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Isle of Wight Watersports - Best Locations 2025
The choice and availability of watersports on the Isle of Wight has improved greatly in recent years. When I was a lad, the only option we had was a flimsy dinghy tied to a piece of rope or a white polystyrene bodyboard that gave you a rash (Ed: lovely bit of nostalgia, great stuff).
Of course, there are plenty of risks with watersports so read the boards at the beaches, check the tides and check the weather forecast. The RNLI has a safety guide for most watersports. We've also written a blog about water quality at the Isle of Wight's beaches.
Here’s our guide to where you can try different watersports on the Isle of Wight including bodyboarding, surfing, standup paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking.
Of course, there are plenty of risks with watersports so read the boards at the beaches, check the tides and check the weather forecast. The RNLI has a safety guide for most watersports. We've also written a blog about water quality at the Isle of Wight's beaches.
Here’s our guide to where you can try different watersports on the Isle of Wight including bodyboarding, surfing, standup paddleboarding, sailing and kayaking.
Bodyboarding
The simplest and cheapest Isle of Wight watersport is bodyboarding. It’s certainly the best option for younger children who are a bit wobbly around the water. Unlike most watersports, you only need a little bit of balance and timing.
On larger waves it is great fun for more confident swimmers. I scream like a 10-year-old at a New Kids On The Block concert whilst on a bodyboard (Ed: update this pop culture reference please).
On larger waves it is great fun for more confident swimmers. I scream like a 10-year-old at a New Kids On The Block concert whilst on a bodyboard (Ed: update this pop culture reference please).
Can you lie down and say "weeeee!" Congratulations, you're a bodyboarder
Where to hire or buy bodyboards on the Isle of Wight
My advice would be to buy a bodyboard but I have seen them for hire on Shanklin seafront from someone in a bumbag sat next to a big flag.
Cheaper bodyboards with pictures of Paw Patrol on them are OK for kids but won’t give much support to a teenager or adult. You can pick them up from several beach shops in Sandown or Shanklin or from the shop in the car park at Yaverland beach. They'll cost you about £10 - £15.
Adult size bodyboards are about £20 - £50. Earth Wind Water in Shanklin sells proper bodyboards for about £30+ or you can buy one in advance from Amazon or Decathlon. Some Isle of Wight supermarkets sell them in peak season. I've seen them at Asda in Newport and Tesco in Freshwater but that's not an exhaustive list.
Cheaper bodyboards with pictures of Paw Patrol on them are OK for kids but won’t give much support to a teenager or adult. You can pick them up from several beach shops in Sandown or Shanklin or from the shop in the car park at Yaverland beach. They'll cost you about £10 - £15.
Adult size bodyboards are about £20 - £50. Earth Wind Water in Shanklin sells proper bodyboards for about £30+ or you can buy one in advance from Amazon or Decathlon. Some Isle of Wight supermarkets sell them in peak season. I've seen them at Asda in Newport and Tesco in Freshwater but that's not an exhaustive list.
On a good day, Compton Bay has good waves for bodyboarding...but watch out for rocks
Where to bodyboard on the Isle of Wight
If you just want small waves for children then I would check the surf forecast then head for Yaverland, Sandown, Shanklin or Ventnor. You don't need much surf for younger children.
I’ve also bodyboarded with Child One at Colwell on a windy day but it’s often flat there.
If you want bigger waves then Compton Bay is your best bet or Sandown/Lake. The waves are smaller in summer than they are in winter so I would check the surf forecast at the start of the week and plan around it. There are hidden rocks at high tide at the Hanover Point end of Compton beach. You might want to walk right towards the Compton Farm end of the beach
I’ve also bodyboarded with Child One at Colwell on a windy day but it’s often flat there.
If you want bigger waves then Compton Bay is your best bet or Sandown/Lake. The waves are smaller in summer than they are in winter so I would check the surf forecast at the start of the week and plan around it. There are hidden rocks at high tide at the Hanover Point end of Compton beach. You might want to walk right towards the Compton Farm end of the beach
Shanklin beach often has modest sized waves that are ideal for children's bodyboards
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is easy to pick up and they're a good way of covering a fair amount of distance. They're also easier to transport than surfboards or kayaks as most of them deflate into a suitcase sized bag.
A lot of paddleboarders seem to spend most of their time lying down and using them as water-based deckchairs. It is certainly something you can dip your toe into, whereas things like kitesurfing or sailing require a lot more training and practice.
