This part of the coastline from Chichester Harbour to Selsey must be one of the best places to Paddle Board.
If you park in Bracklesham Bay car park (there is a minimal charge from October to March) you can choose to go either East or West depending on wind, tide and sea conditions. Launching from the beach is easy, if a bit stony.
Visiting the Medmerry Nature Reserve
Head East for 45 minutes or so and you will come to the newly formed Medmerry Nature Reserve, and in the right conditions you can paddle up a narrow channel and enjoy the multitude of bird life, oyster catchers, brent geese, teal, various gulls and ducks dabbling around at this time of year.
You will find yourselves alone with nature on this gentle paddle upstream. Best to get it on a rising tide as the entrance can get quite shallow, although this does mean the return journey is against.
West Wittering, Selsey & Chichester Harbour
If you head West from Bracklesham you hit West Wittering beach and further round East Head and Chichester Harbour, where there are endless opportunities to explore. If you choose a longer trip to up to Itchenor then consider leaving a car there and motor back. This paddle can take two/three hours depending on wind & tide.
The other option is the just play on the waves on the beach, and enjoy the scenery and if you are lucky you will have a common seal or two inquisitively investigating your paddling technique.
Once you are back in the car park head to Billys on the Beach for a coffee or monster hot chocolate with marshmallows and a slab of freshly baked cake, or scones & cream.
