Water sports on the Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is the ideal destination for a watersports activity holiday, and when you visit, you can really see why.

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, creates the ideal location for a variety of different watersports.

Many of our providers can offer expert tuition in anything from extreme sports to more leisurely water activities.

Kayaking & standup paddle boarding

Explore the inlets and coastal areas by Kayak, one of the only ways to reach some of the more difficult to access coves and hidden caves.

Stand-up paddleboarding is becoming an increasingly popular way to explore some of the Isle of Wight’s hidden gems - you can even paddle your way around the famous “Needles” rocks and Lighthouse.

Discover 5 SUP spots on the Island here.

Surfing & bodyboarding on the Isle of Wight

Surfing and bodyboarding are very popular on the Isle of Wight, and there are some excellent spots to do it with sandy shores and good waves in the right seas.

There is also plenty of entertainment to be had windsurfing and kitesurfing, with good access to many of the beaches, making it easy to bring your own equipment if you prefer.

With the world’s largest sailing regatta taking place at Cowes week during August, it is no surprise that amongst the Isle of Wight ranks as a top location for all kinds of watersports. There are lots of places and opportunities where you can learn to sail and navigate various other watercrafts, including dinghys, powerboats, canoes and jet-skis.

If you fancy some underwater exploration as an alternative, why not enroll yourself in a diving course, with lots of weekly dives available for all levels of ability.

Kayaking & surfing beaches on the Isle of Wight

There are plenty of areas to explore by Kayak on the Island, 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, both with locals and visitors, 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 (Medina River) - 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. 

Windsurfing and kitesurfing beaches

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 what 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 may be walking your kit quite a way out before it gets deep enough! Great sailing if the conditions are right!
• Bembridge - A pebble or sandy beach depending on the tide. With fantastic views and sunsets, this beach is perfect for watersports and dinghy sailing!
• Gurnard - Great venue for bump and jump. Very tidal, so only sail in this location if you are an experienced 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. 
• Compton - Great wave sailing location. Can be difficult to walk your kit down the Cliff steps - but once you get down there, it's an excellent location.