Chalkwell

For 4-5 hours around low tide, exposed sandbanks form Britain's best natural speedstrip and flat-water freestyle heaven. 'The Ray' promises silky-smooth water in all southerly wind directions, extending 5km from Canvey in the west towards the tip of the world’s longest pleasure pier, over a mile offshore in Southend to the east. But perfection comes at a price, as it's a long walk out over a sharp, stony path below mid-tide. Chalkwell beach is sailable within a couple of hours of high water, although local bylaws prohibit kiting at high tide.