Was einpacken
Kite-Größen
- 11–14 mtypische Sessions, 14–22 kn
- 8–10 mstarke Tage, 20–28 kn
Boards
- Twintip — universell, gehört ins Gepäck
Was anziehen (nach Klima)
- Im Wasser
- 4/3-mm-Neoprenanzug mit Schuhen.
- An Land
- Isolierte Jacke und Mütze — im Zwiebelprinzip.
Abgeleitet aus dem Breitengrad des Spots (kühl-gemäßigte Zone) und der aktuellen Saison.
Vorfahrt & Verhalten
- 1Wer ins Wasser startet, hat Vorrang vor Ridern, die reinkommen.
- 2Der Luv-Rider weicht aus — Kite hoch halten, wenn du über einem tiefen Rider passierst.
- 3Steuerbordbug (rechte Hand vorn) hat Vorfahrt beim Kreuzen.
- 4Wer überholt, hält sich aus der Linie des langsameren Riders.
- 5Wellenreiten: Der Rider in der Welle hat sie — kein Drop-in.
Spot-Guide
The Experience
Flat beach launch into a bay that looks tame until the tide runs hard. Vatersay sits in the Outer Hebrides where conditions shift fast—wind averages 20 knots and blows 292 days a year. The moorland backing the beach is exposed; once offshore, you're alone with serious water.
Wind & Conditions
SW/SSW winds are consistent year-round, strongest in winter (Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec). Summer still carries decent pressure. Cold fronts arrive unannounced. Forecast checking isn't optional—it's survival planning. Same goes for tide tables; currents here move you noticeably and swing hard between slack and peak flow.
Water & Hazards
Shallow bay with rocky outcrops and kelp beds. Avoid standing on or dragging gear across kelp—it damages the ecosystem and traps boards. Navigate around these features, not through them. Water stays brutally cold year-round; a winter suit is mandatory even in summer months. No rental infrastructure, no school, no rescue services nearby. You handle your own exit strategy.
Who Should Go
"Beginner" rates the launch ease and bay shelter, not the sea state. You need solid self-assessment, local knowledge, and the discipline to sit out bad days. Flaky commitment won't work here.
Logistics
Castlebay (Barra) has basic supplies and beds. You're on a remote island; weather windows close fast. Poor visibility and bad conditions can ground you for days. Plan accordingly.
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