Stuck out in the English Channel the Isle of Wight picks up considerable swell and offers some of the best breaks on the south coast. Compton Bay on the southwest is the most consistent break on the Island and works well from 2-5ft, its predominantly beach break with a choice of the 'Fields' - a faster, more sucky sandbar favoured more by shortboarders or Hanover Point, which is a little mellower and a favourite with longboarders.

Freshwater Bay, located just up the road only works once the swell is pushing past the 4ft mark and on its day offers a truly first-class right-hander, best up to three quarters tide and can be a bit hairy due to rocks, not recommended for beginners. Heading back past Compton there are a number of reef breaks scattered along the Chines, some are able to hold huge waves although it is best to gain a little local knowledge before trying them out for the first time. Niton, located on the southern most point of the Island, is another great right-hander although is rocky and not the best spot for beginners. Ventnor is ok when the southwest is blown-out and Whitecliff Bay on the east coast will offer something on an easterly.

Johnny Fryer is our current home-grown star, 3x British Junior Champion and master of the 'aerial freakshow'; he has recently been a part of the British team at the World Championships in California (finish: 9 th Place) and is set for a full WQS and BPSA Tour season during 2007.

For beginners, X-Isle Sports based in Bembridge can provide full tuition and equipment, from one-to-one sessions through to full group programmes.

The Isle of Wight Surf Club also arranges various events including competitions and tuition sessions. Their website offers a comprehensive guide to the local scene and a full range of swell prediction links. See www.isleofwightsurfclub.net for details.

For those after a little competition then the White Air Surf Open during August/September is the main event on the Isle of Wight calendar. The previous few years have thrown up some mammoth swells, the 2003 finals are still some of the most memorable with double-overhead Freshwater Bay providing a world-class venue. Checkout www.whiteair.co.uk for further info and entry details.

If you're travelling to the Island without a car (hopefully) and need to transport your gear around then Wild Horses provides the UK's only Landrover Taxi service and welcomes wet surfers, boards and wetsuits.

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...