The Watersports Academy

A kitesurfer attempting a backflip in Poole Harbour

About

The Watersports Academy is the South Coast’s leading water sports activity centre.

Ideally located on the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, straddling the award-winning Blue Flag beach one-side and the expansive Poole Harbour the other - it couldn’t be more perfect. Whilst learners can enjoy the safe, shallow waters of the harbour itself, experienced folk can venture into the more extreme conditions of Poole Bay’s seaside swell.

Our unique water sports school is the only Sandbanks-based centre featuring on-site changing facilities, hot showers, classrooms and water sports shop. And...Read More

About

The Watersports Academy is the South Coast’s leading water sports activity centre.

Ideally located on the world-famous Sandbanks Peninsula, straddling the award-winning Blue Flag beach one-side and the expansive Poole Harbour the other - it couldn’t be more perfect. Whilst learners can enjoy the safe, shallow waters of the harbour itself, experienced folk can venture into the more extreme conditions of Poole Bay’s seaside swell.

Our unique water sports school is the only Sandbanks-based centre featuring on-site changing facilities, hot showers, classrooms and water sports shop. And there’s even a café where you can warm up with a hot chocolate. With a choice of windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, ringo-riding, waterskiing, powerboating or kitesurfing, you’re free to take a lesson, RYA or BKSA course or just hire the equipment you need.

The centre’s fully-qualified instructors provide the very best tuition for all levels and ages. Beginner? They’ll teach you the basics. Got your sea legs? They’ll help you develop your skills. Pro? They’ll provide the equipment and leave you to it. 

We even have dedicated Kids’ Clubs and sessions, where little ones can experience all sorts of watery escapades in a fun and safe environment – a brilliant way to liven up the traditional seaside holiday. 

Alternatively, if you really don’t want to get your toes wet, we have bike hire, or why for a special treat why not indulge with a yacht experience on our 44ft Catamaran? Enjoy the stunning Jurassic seascapes with just a flutter of sails and lapping of the water below. Capable of carrying 10 passengers and two crew, the sense of space on this prestigious yacht is phenomenal. You’ll have the opportunity to sit back and relax taking in the views of Poole Harbour, or if you fancy sailing, you can assist the crew at the helm. Sole charter, or group experiences available throughout the year.

There’s nothing like life on the water, and we think everyone should experience it, whether that’s by kayak, board, boat or sail! The Watersports Academy offers people from all walks of life an opportunity to discover their inner watersports fanatic!

Open 7 days a week.

Facilities & Activities at The Watersports Academy:

Activities (hire/tuition):
Windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, sailing, wakeboarding, ringo-riding, waterskiing, powerboating and yacht charter.

Group Activities:
Kids Clubs, Adult Clubs, Adventure Holidays

Schools & Scout Groups

Facilities:
Changing rooms & lockers, Hot showers, Classrooms, Lounge area, Café, Shop

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Opening Times

Opening 1 Jan 2025 - 31 Dec 2025
DayTimes
Monday - Sunday09:00 - 17:00*

* Opening times changes seasonally (closed Christmas Day).

Dates and times marked with a '*' are provisional and may be subject to change
Banks Road
Poole
Dorset
BH13 7PS
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Call direct on:

Tel01202 708283

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