The Isle of Wight boasts some of the UK's premier Kitesurfing conditions, provides the venue for one of Europe's most high profile events, is home to some of the countries leading competitors and offers a great base to learn or simply free-ride some great locations.

Due to the Island's unique shape no matter what the wind is doing there is always somewhere that's working. Mix this up with some higher than average wind-speeds and the huge diversity of breaks on offer and you will be sure to find something to suit.

The prevailing wind is south westerly so the southwest coast offers the most extreme conditions, the southeast resorts offer slightly more sheltered conditions although are still very good when the wind hits 6+. The east coast around Bembridge is generally a lot more sheltered and is a great location to learn. Ryde round to Thorness Bay on the north coast offer more shelter although can be excellent on autumn/winter easterlies. Colwell close to Yarmouth is again a great location for beginners through to intermediates, but is also good on a 5+ southwesterly.

The Island has one of the UK's premier kiteboarding schools in X-Isle Sports , who also picked up the 2005 Green Island Service of the Year award alongside their Gold Green Island certification. They offer a range of excellent packages, for more info click on the link above. UKSA (Green Island Business of the Year 2005) also provide residential courses and the White Air youth training week during October each year.

For armchair enthusiasts the kiters provide a great spectacle, head for Brook Chine (just east of Hanover Point, Compton) on a windy day and you'll be sure to see some spectacular action.

During October Yaverland goes nuts for two adrenalin filled weeks as Europe's premier contest White Air comes to town. It began back in 1996 with a caravan on the seafront with a few dozen competitors and over the past 10 years has grown into a full village with over 12 different disciplines and over 600 competitors. On the kiting from it is the location for the finals of the UK champs alongside a full international programme. Visit the White Air site for more information ( here ).

		X-Isle X-Isle is one of the UK’s premier watersports companies operating from Bembridge. The centre is well-equipped, well-staffed and well-run with the aim to deliver the ultimate watersports lifestyle experience through unrivalled...
		UKSA The United Kingdom Sailing Academy offers watersports and marine training for everyone, at every level, from beginner courses to professional training. They specialise in introducing all ages to the great outdoors...