the "jewel in the crown" for South Coast wave sailing.
It's a natural horseshoe bay with three distinct reef breaks: The Ledges, The Bay, and the legendary "Bench." It is an atmospheric, rocky spot that rewards intermediate and advanced riders with clean, peeling waves. There are three launch points, the most common being the concrete slipway to the left of the car park. This is a high-performance venue where waves can range from a few feet to mast-high. The "Bench" is the premier wave but is located on an MOD firing range - check access before heading out.
SW, W, S (Dorset wave king; W is side-shore)
15-22 knots for stable flight and small swell; 25 knots + for advanced wave riding with 3m or smaller wings.
Clean, powerful reef-break waves
Overall
A legendary spot offering clean, mechanical waves in a spectacular geological setting.
Vibe & Crowds
Passionate and high-level. A deeply dedicated community of wave riders. High. One of the most famous wave spots in the UK. Can be busy when it's on.
Suitable For
Submerged ledges and powerful waves require experience and timing.
Negatives & Hazards
Submerged Rocks/Reefs. MOD Firing Range. Spring Low Tides.
Submerged rocks and reefs are a major hazard - the three distinct reef breaks (The Ledges, The Bay, and the legendary "Bench") require careful navigation. The "Bench" is located on an MOD firing range - always check access before heading out. Spring low tides make the bay dangerous for foils, as the reefs become exposed. This is a high-performance venue where waves can range from a few feet to mast-high.
Kimmeridge Bay
Open in Google MapsThere are three launch points, the most common being the concrete slipway to the left of the car park. The "Bench" is located on an MOD firing range - always check access before heading out.
Rocky with three distinct reef breaks: The Ledges, The Bay, and the legendary "Bench."
Year round - best when swell is running
If you have any insights or information to add to this spot guide, drop us a note at support@knotnow.co.uk
Wind and weather forecasts for Kimmeridge Bay are provided to help you plan your sessions. Conditions at this coastal location can change quickly, so always check the actual conditions when you arrive and trust your judgment. These forecasts are for recreational planning—always prioritize safety and verify conditions yourself before heading out. Tidal predictions for Kimmeridge Bay are based on the nearest primary station at MUPE BAY (6.16km away). Local conditions can vary from these predictions due to coastal topography and weather effects. Always verify tidal conditions on arrival—these predictions are for planning purposes only, not for navigational use or critical safety decisions.