Isle of Wight, Jutting out into the English Channel, the southern shoreline of the Isle of Wight can collect considerable swell and offers some of the best surfing breaks on the UK south coast. The Island is one of the South of England’s best kept surfing secrets and the backdrops are stunning with dwarfing white cliffs or the green and lush open farm land. On small days, the waves are playful and fun and are perfect for practicing techniques, turns and airs and on big days you'll be whistling and hooting all the way up the coast. There are no surf beaches on the northern shore of the Island but most of the southern beaches. Freshwater Bay, only works once the swell is pushing past the 4ft mark. It offers a first-class right-hander, best up to three quarters tide. It can be a bit hairy due to rocks so this reef break is for intermediate to expert surfers only. Compton Bay, just down the road is the most consistent break on the Island and works well from 2-5ft. Brighstone, a beautiful scenic spot, the swell arrives straight in here. Although a long paddle, the surfing can be excellent but it’s a steep walk down the cliff and very rocky at low water, best wind direction W/NW or SE. Heading further down the coast 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. Localism is not really a problem here, but a good attitude goes a long way, if not Parkhurst is never far away.
Isle of Wight Wiki