Secret Spot - Shoreham [swellchaser.co.uk]

"Normally you need a SW or W wind of at least a F6 to get anywhere going. This can throw up a decent wave inside Shoreham Harbour, mid to low tide or at the Marina. Access to the Marina is limited to weekends at the moment. If there's less wind and a bit of size in the swell, the hotpipes behind the power station at Southwick can get OK. If you're lucky enough to get a strong groundswell up the channel with light or offshore winds, then the West Pier at low tide can get nice, and there's a couple of nice reefs to the east of Brighton that can get classic on the odd day. Best to have a floaty board, because it's often gutless."

"Once the water drops below the level of the outflow pipe, it cleans up and stays that way for a couple of hours. The 'Hot Pipes' work best on the 'ebb', 'pull'..... conditions tend to be cleaner."

" ..paddle out a couple of hours after low tide, even if it looks too low. The tide will soon push up (especially if it is a small tide) and then you won't miss the 'sweet spot' at mid tide. Basically the Pipes don't work much about 3 hrs before and after high tide (unless the swell is really big)."

"Brighton needs a good south-westerly to go off, but if there's a low coming in you may be lucky. The main spots are east of the Marina (unfriendly), West Pier (needs to be big) and Shoreham Harbour (Hot Pipes & New Beach). Shoreham's my prefered break as its easy to park and there's a friendly crowd, although I find that weekends are getting a bit too crowded for the limited number of waves. Check the forecast before bringing your board."

" The 'Hot Pipes' are situated in the Shoreham area (near Brighton). Along with the West Pier it's not very consistent, but still allows South Coast surfers the opportunity to catch some waves (it does have the odd "classic" day also!)."

"For tides for Shoreham go to: http://www.brighton.co.uk"

" The only people seen taking off over the spiky grate are the occasional mad spongers at high tide. High tide's no good for proper surfing as the waves dump onto the steep beach. Somewhat painful on a body board but bloody expensive on a real board. It's not a consistent spot, it requires a good SW swell and it's best at around mid tide, so there's a fairly small 'window'. Consequently weekends can be crowded but aren't they anywhere? However,there's a friendly crowd compared to The Marina"