Doah Outdoor Adventure Guide

Stand Up Paddle Boarding and kayaking

locations around Weymouth and Portland

 

cASTLE cOVE wEYMOUTH AKA -sandsfoot castle

 
 
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Sandsfoot Castle

By far one of the most picturesque and safest places to Stand Up Paddle Board and kayak in the Weymouth area. This is a little gem of a beach hidden away from the crowds. A small sandy private beach open to the public to the West of Weymouth. The main area of the beach is approximately 400m long though recent developments have allowed for better access to the North East end of the beach (to the left as you enter) though this is mainly made up of rocky areas and can be inaccessible on very high tides. Be aware if you plant your belongings on a low tide here…..they might not be there when you return!

The water state is generally flat in all conditions due to it being sheltered. The most comfortable conditions would be on a westerly or south westerly direction with the harshest being East or North Easterly.

This is a fantastic beach for the family if you want to leave the children on the beach (with an adult) and get on the water or to get out with them on one of Doah’s family SUP boards or one of our kayaks.

Pros

  • Safe for children to kayak / SUP with adults (shallow)

  • Usually flat water and shallow

  • Café just up the road from the beach at the castle.

  • Very safe due to no power boat or jet ski activity.

  • Good Spot for anyone wanting to progress and venture further within Portland Harbor

Cons

  • The Beach area gets busy during the height of the season

  • Parking can be difficult

  • Short walk down to the beach

 

billy winters

 

Billy Winters

This is another great spot for beginners to venture out into a relatively safe area again within Portland harbor. The Beach area is stony though it soon develops into more forgiving sand as you venture into the water.

Pros

  • Safe and shallow

  • Cheap parking

  • No walk to the water

  • Generally usually flat water in most wind directions

  • Great spot for family and children to venture out at low tide though we would recommend moving towards the East end of the beach toward the sailing club away from the fast flowing tide near to the café.

  • Fantastic Café right on the water front.

Cons

  • There is a strong rip to the left of the café which is constant due to the narrowing flow of water under the bridge.

  • This is a popular site for kite surfers and wind surfers so can get very busy…. keep your eyes peeled.

 

Ringstead bay (Doah #1)

This is by far our most favorite beach for individual and family kayak / SUP experiences. There is secure parking @ £5.00 a day but this is made up for the fact that there are clean toilets a great shop/café with hot - cold food and beach ware to purchase. There is also a small park in case the kids somehow get bored on the beach. The beach itself is mainly made up of smaller stones so not to rough on the feet and stretches to the left and right as you enter. There is a stone reef that stretches out parallel to the shore about 20 meters out which provides an excellent safe, flat expanse of water to get acquainted with your equipment safely before venturing out.

The beach and parking can get busy during the height of the season though if you can get through this we promise you wont be disappointed.