The Isle of Wight is often overlooked in favour of Ireland, Tiree and the SW in various travelogues. The recent WightAir Extreme Sports week certainly helped give the Island and its beaches the publicity they deserve. Ever since driving all over the island installing weather stations for the HOYA Round the Island Yacht Race, I always wanted to go back and see what the actual conditions would be like on what I perceived to be the best beaches. So last year armed with camping equipment we stayed a week in and around the Compton Bay area The West side of the Island is still very under developed and does not smack of the commercialism found in other parts of the island. Even with the discovery of dinosaur bones and the like by the Victorians and the recent popularity of that genre this area is till very "natural" and long may it remain like that. This side of the island unlike the more popular East and North "resorts" is more barren, as it faces the South West and the prevailing wind - plus it's obvious, and from talking to "yachties" that a good sea breeze develops during the day, and this was all true. The Island has quite a few well known locals who have made it their home, and many of them have taken up kiting, at one point I was the only windsurfer out amongst about twelve kites - but naturally was going faster! Admiralty Chart for local waters, identifying the "ledges" though probably you'll know when you've lost a fin! Their are a few car parks along this stretch, and the one at Compton Bay is slowly falling into the sea. In the summer is does get busy with day trippers, and I found the area at Brook by Hanover Point to be better for rigging and launching. Later in the day I was joined by many local kite sailors. Out of high season, Compton must be good, all the signs were that with a good swell running and right wind this should be on a par with the SW and not so far to drive! Beware at mid to low tide many of the ledges that exist along this coast, and around other parts of the island. These have claimed many a sail boat, for you it will only be your pride and fins. I ended up camping at Grange Farm Camp site near Brighstone, as it turned out this was good "spot". I launched from here quite often and sailed both up and down the coast, plus it was right on my door step as it were. If you don't fancy going under "canvas" as this site can get "windy" then they have caravans more or less on the beach, see photo to the left. All in all, I think the Islands not exactly a day trip for most people, but if you want a change to going down to the Gower, Devon & Cornwall etc it's well worth considering.
