Felixstowe Dip, Suffolk

120ยบ panoramic shot of Felixstowe North (just up from 'The Dip')

This area has grown to be quite popular, mainly due to the wide range of conditions available here and the friendly bunch of locals that sail here regularly. The sand banks at the river mouth shift dramatically year-on-year, and I've given up trying to document this! (**A 2021 tip-off suggests that this location is now not suitable due to more movement**). There can still be sheltered water given by the spit, but mostly it's intermediate bump'n'jump. A lot of sailors are into straight-line speed (spot the GPS's!), but local sailors are very good too, with plenty looping. Actually, this spot is great for loop/jump practice as there are some nice ramps to be had, even when the swell/chop isn't big.

Map overlooking the sailing area, and local information

Flat Water: Yes

Wind Chop: Some

Waves: Occasionally

Beach: Shingle

Wind Direction: N-SW / W

Car Parking: Yes (free/payed/club)

Toilets: No

Cafe: Yes

Nearby Windsurfing Shop:

Local Weather Stations:

Tide Times:

Felixstowe is located on the East Coast of Suffolk, approximately 9 miles SE of Ipswich. Approach on the A14, and at the SECOND roundabout go right, then left at the lights. Keep going until you find the main Cliffland Car Park, just before the golf course.

Most people lauch from 'The Dip', which is pretty safe. Note that the parking here is private - club members only, but you can park in the layby nearby or up in Cliffland Car Park. There are nearly always breaking waves and nice ramps on the point of the spit, even if the surrounding water is pretty flat. Great for jumps and you can still gybe on the flat water on the inside, and blast out to sea afterwards.

Launching area is shown by the red arrow. Click HERE for a better map.

Further Information

There is plenty of grass for rigging in Cliffland Car Park (although this means carrying your rig down some steep-ish steps afterwards), or just rig on the beach opposite to The Dip.

Despite the safety of most of this location, there can be some pretty nasty currents caused by the nearby river mouth, so ask the locals for advice if in doubt. High-tide can get a bit tricky for launching and landing, as the water comes right up to the concrete steps, but if in doubt (or in trouble!) you can lauch or land from the safety of the lagoon, it just means a short walk back to the car-park.

If the wind or conditions aren't good here then it's just a short drive to the other two Felixstowe spots (Fludyers and Manor Car Park).

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