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Isle of Wight Watersports

The Isle of Wight is the ideal destination for a watersports activity holiday. The Island is fast becoming the capital of extreme sports in Britain. And when you consider its geography it begins to make sense. An Island of 147 square miles, surrounded by water, that depending on tide and wind, is sheltered on one side and ferocious on the other. So, with water all around you, there's always somewhere to windsurf.

While there are watersports to be pursued all year round, the Island hosts a number of events to focus all that adrenalin. The highlight is the annual White Air Extreme Sports Festival - four days of land and sea-based mayhem.

Good locations for KAYAKING and SURFING

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. Surfing is a popular sport on the Island, and there are some excellent spots.

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

Compton - excellent for kayak surfing. Very popular with Surfers, 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 - surfing or 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 river - so only more experienced paddlers should do this trip. Also perhaps choose this off season - and definitely avoid the Yachting events. Also this can be very tidal, so ensure you catch the tides right! 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.

Good locations for WINDSURFING / KITESURFING

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 (but always get a weather forecast first!) As most enthusiasts know - spring and autumn offer the best chance of getting good wind.

Ryde - Sandy beach, if you catch the tide wrong - you maybe walking your kit quite a way out before it gets deep enough! But a good spot off season - generally summer months the beach is busy with holiday makers.

Puckpool - Sandy beach, if you catch the tide wrong - you maybe walking your kit quite a way out before it gets deep enough! Great sailing if the conditions are right!

Bembridge - Sandy beach, if you catch the tide wrong - you maybe walking your kit quite a way out before it gets deep enough! Great sailing if the conditions are right!

Gurnard - Great venue 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 small.

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.