Compton Bay
Compton Bay is the Isle of Wight's most surfed beach--a stretch with three distinct sections.
Compton Bay surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (220°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 260°
- Size range
- 0.6m - 1.5m
- Ideal size
- 1m - 1.3m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 11s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (0°)
- Offshore range
- 320° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low to mid
Water temp
12°C
Wetsuit
5/4mm + boots
Difficulty
3/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Compton Bay?
Compton Bay is a beach break in Isle of Wight, UK, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Compton Bay?
Compton Bay picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.6m and handles up to about 1.5m, with the sweet spot around 1 to 1.3m. Period matters too: aim for 11s or longer, as anything under 7s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Compton Bay?
A N wind is dead offshore at Compton Bay, and anything from the NW round to the ENE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Compton Bay?
Compton Bay is at its best around the low to mid tide.
When is the best time of year to surf Compton Bay?
The most reliable run of swell at Compton Bay comes Oct to Feb. There's a second window in Mar and Sep too.
How cold is the water at Compton Bay?
The water at Compton Bay averages around 12°C, so you'll want a 5/4mm with boots. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Compton Bay good for beginners?
Yes, it's one of the friendlier waves around, rated 3/10 for difficulty. Expect a moderate crowd (6/10) when it's on. Most popular surf beach on Isle of Wight. Rips in bigger swells. Requires ferry access.
How do I get to Compton Bay?
The nearest airport on our list is SOU, then it's roughly a 2-hour drive.
What other surf spots are near Compton Bay?
The closest breaks we track are Freshwater Bay (3.1 km) and Kimmeridge (48 km), handy when Compton Bay isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Secondary: Mar, Sep
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Freshwater Bay
Isle of Wight's best - Hollow right over rock - Ferry access adventure
Kimmeridge
Dorset's fickle reef - MOD access restrictions - Powerful when on
Siouville
🌊 Norman surprise • Quality reef • D-Day region waves
Sandy Bay
Welsh wedge • Bristol Channel pulse • Tide-critical bodyboard wave
Bantham
Devon rivermouth - Deceptively powerful - South coast gem
Lynmouth
Devon's fickle left point - Cliff access only - Needs size to fire