Locations for Watersports

If you are keen to bring your own equipment, there are plenty of venues to keep you entertained - and being an Island - everywhere is accessible within a short drive. So really it doesn't matter on wind direction you will find somewhere to sail.  Many Isle of Wight residents enjoy being able to go for a surf, kayak or sail after work.

Windsurfing and Kitesurfing

 

Ryde - Sandy beach a good spot off season - generally summer months the beach is busy with holiday makers.

Puckpool - Sandy beach, with great sailing if the conditions are right!

Bembridge - Sandy beach, X-Isle sports are located here. Great sailing if the conditions are right!

Gurnard – Popular location for blasting and for bump and jump, very tidal, so only sail in this location if you are a good ability sailor.

Thorness - a private beach - but if you are staying at the Thorness Holiday park you have access to this beach. It is a good location for mixed abilities - and is great for beginners / intermediates. Not so good for kitesurfing, as the launching area is limited.

Yaverland / Sandown - great location - can be a wave sailing location, but can also offer flat water. This is where the White Air Extreme sports festival is held in August/September.

Compton - Great wave sailing location. Can be difficult to walk your kit down the Cliff steps - but once you get down there, excellent location.

Brook - next beach along from Compton, but slightly easier to get your equipment down there. Again can be a good wavesailing location. 
 

Kayaking

 

There are a number of inlets and coastal areas to explore by Kayak on the Island.  Again if you are using Coastal areas, always be aware of the tide, and ensure you have appropriate equipment.

Freshwater - beautiful surrounding cliffs to explore the coastal scenery. Freshwater bay is best explored on a flat day, and on a low spring tide you can explore the caves.

Compton - excellent for kayak surfing due to the sandy shore and great waves.

Brook - next beach along from Compton, and again benefits from excellent surf.

Yaverland and Sandown Bay - depending on the weather conditions, can be excellent for gentle kayak paddling around the Bay area. Alternatively when the conditions prevail - kayak surfing.

Yarmouth to Freshwater - Great to paddle up the river towards Freshwater

Newtown Creek - Great exploring creek with areas to stop along the river to have a picnic.

Cowes - Newport - This is a busy, tidal river - so only more experienced paddlers should do this trip. Also perhaps choose this off season - and definitely avoid the Yachting events. You can paddle up the river towards Newport - and a few picnic spots along the way.

Ryde / Puckpool - Great for beginner kayaking - If you are keen to do some sheltered easy kayaking - perhaps with the family - these beaches offer shallow waters, with sandy beaches, making a gentle paddle enjoyable.

Surfing

 

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Surfing is a very popular sport on the Island, and there are some beautiful locations.

Compton – Probably the best location for surfing on the Island due to the peaceful location, sandy shore and great waves.

Brook - next beach along from Compton, and again benefits from excellent surf.

Yaverland and Sandown Bay - depending on the weather conditions, can be excellent for beginners surfing and lessons are available at Wight Water sports. When the conditions prevail it can also offer more advanced surfing.