We aim to inspire others to embark on their own adventures, and we’re always thrilled to share the exciting journeys of fellow adventurers. So, when we heard about Simon Margot’s epic feat of kayaking around the entire Isle of Wight in a single day, we couldn’t wait to learn more. Hailing from Cambridgeshire, Simon recounts his incredible experience paddling around the island’s coast, sharing his story with us below.
The Isle of Wight is a fantastic location for kayaking and watersports, offering numerous safe places to explore.
With its coastal beaches and four main inland waterways—the River Yar at Yarmouth, the River Medina at Newport-Cowes, Newtown Creek, and Bembridge Harbour—there are countless opportunities for different kayaking experiences. You can enjoy calm, scenic paddles along the rivers or more adventurous sea kayaking around the island’s coastline.
The island boasts diverse landscapes, including cliffs, beaches, and estuaries. This varied terrain makes it a great kayaking destination.
With plenty of safe slipways with parking available to help you get into the water. The clear, clean water set against dramatic and stunning scenery makes the Isle of Wight a top choice for both novice and experienced kayakers looking for an enjoyable day on the water.
When we heard about Simon’s remarkable feat, we had to share his story. He kayaked around the entire coast of the Isle of Wight in a single day. Join us as we dive into Simon’s amazing expedition.
Fast forward to now. I find myself recounting one of my most memorable experiences. It was the day I kayaked around the entire coast of the Isle of Wight in a single, epic journey…….
The planning was thorough. I spent hours studying tide charts, looking for that perfect day when strong currents could give me a push.
May is usually pretty nice weather-wise on the Isle of Wight—daytime temps are mild around 15degrees and there’s a fair bit of sun with some rain here and there and the sea temperature tends to be on the chilly side hovering at around 13-15 degrees.
The distance around the entire Isle of Wight coastline is just under 70 Miles. So I prepared by doing gradually longer sea kayak trips with gradually more complex planning to get used to the effect of tides and weather. I did a long kayak race at easter so I knew I was fit enough to cover the distance and thought kayaking around the island nonstop would be a good all round test of fitness, planning, skill.
When the time came, I set off from Keyhaven, a picturesque village located near Lymington, on the south coast of England, Mainland. It’s a nature reserve that is part of the New Forest, and is a good sheltered place to set off without too much of a walk from the car. Keyhaven is quite close to the Isle of Wight, separated by a stretch of water known as the Solent with a small distance of under 1.5miles.
I had some peanuts for breakfast, said hello to some other kayakers who had just arrived and set off to weave my way between moored boats toward Hurst castle (Built by Henry VIII at the seaward end of a coastal spit that served as a prison for Charles I) then the sea.
With the Island straight ahead, the quiet waters were a serene backdrop for the adventure ahead.
From the moment I pushed off from shore, I knew this would be a test of both body and mind. But as the miles slipped away beneath my kayak, I felt a profound sense of exhilaration.
I set off at 6:30 am heading anti-clockwise (westward through the Solent towards The Needles which, on a good day are in plain sight from Keyhaven) and got back at 5:15 pm, so I spent nearly 11 hours kayaking. The Solent is the strait of water that separates the Isle of Wight from the mainland of England.
It is a significant and busy waterway, it is also known for its strong tidal currents. So I kayaked anticlockwise around the island to have wind and tidal assistance on the homeward stage when I would likely be tired.
I stopped a few times for drinks and snacks but stayed in the boat because landing and launching again are hard work and slow, while the kayak is comfortable for me.
I ate sweets all day long. I took plenty of water since it was a hot day and I was working quite hard, adding salt sachets to avoid cramps.
In case of an incident, I carried a VHF radio to contact the coastguard or other nearby boats in an emergency. It also served as company, as I could listen to coastguard announcements or assist others if needed. I wore a buoyancy aid and had a phone connected to a power bank in a waterproof bag on the kayak, though I didn’t need it all day.
I also had a waterproof GPS unit on my kayak, which constantly showed my speed, distance covered, time of day, and a basic map. This helped me keep a good paddling pace and keep an eye on my progress.
Navigation was simple: keep the island on my left all day until I saw The Needles for the second time.
Of course, it wasn’t without its challenges. The wind and waves tested my resolve.
The hardest part of the trip was the most exposed section along the island’s south coast, where I faced a headwind and choppy seas. I considered turning back if I couldn’t round the eastern end of the island before the tide turned against me. However, I pushed on, kept an eye on the time, and comfortably made it in the end.
As planned, the homeward, north coast stage was far easier and quite different, with lots of sailing and motorboats around in the Solent for company, unlike the solitude of the southern coast. I saw seabirds on the south coast but no other wildlife, as I was often focused on the sea conditions, navigation, and speed rather than wildlife spotting.
As the sun started to get lower in the sky, I rounded the final bend. Then, I saw them, The Needles, the familiar row of the three distinctive chalk stacks that rise out of the sea off the western coast of the Isle of Wight, near Alum Bay. The scenery is dramatic and spectacular, even though I had seen them before they were still an epic sight in the distance..
For anyone considering the trip, I recommend building up to it gradually to ensure your planning, skills, fitness, and equipment are up to it. My next trips are around Arran and to the Scilly Isles. I will definitely come back to the Isle of Wight. I love kayaking, and my aunt and uncle, who are amazing bakers, live there!
This is Simon’s story. What will yours be? Please get in touch if you have a similar story or adventure you’d like to share!
If you’re planning your own kayak adventure and are on the Isle of Wight, here are some companies that offer kayak equipment rentals and additional information:
These companies can give you the gear to enjoy the waters near the Isle of Wight. It’s always a good idea to contact them in advance to check availability and book your equipment.
Looking for inspiration? Look through our photos and videos of the Isle of Wight and see the beautiful scenery waiting to be explored. Visit photo wall
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