By Parkdean Resorts on 08/05/2018
The Isle of Wight is fast becoming one of the most popular locations in Britain to enjoy exciting watersports, and it’s easy to see why. This island consists of 147 square miles, dotted with beautiful beaches and secret coves, and provides the perfect conditions to try a whole variety of water activities.
Whether you’re a beginner or a fanatic, there’s something for everyone to enjoy on the Isle of Wight - from surfing and kayaking to paddleboard yoga and bodyboarding, watersports are the perfect summertime activity for all ages.
Here at Parkdean Resorts, we’ve unearthed some of the best places to try water activities around the Isle of Wight, so you and the family can enjoy a thrilling day out.
Lake Beach
Only 10 minutes from Landguard Holiday Park you’ll find Lake Beach. Sandwiched between the popular resorts of Sandown and Shanklin, Lake Beach is a sheltered, sandy haven - renowned for its quiet, shallow waters, making it an ideal location for some water-based fun.
Whether you’re a newbie or a pro, Wight Water promises a fun experience for the whole family. There are lots of different watersports to try, including sailing, surfing and powerboating. Explore the sea by kayak, or try your hand at something a little more extreme like kitesurfing or windsurfing. If it’s something unusual you’re looking for, then you won’t want to miss Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga.
Have fun and exercise at the same time, while trying to keep your balance on the wobbly board. While you’re de-stressing at yoga, there are Splash Sessions for under 16s, and even a Sunday morning Kids’ Club, where children can take part in a host of watersports, including kayak fishing, sailing and sea trampolining.
If you’d just like to relax and watch the professionals at work, then Lake Beach is quieter than many of the other beaches on the island. Sit back in a deckchair and soak up the views, or head out for a gentle stroll or cycle along the sea wall, where you can have fun spotting marine life.
Video sourced from Richard Murphy
Freshwater Bay
If you’re staying at Thorness Bay Holiday Park, you’ll be just 25 minutes away from Freshwater Bay, one of the most picturesque beaches on the Isle of Wight. This unique little beach, with both pebbled and sandy areas, is perfect for a day of seaside adventures.
Isle of Wight Adventure Activities offer sessions in many exciting watersports here, with kayaking being their speciality. Have fun paddling under the cliffs, visiting the many hidden caves and bays along the way. Whether you fancy a 2-hour excursion or an all day trip, there’s something for everyone. They’re also the only watersports centre on the island that offers the chance to try coasteering - where you can climb up cliffs, jump from rocks and swim into caves.
The fun doesn’t end here, either. Once you’ve dried off, there are all sorts of activities close by to keep the whole family entertained. Head to Yarmouth Castle with a picnic and enjoy the amazing views of the 450-year old castle. Alternatively, head to Tapnell Farm Park to see some traditional farmyard animals, as well as a few unexpected friends such as wallabies and alpacas. If you’re holidaying with teenagers, they’ll love the island’s longest zip wire which is located here, too.
Video sourced from Jamie King
River Medina
Newport is slightly further away from the coast, but with the River Medina nearby, you’ll still be able to get your fix of watersports. Here, you can row, canoe or kayak, while surrounded by the wonderful local wildlife, including a variety of birds and fish. The river is also just 30 minutes away from a number of holiday parks on the Isle of Wight, making it easily accessible for a fun day out.
Due to the calm water conditions on the river, it's ideal for beginners. Whether you want to try sailing, power boating, canoeing or kayaking, there’s something for everyone.
After a morning spent in the water, spend the afternoon at Newport Roman Villa. Built almost 2,000 years ago, but only unearthed in 1926, you can discover the remains of a Roman villa, complete with baths and a restored herb garden. Once you’ve soaked up the history, walk up to the Quay Arts Centre, the Isle of Wight’s central arts space. Stroll around the exhibition area for an afternoon of culture, or if you’re lucky, you might even catch the ‘Music on the Medina’, an evening of free music from local musicians.
Video sourced from SafeSite IOW
St Helens
Just five minutes from Nodes Point Holiday Park is St Helens Beach, a traditional British beach which is home to a variety of exciting activities. Located on the east coast of the Isle of Wight, there’s so much to see and do on a visit, including swimming, rock pooling and a range of exciting watersports.
Tackt-Isle Adventures is a great place to go if you’re looking to have some fun on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or a whiz on the waves, you’ll find a sport suitable for you. Admire the beautiful coastline during an ‘Explorer’ session, or join in the ‘Muck-In’ sessions, where you can have a gentle paddle and take part in a range of fun games and activities. If you’re up for a challenge, then put your skills to the test and try windsurfing, wake-boarding and dinghy sailing.
Once you’ve had fun on the water, Tackt-Isle also provides a range of sports on land, including mountain biking, Segwaying and foraging. After the activities are over, there’s a lot more to see nearby. Explore the ruins of the old St Helens church that was wrecked by a large wave in the 18th century, or take a stroll around the vibrant harbour at Bembridge.
Video sourced from Tackt-Isle Adventures
Have you got any videos of you enjoying the waves? Don’t forget to share them with us on our Twitter and Facebook pages.