ON THE WATER
SURFING
The Isle of Wight is known for its beautiful coastline and stunning waves, making it a popular surf spot for both local enthusiasts and traveling surfers
These surf spots offer a variety of waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike, making them a perfect destination for someone looking to improve their surfing skills or simply enjoy a day on the water
Compton bay is widely regarded as the most popular beach for surfers to gather, and is great for all abilities with swells ranging from 2 to 5ft
Whether you're riding the waves on a longboard or a shortboard, the Isle of Wight has a surf spot for you
Compton Bay Probably the best surfing spot on the Isle of Wight with swells ranging from 2 to 5ft. The best conditions for surfing here are low to mid tides, with winds from the south east of the north west.
Freshwater Bay This sheltered bay on the west of the island can offer good right-hand swells from low to mid tide when conditions are right. It's best suited to more experienced surfers as the rocky bay and strong rip can be quite challenging.
Niton to Sandown The southern coastline of the island from Niton to Sandown is fringed with surfing spots. Rocky Niton is best for experienced surfers with its fast swells that break over boulders at high tide. If the surf is too fierce here, drive 30 minutes north to Sandown stopping at other surf spots, Ventor and Shanklin, to check the conditions.
https://www.surflessonsiow.com/
Coasteering
Coasteering is basically mountaineering along a coastline, treating the natural environment and obstacles as a giant playground! Sessions can included sea swimming, rock climbing, caving , foraging, and rock jumping.
Freshwater Bay Coasteering
You need to be aged 8yrs upwards for our Low Tide sessions and learn about the unique history, geology, wildlife and potential foraging opportunities of this extraordinarily beautiful area.
For anyone 12 years upwards then our High Tide sessions are for the more adrenaline fuelled. You will need to be confident in the water and can swim 100m.
PADDLE Boarding
Paddleboarding is not only a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the Isle of Wight, but it also offers a full-body workout and a chance to connect with nature. The Isle of Wight's UNESCO accolade speaks volumes about the island's exceptional natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. By joining us you'll have a chance to experience all of this firsthand, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Eddie's Surf Academy
We will provide you with expert guidance and all the necessary skills to ensure a safe and enjoyable paddleboarding experience.
https://www.surflessonsiow.com/paddleboarding
Wight Paddleboard hire
https://www.wightpaddleboardhire.com/
Wightwaters SUP hire
Sailing
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.
UK Sailing Academy
If you want to get started on the water, improve your existing skills, or gain RYA qualifications, you’re in the right place. Everyone is welcome at UKSA! From children taking their first trip out to adults learning a new skill.
https://uksa.org/course/leisure/
Salty Sailing
Established in 2018 Salty Sailing aims to make sailing accessible to all abilities, creating a fun and professional environment to learn, relax and enjoy being on the water. We provide the knowledge and experience for you to make the most out of your time with us.
https://www.saltysailing.co.uk/
Wightwater sailing hire
https://wightwaters.com/sailing
Tacky Isle - dinghy sailing
Whether you’re just getting started, need a refresher, or know the ropes and really want to sail for gold, our sailing sessions are tailored to suit you.
We provide all the kit and top notch instructors to make sure you have the best time on the water. We offer group sailing ‘muck-in’ sessions, private tuition and RYA COURSES.
https://www.tackt-isle.co.uk/wet-activities/dinghy-sailing/
BOAT TRIPS
Alum Bay / Needles Trip
A 20 Minute slow cruise to view the Needles Rocks and Lighthouse, coloured sands of Alum Bay, dramatic caulk cliff face and the surrounding coastal features, as illu ap.
Alum Bay / Needles Trip aboard our High Speed Ribs
A 15 minute fast trip to take in everything of the blue route, but also Scratchells Bay & South views of the Needles and Island Shores, as illustrated by the map.
The trip between Yarmouth and Alum Bay
Please note this is a ONE WAY TRIP only
Departs Yarmouth 9.15 / 9.30am daily.
Returning back from the beach at Alum Bay between 4.30 – 4.45pm.
Duration of trip depends on the tide and which type of boat you choose to go on, so could be anything from 15 minutes to 45 mins.
windsurfing
Wightwater
We can offer you windsurfing tuition from getting up and going at the beginner level to the experienced windsurfer wanting to improve to the advanced level. Please note all these activities are subject to the right conditions so please call us for more accurate weather states.
Kayaking
Paddle your way to new adventures.
Gentle inland waterways, coastal shorebreaks, open water opportunities – the Isle of Wight is the perfect place to take to the water in a kayak. Enjoy a leisurely paddle checking out the sights around the island, or opt for a high-energy excursion.
Kayaking Sites
There are plenty of places to launch your kayak around the Isle of Wight – choose a spot and get padding!
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Freshwater boasts 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.
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Compton is excellent for kayak surfing. This area is very popular with surfers, due to the sandy shore and great waves.
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Brook is the next beach along from Compton, and again benefits from excellent surf.
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Yaverland and Sandown Bay, depending on the weather conditions, can be excellent for gentle kayak paddling around the Bay area.
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Yarmouth to Freshwater makes for a great river paddle.
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Newtown Creek is fun for a day of leisurely exploration, with areas to stop along the river to have a picnic.
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Cowes - Newport (Medina River) is a busy river best suited to experienced paddlers. Choose an off-season date for this route to avoid the busy yachting events. This route can also be very tidal, so ensure you time your trip carefully. There are a few picnic spots along the route to Newport.
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Ryde / Puckpool is great for beginner kayaking. If you are keen to do some sheltered, easy kayaking, or paddling with children, these beaches offer shallow waters and sandy beaches, making a gentle paddle enjoyable.
If you don't have your own kayaks and would like to try your hand, there are a number of companies offering hire or courses.
Tackt Isle Adventures - tuition & hire
Whether you’re a regular on the water or a total beginner, we’ve got all the kit and skilled instructors to make sure you have a great time.
We offer a number of different sessions, complete with wetsuit, buoyancy aids and splash tops and absolutely no hidden costs.
Our kayaks are available to hire from our HQ or directly from St Helen’s beach between May and September. We also offer sessions with qualified instructors to show you the ropes.
https://www.tackt-isle.co.uk/wet-activities/kayaking/
Wightwater
WING foiling
A combination of windsurfing, surfing & kiteboarding.
Ride in lighter winds, bumpy seas or long swells. It’s the combination of a hand-held wing and a hydrofoil board, or foil board. When you gather enough speed, the foil starts to rise above the water with you.
Wightwater
Call us for tuition availability. As with all water sports - wing foiling is dependent on the weather conditions and sea state.
Canoeing
Tackt Isle
We are thrilled to be able to offer Canoeing as an activity to Tackt-Isle this year. Our Canoes are spacious, three person canoes with one large seat and two smaller seats. There is plenty of room for extra luggage so you can take them for an adventure around the harbour or to a sheltered bay.
Our Canoes are available to hire but we also offer sessions with qualified instructors to show you the ropes.
