Calshot

Calshot is a sheltered lagoon situated on the south coast of England, protected by a natural shingle spit and artificial breakwaters. The spot features a shallow, enclosed body of water separated from the open Solent by substantial coastal defenses. Water conditions are characteristically choppy due to limited fetch and wind acceleration through the confined space. The lagoon environment makes this suitable for beginners due to forgiving shallow depths and reduced wave exposure. However, the extremely low wind reliability (16.7%) and average wind speed of only 8.7 knots present significant challenges. Best winds arrive from the east or west, providing side-shore conditions along the north-south oriented coast. The shallow water, submerged obstacles, and boat traffic in adjacent channels require careful navigation. Water temperature averaging 12°C demands appropriate thermal protection. This spot functions best during consistent wind periods and suits beginners practicing fundamentals in controlled conditions rather than for progression.