Barassie

Warmed by the Gulf stream/North Atlantic drift, however water quality is poor after a lot of rain due to local industry and agriculture. No ground swell as is protected by the Isle of Arran and Argyle peninsula. Very shallow water waist deep for several 100m, ideal for beginners with the occasional ramp for boosting big. Can have butter flat water in SW wind. Situated at the southern end of of 15km Irvine bay, has huge area of sand from mid to low tide with great shallow play areas behind the numerous sand banks. High tide is safe for launching as there is a large area of grass between the beach and main road. Park practically on the beach if you like but should be mind full to stay upwind of the kites. Generally this area is safe and hazard free for kitesurfing and never very crowded with other beach users even in the hight of summer. Bring all your kites in all sizes. So if your here for the day pump up your whole quiver on arrival and be ready for anything and everything. Best direction is Southwesterly, which is the prevailing wind. In Scotland you can expect to get relatively mild air temps even in mid winter, however no two days are ever the same and a 15 degree variation is possible at any time of the year. Water temp is between 12-17°C a full length steamer is probably required year round. Water: Shallow, Flat, Chop, Smallwave, Mediumwave. Features: Rooms, Rescue, Toilet, Food, Parking. Rider ability: Beginner, Intermediate, Expert.

More kite spots in Scotland (UK)