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Niton Windsurfing Guide

General info

Suitability
advanced
Beach faces
S
Best wind
W, SW, WSW
Tidal range
small
Shelving rate
You have to swim out to the wind here.

Windsurfing ratings

Wave
Freestyle
Speed
Beginner

Niton Gallery

Niton is nestled in a small cove at the southern most tip of the Isle of Wight near St. Catherine's point lighthouse. It's exposed location lends it to being one of the IOW's best wave-sailing locations since it picks up a great deal of swell on offer and wind as well.

The wind directions rating highly on the Bigsalty Wind Rating are W-SW winds.

Features

Niton should really spring to mind in W-SW winds as the down the line riding is excellent and the jumping can be relentless. It is possible to enjoy action and cross onshore in a southerly but if the wind swings cross shore, the waves stack up and create near continuous jumping ramps.

This is also a popular surfing location, so take your board because the waves can peel round the point for some classic surfing conditions.

Considerations

There is quite a gruelling reef downwind of the launching area that is very shallow and can really ruin your session, so do your best to stay up wind and avoid getting stuck down there.

Being on the tip of the island has the consequence of there being strong tides to tackle. Check you are confident that you can get yourself out of trouble and stay upwind if necessary. If not you might prefer trying Sandown in a similar wind direction as an intermediate's location.

Purely on a practicality note, parking is limited in the car park.

Google Map of the location