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  1. Why paddleboard on the IOW?
  2. Top Island paddleboarding spots
  3. Paddleboarding equipment hire and lessons
  4. Paddleboarding safety and practical tips
  5. Getting there

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Paddleboarding on the Isle of Wight

Whether you’re gliding along sheltered estuaries or paddling beneath the Island’s iconic cliffs, paddleboarding on the Isle of Wight lets you experience the coastline in a uniquely peaceful way.

With locations perfect for beginners and plenty to excite seasoned paddlers, it’s an ideal place to find your flow on the water.

Our three ferry routes, connecting Portsmouth and Lymington with the Island, will get you across the Solent in no time at all – so your paddleboarding adventure can begin sooner than you think.

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Man paddleboarding on calm water near the Needles on the Isle of Wight, with the iconic chalk stacks and lighthouse visible in the background.

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Why paddleboard on the IOW?Top Island paddleboarding spotsPaddleboarding equipment hire and lessonsPaddleboarding safety and practical tipsGetting there

Why paddleboard on the IOW?

With 57 miles of coastline and a perfect mix of calm harbours, winding rivers and open sea, the Isle of Wight is made for paddleboarders.

The Island enjoys slightly warmer-than-average waters, particularly so in the summer, and its many sheltered spots mean you’ll often find smooth conditions, even on breezier days.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned paddler, there’s something here for you – from gentle glides through tranquil estuaries to more adventurous routes.

Paddle out and you’ll be treated to stunning views – think towering chalk cliffs, sweeping bays, secluded creeks and thriving coastal wildlife. It’s the perfect way to see the Island from a new perspective.

Top Island paddleboarding spots

Whether you’re looking for gentle waters to learn on or scenic routes to explore, the Isle of Wight is full of amazing places to paddle.

Here are some of the best locations to launch your board and soak up the views:

Two paddleboarders walking through dunes towards the beach at Bembridge on the Isle of Wight, passing colourful beach huts with boards in hand.

Bembridge Harbour and St Helens

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

Calm, shallow waters make this one of the most beginner-friendly paddleboarding spots on the Island.

You’ll often share the water with little sailing boats, seabirds and the occasional curious seal.

Beautiful blue seas, yellow sand and blue skies nearby The bay Colwell Holiday Resort.

Colwell and Totland Bay

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

Tucked away on the west coast, these bays are ideal for a peaceful paddle with sunset views.

The water here is clear and sheltered – perfect for families or a laid-back afternoon float.

Man paddleboarding in shallow water at Sandown Bay on a sunny day, with another paddleboarder walking through the waves behind him.

Sandown Bay

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

With a long sandy beach and easy access, Sandown is a great all-rounder.

Head out during high tide for the smoothest conditions and enjoy the wide, open views back to the shore.

A group of people posing while doing stand up paddleboard yoga on the River Yar, Isle of Wight

River Yar, Yarmouth

Difficulty: Beginners welcome

This inland route winds through peaceful countryside and saltmarshes.

It’s a haven for wildlife and a gentle, scenic paddle – just be sure to check the tides before setting off.

Aerial view of Freshwater Bay on the Isle of Wight, showing clear turquoise water, dramatic white cliffs and sea stacks stretching along the coastline.

Freshwater Bay

Difficulty: Best suited to experienced paddleboarders

More suited to confident paddleboarders, Freshwater Bay offers a more adventurous feel.

Explore sea caves and paddle beneath towering cliffs – just keep an eye on changing sea conditions.

Aerial view of Newtown Creek on the Isle of Wight, showing winding tidal channels, saltmarsh, and moored sailboats in the distance.

Newtown Creek

Difficulty: Best suited to experienced paddleboarders

A tranquil estuary tucked into the north coast, Newtown Creek is perfect for spotting wading birds and soaking up a slower pace.

Great for nature-lovers and quieter sessions, the National Trust ask that only experienced paddlers visit, so as not to disturb delicate habitats.

Alum Bay Beach, overlooking the Needles

Alum Bay and The Needles

Difficulty: Best suited to experienced paddleboarders

One for experienced paddlers, this iconic stretch delivers dramatic coastal views and a real sense of scale.

Strong tidal flow, potential wind chop and access challenges make local knowledge essential.

Paddleboarding equipment hire and lessons

New to paddleboarding or just travelling light? There are plenty of places across the Island where you can hire equipment or take a lesson.

From the calm waters of Colwell Bay to the sheltered creeks of St Helens and the scenic River Yar, local providers offer both hire and instruction in all the right spots. Many offer mobile services too, so you can arrange sessions at your preferred beach or estuary.

All the key gear is typically included – paddleboard, paddle and a buoyancy aid – and you’ll get safety tips and on-the-water guidance if you opt for a lesson. While some centres accept walk-ins, we recommend booking ahead, especially in the summer months.

Here are some of the most popular options:

Paddleboarding safety and practical tips

The Isle of Wight is a brilliant place to paddleboard but nonetheless, a bit of planning goes a long way to keep your session safe and enjoyable.

Check the RNLI’s SUP safety advice before you travel and take note of our top tips below.

🌊 Check the conditions

Tide times and weather can change quickly, especially around exposed spots like Freshwater Bay or The Needles.

Always check conditions before heading out – Surfline, Windguru and BBC Weather are good places to start.

☀️ Summer is the prime season

Between May and September, you’ll usually find calmer seas, lighter winds and warmer temperatures – ideal for both beginners and more experienced paddlers.

But it’s also when beaches and rental centres get busiest, so booking ahead is wise.

❌ Know your limits

Stick to sheltered bays, harbours or estuaries if you’re just starting out.

If you’re more confident, you might want to explore sea caves or head further along the coast – but always go with a buddy, wear a leash and keep an eye on offshore winds and strong currents.

📍 Listen to local advice

Look out for safety notices on the beach and follow any guidance from the RNLI or local watersports providers.

If in doubt, ask – Islanders are usually more than happy to share their knowledge of the best and safest spots to launch from.

Getting there

With Wightlink, getting to the Isle of Wight is easy. Pick from three convenient ferry routes linking the south coast with the Island, with crossing times from just 22 minutes.

Our foot-passenger-only FastCat service links Portsmouth with Ryde. As a transport hub, from Ryde you can travel right across the Island, so reaching the beaches on the south and east coasts is straightforward.

If you’re bringing the car, you can cross the Solent on our Portsmouth – Fishbourne route or our Lymington – Yarmouth route, the gateway to the west of the Island. This is a great route to choose if you’re heading to Freshwater Bay, Colwell Bay or Totland Bay.

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