Windsurfing on the Isle of Wight
Although the Island caters for many watersports Windsurfing, Kitesurfing and Surfing are all well established sports here, and some have a long history on the Island. Many top professional competitors originate from the Island shores, along with some of the best known designers and manufacturers.
On the windy days you will see the wavesailors on the west side taking sail and board through 360degree loops and jumps, kitesurfers high in the sky, ans surfers ripping the huge waves, whilst on the lighter days the coastal blasting is superb. The many venues cater for all levels from beginner to expert and wherever you are based there is a beach just minutes away.
For learning Windsurfing or Kitesurfing the North part of the Island is excellent for practising with many sailing areas where you can stand up for a hundred yards or more at the right state of tide. With a prevailing SW wind the waters are flat and smooth, ideal for gibes and water starting especially in the knee depth water. Even in a blow the Solent spots rarely get huge waves making it a very suitable place for the intermediate level sailor to have some fun jumping in safe conditions. Many people first learn around these shores but you'll still see the more experienced sail here to gain some air time in the onshore gales that whip up a ramp or two.
As experience is gained many will venture further around the shores in search of more demanding conditions firstly progressing to sailing the south eastern side and then onto the more western beaches with the huge dwarfing white cliffs, beautiful tranquillity of the open farm land and more to the point the exhilarating Atlantic generated ground swells.
If you are lucky you'll maybe catch the Island on a 'big day'. If you do take a drive to the west side and as you pass through, up and over, to Blackgang Chine lookout point the sight below of outer reefs breaking far away, feathering in the wind as they peel like a freight train, is truly breath taking. For the next ten minutes on from here to the sailing spots you'll be hooting and whistling all the way.
Other links; IOW Extreme Sports Guide
