The North of the Island is excellent to learn windsurfing or kitesurfing. It has many sailing areas where, with the right tide, you can stand up for a hundred yards or more. With a prevailing SW wind, the waters are flat and smooth - ideal for gibes and water starting. Even in a blow, Solent spots rarely get huge waves making it a very suitable place for intermediate sailors to have fun jumping in safe conditions. Many people first learn around these shores, but you'll also see the more experienced sail here to gain some air time in the onshore gales that whip up great ramps.

As experience is gained, many will venture further around the shores in search of more demanding conditions. Generally, they first progress to the south-east and then move onto the more western beaches with the huge dwarfing white cliffs, the beautiful tranquillity of the open farmland and the exhilarating Atlantic-generated ground swells.

If you're lucky, you'll catch the Island on a 'Big Day'. If you do, drive to the west side of the Island to Blackgang Chine Lookout Point. From there, you'll find the breathtaking sight of outer reefs breaking far away, feathering in the wind as they peel. For the next ten minutes on from here to the sailing spots you'll be hooting and whistling all the way!