Paddleboards are designed for one person but I've managed to paddleboard with a child sat on the front. Of course, they'll fall in the water if you do.
A lot of paddleboarders seem to spend most of their time lying down and using them as water-based deckchairs. It is certainly something you can dip your toe into, whereas things like kitesurfing or sailing require a lot more training and practice.
Paddleboards are designed for one person but I've managed to paddleboard with a child sat on the front. Of course, they'll fall in the water if you do.
Paddleboarding is relatively easy on flat water (this is a summer evening at Compton Bay)
Where to paddleboard on the Isle of Wight
Paddleboarding is relatively easy on flat water but is really difficult when it’s choppy. You also want somewhere which isn't too rocky so you don't injure yourself or damage your board.
Three beaches which tend to be less choppy are Colwell and Totland in the West Wight and St Helen’s in the East Wight.
It does vary though – I’ve also seen people successfully paddleboarding in Shanklin in the East Wight and Gurnard in the North Wight several times.
I've taken my paddleboard out in Freshwater Bay on a flat day but there have been a couple of calamities where people have taken boards out there on choppy days.
Three beaches which tend to be less choppy are Colwell and Totland in the West Wight and St Helen’s in the East Wight.
It does vary though – I’ve also seen people successfully paddleboarding in Shanklin in the East Wight and Gurnard in the North Wight several times.
I've taken my paddleboard out in Freshwater Bay on a flat day but there have been a couple of calamities where people have taken boards out there on choppy days.
On most days, Colwell is quite flat and is good for paddleboarding...although there's not much beach at high tide
Where to hire paddleboards on the Isle of Wight
One option is to a buy a paddleboard. Most paddleboards are inflatable, and the cheapest ones are about £125 - £300. The weight limit, depth and width are good indications of how robust and strong a board is.
However, inflating and deflating a paddleboard is quite a lot of effort. You'll probably need to use a board for about 10 - 30 hours before it becomes cheaper than hiring. The advantage of ownership is that you aren't limited to the beaches with hire shops.
If you decide to hire a paddleboard:
However, inflating and deflating a paddleboard is quite a lot of effort. You'll probably need to use a board for about 10 - 30 hours before it becomes cheaper than hiring. The advantage of ownership is that you aren't limited to the beaches with hire shops.
If you decide to hire a paddleboard:
- You can hire paddleboards from a few different huts along the seafront in Sandown, Lake and Shanklin including Beach Buoys, West Side Beach hire, Wight Water Adventure Watersports and iSurf. They usually have flags to advertise themselves. You’ll pay about £10 - £30 to hire the paddleboard for an hour.
- In the West Wight, there’s a hire place called SupDog in Colwell.
- Tackt-Isle in St Helens in the East Wight hires paddleboards and they also run paddleboard activity sessions. In nearby Seaview, you can hire paddleboards from Warren Boats.
St Helen's beach has shallow water at low tide and there's a hire place nearby
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Sandown (pictured) and Shanklin have watersports hire huts
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Surfing
Surfing is significantly more difficult than bodyboarding or paddleboarding. Just standing up is an achievement, let alone steering the board and looking handsome whilst you do it.
However, it is great fun for those who are more adventurous and don't mind falling off.
However, it is great fun for those who are more adventurous and don't mind falling off.
Where to surf on the Isle of Wight
I would recommend having a lesson if you're new to surfing. There are some basic techniques you need to learn whereas you can blag it with paddleboards or kayaks. The main places for learning to surf on the Isle of Wight are iSurf and Eddie's Surf Academy.
iSurf is based at a hut in Sandown but they have a van so they also hold lessons at Compton Bay and Freshwater depending on the surf.
I greatly enjoyed my 90 minute lesson with iSurf, which costs about £35. It was completely exhausting and I fell over many, many times.
They also hire surf surfboards. It was £10 an hour last time I checked.
There's another surf hire shop in Sandown called Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire.
If you have your own surfboard, then you will probably want to head for Compton Bay at the Compton Farm end with the steep steps. All the cool surfers hang out there. I've also seen surfers at Freshwater Bay, but it's very rocky in places.
If you want to buy your own surfboard then it's best to start with a soft foam surfboard and then move on to a proper board when you've got the hang of it. Cheap foam surfboards start at about £150.
iSurf is based at a hut in Sandown but they have a van so they also hold lessons at Compton Bay and Freshwater depending on the surf.
