OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

OUTDOOR ISLAND adventures

The Isle of Wight’s contrasting landscapes, rugged coastline, flat sandy beaches, and unique weather and microclimate, make it a playground for watersports and activities. Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find some of the best (and most challenging) Isle of Wight adventures in the great outdoors.

KAYAKING

A kayak’s combination of stability and manoeuvrability gives it the edge over paddleboards for those chasing adventure. Covering a distance against a tide is an intense workout but you’ll be rewarded with beaches and bays which few have stepped on. The first challenge is to battle through the breaking waves – approaching them head on is the only option. Once you reach calmer waters, you’ll see tantalising glimpses of unoccupied bays with looming cliffs and perilous caves. Adventurers with their own kayaks often visit Newtown Creek or tackle the choppy waters of Freshwater Bay, Brook or Compton. Inexperienced kayakers should sign up for an expert-led “safari session” with Tackt-Isle. tackt-isle.co.uk

COASTEERING

One of the most hands-on ways to explore parts of the Island’s rugged coastline is to sign yourself up to a coasteering session. You’ll find yourself scrambling around the shore, hopping over rocks, cliff diving, riding the surges in the swell, and discovering hidden caves. This activity will grant you access to various locations and views that are generally off limits, unless you’re travelling by boat or paddleboard; but it’s not for the faint-hearted. The right equipment and an experienced guide who knows the tides are essential. The best (and safest) way to enjoy one of these adventures is to sign up to a guided coasteering experience with Freshwater Bay Coasteering. fbciow.com

Stand-up paddleboarders crave calm waters and deep red sunsets for memorable summertime outings. Balance is the key to staying afloat and picking up the most speed. The boards are wide and long, but a strong current or even a small wave requires concentration and correction from the boarder. Experienced stand-up paddleboarders can cover a good distance. Beginners should visit Colwell in the West Wight on a calm day to hire a board from Sup Dog Rentals supdogrentals.co.uk. In the East Wight, you’ll find hourly paddleboard rental in St Helens, Sandown, Lake and Shanklin. Explorers can hire boards by the day from Two Elements in Cowes. twoelements.co.uk

SURFING

Seasoned surfers head straight to the south coast of the Island to chase the biggest and best waves at the far end of Compton Bay. First-timers should book a lesson at iSurf iowsurf.com. Within minutes you’ll be out in the water, clinging tightly to the sides of your board and glancing behind at the oncoming waves. As the wave’s power increases you’ll attempt to stand on the board – ideally in one smooth motion. At first, you’ll struggle to stand and find yourself tossed and turned by the breaking waves. Hold your breath, protect your head with your wrists in an X-shape, and get straight back into the water. Once you can finally ride a wave whilst standing you’ll realise that there’s no feeling quite like it.

PARAGLIDING

Few sports can match the intense adrenaline rush of leaping off a clifftop and gliding above the shoreline. The Isle of Wight’s climate gives it plenty of “flyable days” for local thrill seekers. For a one-of-a-kind holiday experience, sign up for a tandem flight with High Adventure Paragliding highadventureparagliding.co.uk. Over a couple of hours you’ll learn the basics before feeling your feet leave the ground – most likely overlooking the West Wight, with its farmland and colossal cliffs. Take a minute to steady your nerves and then enjoy one of the best views you’ll ever see.

CYCLING

Lonely Planet named the Isle of Wight as one of the 10 best cycling destinations in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The diverse terrain offers an appealing mix of road cycling, touring and mountain biking. Experienced riders should attempt to conquer the 53-mile Chalk Ridge Extreme. You’ll face mud tracks, treacherous chalk, and exhausting climbs. The notorious Tennyson Trail makes up one of the most difficult sections. An alternative test of stamina is the 64-mile circular route of the Island, which includes leg-aching sections of the South Wight. Bike hire options include Wight Cycle Hire wightcyclehire.co.uk and Route Fifty7 routefifty7.com. | ISLE OF WIGHT GUIDE 2021 EDITION

An early morning canter along a beach at low tide is a special experience for a horse rider. The East Wight beaches of St Helens and Priory Bay are two of the best locations for leaving horseshoe prints in the sand. Sally’s Riding School sallysridingschool.com and Hill Farm Stables hillfarmstables.com both offer beach riding experiences. A further 165 miles of bridleway criss-cross the Island for further adventures and exploration.

WALKING

Hikers who visit the South Wight are rewarded with far-reaching views and a thorough cardio workout. The coastal path and the hills around Ventnor, St Lawrence and Blackgang are the steepest and most challenging on the Island. Similarly impressive views can be found on the climb from Freshwater Bay to the Tennyson Monument. Continue on to The Needles and the heather-covered hills of Headon Warren. For a family-friendly stroll along the beach, try Yaverland, Compton Bay or Cowes seafront.

SAILING

The waters off the Island are to sailing what Monaco is to motor racing, offering sporting history and close contact encounters. Crews must work together to exploit the elements and gain an edge over their opponents. Sailors come to Cowes in their thousands each summer, but newcomers to the sport can quickly learn the ropes. Sign up for private lessons at a watersports centre tackt-isle.co.uk or wightwaters.com or a family day at the UK Sailing Academy uksa.org.

TREE CLIMBING

Goodleaf tree climbing goodleaf.co.uk combines the skills of rock climbing with the thrills of high ropes from its base overlooking the beach at Appley. Adventurers climb from branch to branch, stretching for a solid foothold and heaving themselves up to the next level. Looking down is not advised as you ascend 50 feet and begin to tower over surrounding trees. From the top, take time to admire the sea view, lie down in a hammock and prepare for your descent with a slice of flapjack.