Ballyhornan Beach Downpatrick
Ballyhornan in Co Down, Northern Ireland can be a fantastic place to learn to windsurf as its relatively safe and not as punishing and frustrating as Tyrella can be.
The ideal wind conditions are cross on (SE, NE) , cross off (NW, SW) and pure cross (S, N). Very often in Southerly light winds in the summer, Gunns island can produce a venturi effect speeding up the wind considerably to planning levels.
Ballyhornan beach can be quite steep in places and there is an reef on the Northerly side of Gunns Island.
At low tide the island can be walked to, but beware (or be prepared for a
swim) as the ride comes in very fast.
The reef also produces nice swell, which when coupled with a Southerly wind, can produce bump and jump conditions. In summer the bay can be flat and good speed can be found.
Recent reports from the Down Recorder suggested that the bay suffers from raw sewage, something that we are very keen to improve upon.
Mick.
Created: March 3, 2009