I greatly enjoyed my 90 minute lesson with iSurf, which costs about £35. It was completely exhausting and I fell over many, many times.
They also hire surf surfboards. It was £10 an hour last time I checked.
There's another surf hire shop in Sandown called Sandown Bicycle and Beach Hire.
If you have your own surfboard, then you will probably want to head for Compton Bay at the Compton Farm end with the steep steps. All the cool surfers hang out there. I've also seen surfers at Freshwater Bay, but it's very rocky in places.
If you want to buy your own surfboard then it's best to start with a soft foam surfboard and then move on to a proper board when you've got the hang of it. Cheap foam surfboards start at about £150.
iSurf in Sandown offers lessons...
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...and they also hire surfboards
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Kayaking
Kayaking is similar to paddleboarding in that it's simple to pick up and is easier on flatter waters. However, it's more versatile because you can tackle choppier waters if you need to.
Unlike paddleboarding, you can kayak as a pair and there's less chance of falling in. This makes it a good choice for children, as the adult can sit on the back and keep an eye on them. Of course, you'll need buoyancy aids whether you are trying it for the first time or competing in the Olympics.
Personally, I find kayaking harder work than paddleboarding and it takes me more effort to move any distance. Of course, it may just be that I'm rubbish at kayaking.
Unlike paddleboarding, you can kayak as a pair and there's less chance of falling in. This makes it a good choice for children, as the adult can sit on the back and keep an eye on them. Of course, you'll need buoyancy aids whether you are trying it for the first time or competing in the Olympics.
Personally, I find kayaking harder work than paddleboarding and it takes me more effort to move any distance. Of course, it may just be that I'm rubbish at kayaking.
My knee, during a kayaking trip at St Helens
Where to kayak on the Isle of Wight
If you're a beginner then kayaking is better on calm water. You'll also need somewhere with kayak hire, which limits your choices a bit.
I would try St Helens (Tackt-Isle Adventures), Shanklin (look for the huts along the seafront), Lake (Wight Water Adventure Watersports) or Sandown (West Side Beach, Beach Buoys). You'll probably find that St Helens has the calmest water, though it does vary. There was also a kayak hire place at Steephill Cove near Ventnor, last time I visited.
Another option is to buy your own inflatable kayak, which will cost you £100 - £200. I wouldn't attempt anything too adventurous in one of these.
If you have your own kayak, then you have a few more options. If you want a bit of surf with your kayaking then Yaverland, Brook or Compton Bay are good options. If you want a shallow stretch of water then try Appley or Priory Bay. If you know what you are doing and want to explore then Newtown Creek or the River Medina are trickier options.
There used to be a company which offered kayaking outings from Freshwater Bay because there are caves and hidden beaches to explore. However, I would caution that this sort of exploring requires expertise and knowledge of tides. If you attempt something like this on your first kayaking outing, then you'll probably end up on an episode of Saving Lives at Sea.
I would try St Helens (Tackt-Isle Adventures), Shanklin (look for the huts along the seafront), Lake (Wight Water Adventure Watersports) or Sandown (West Side Beach, Beach Buoys). You'll probably find that St Helens has the calmest water, though it does vary. There was also a kayak hire place at Steephill Cove near Ventnor, last time I visited.
Another option is to buy your own inflatable kayak, which will cost you £100 - £200. I wouldn't attempt anything too adventurous in one of these.
If you have your own kayak, then you have a few more options. If you want a bit of surf with your kayaking then Yaverland, Brook or Compton Bay are good options. If you want a shallow stretch of water then try Appley or Priory Bay. If you know what you are doing and want to explore then Newtown Creek or the River Medina are trickier options.
There used to be a company which offered kayaking outings from Freshwater Bay because there are caves and hidden beaches to explore. However, I would caution that this sort of exploring requires expertise and knowledge of tides. If you attempt something like this on your first kayaking outing, then you'll probably end up on an episode of Saving Lives at Sea.
I spotted some kayaks for hire in Steephill Cove near Ventnor
Sailing on the Isle of Wight
Sailing requires a lot more expertise, equipment and expense than messing around with a kayak or bodyboard for an hour.
I'm not an expert sailor but I can point you in the right direction.
Alternatively, get yourself some red trousers and head down to Cowes in early August to get a feel of the post-sailing vibe.
