Compton

Down a steep flight of wooden stairs, Compton Bay beneath Freshwater's imposing white cliffs is a deservedly popular spot. Usually scoring the island's biggest waves, it's one of Wight's only suitable breaks for a north-westerly wind, producing good jumping conditions. But Compton really comes into its own at mid-tide in a southerly, offering great riding on punchy sections breaking over fingers of reef. Low tide can get a bit rocky, but you could always go hunting dinosaur footprints in the seabed instead. The waves are pretty heavy too, so pack some spare kit!