Roa Island

Tucked behind Walney Island is a cracking flat-water venue, further protected from the open sea by the low-lying Piel and Foulney Islands. Whatever the tidal state and wind direction, you can windsurf here – kiting is possible but not so popular due to a tight launch. Beginners are best off a couple of hours either side of high water as the currents are strong around mid-tide. In south-west to westerly winds at low tide, freestylers and speed-freaks sail behind a sandbank in the deep-water Piel Channel. Roadside parking and precious few facilities, although Barrow-in-Furness is just a 5-minute drive away.