I'm not an expert sailor but I can point you in the right direction.
- If you’re new to sailing, the UKSA (UK Sailing Academy) is a good place to start. They do various courses, including family fun days from their base in Cowes.
- Tackt Isle in St Helens in the East Wight is another well-known provider of dinghy sailing lessons and 'muck in' sessions. The latter isn't a reference to the state of the water.
- Wight Waters Adventure Watersports is similar to Tackt Isle but is based in Lake near Sandown.
- I don't know much about Salty Sailing but they offer taster days and family sailing sessions.
- There are various yacht clubs on the Isle of Wight that offer training. From what I can tell, these are designed for members and can take several days rather than families looking for a day out.
Alternatively, get yourself some red trousers and head down to Cowes in early August to get a feel of the post-sailing vibe.
Sailing requires a lot more gear than other watersports
Aqua Parks on the Isle of Wight
It's not exactly a watersport, but there’s a great aqua park at Tapnell Farm near Freshwater. I mention it as I suspect there's a lot of crossover between people who like watersports and people who like jumping off a giant inflatable tower.
The Isle of Wight Aqua Park costs about £20. It operates more like a playground than an obstacle course where you are limited to a certain route. As a result, it's very easy to miss out bits you don't fancy.
Read our blog about a visit to the Isle of Wight Aqua Park.
The Isle of Wight Aqua Park costs about £20. It operates more like a playground than an obstacle course where you are limited to a certain route. As a result, it's very easy to miss out bits you don't fancy.
Read our blog about a visit to the Isle of Wight Aqua Park.
I was a bit less confident when I jumped off this tower at the Isle of Wight Aqua Park
coasteering on the Isle of Wight
Finally, a mention for coasteering. The idea is that you put on a wetsuit and helmet and clamber round a rocky bit of coastline whilst exploring caves and hidden beaches. The Isle of Wight's professional coasteering company is called Freshwater Bay Coasteering. The location is spot on for this sort of thing.
It takes about two hours and you need to be 12+ to do the proper thing. You also need to be a good swimmer and confident enough to jump off things. There's also a low tide version that is a bit tamer.
It's a pretty full-on activity, which is run by lifeguards and local experts. Do I need to point out that a DIY coasteering adventure will almost certainly result in death or worse? (Ed: I think you just did).
It takes about two hours and you need to be 12+ to do the proper thing. You also need to be a good swimmer and confident enough to jump off things. There's also a low tide version that is a bit tamer.
It's a pretty full-on activity, which is run by lifeguards and local experts. Do I need to point out that a DIY coasteering adventure will almost certainly result in death or worse? (Ed: I think you just did).
Freshwater Bay's rocky coastline and hidden caves are ideal for coasteering
Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, wind foiling, coasteering and other watersports on the Isle of Wight
There are other watersports on the Isle of Wight but they are less popular and require a bit more digging around.
Tackt Isle and Wight Waters are the best places to start.
I've seen a lot of kitesurfers around Brook beach in the West Wight and some in Gurnard. Similarly, I've seen a lot of windsurfers in Gurnard and Cowes.
Tackt Isle and Wight Waters are the best places to start.
I've seen a lot of kitesurfers around Brook beach in the West Wight and some in Gurnard. Similarly, I've seen a lot of windsurfers in Gurnard and Cowes.
Which watersport is right for me?
If you've got young children who are fairly confident in the water then bodyboarding is a good choice if you don't want to go beyond paddling. Paddleboarding and kayaking are also good choices but they'll require you to get stuck in.
Slightly older children will enjoy bodyboarding if there's some surf. If it's flat, paddleboarding or kayaking is better.
If you've got teenagers who are adventurous and confident swimmers then surfing is a good choice.
If you're looking for an activity to bring the family together after a week of arguing then a sailing taster session might be the sort of team building that you need. Equally, it might result in siblings pushing each other in.
A group of adults or teenagers who are looking for something intense and challenging should take a look at coasteering.
Slightly older children will enjoy bodyboarding if there's some surf. If it's flat, paddleboarding or kayaking is better.
If you've got teenagers who are adventurous and confident swimmers then surfing is a good choice.
If you're looking for an activity to bring the family together after a week of arguing then a sailing taster session might be the sort of team building that you need. Equally, it might result in siblings pushing each other in.
A group of adults or teenagers who are looking for something intense and challenging should take a look at coasteering.
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