I booked a last minute trip with The New Forest Paddle Sports Company at the beginning of the June. I had nothing planned for the weekend, the weather and conditions looked amazing so I knew I had to get out. I booked the West Solent SUP tour.
We set off early from Keyhaven, Milford on Sea in the New Forest and headed to Colwell Bay on the Isle of Wight (IOW). Loading all the kit onto the boat. We disembarked at Colwell Bay but the boat stayed near as this was also our support boat for the trip.
The boat followed us on the tour – he was near but not too close. I was worried this would distract from the paddle being so tranquil with a boat humming in the background. However, everything was considered and the boat was quiet, at a distance for most of the time and I actually forgot it was there.
We paddled to Totland Bay, here the water was so glassy and clear. I thought I’d paddled to somewhere in the Mediterranean. We then paddled around to Alum Bay hugging the coastline. Here there are staggering multi coloured sand cliffs, definitely ignited the geography nerd within. Paddling West we went along the steep cliff edges past the battery (a Victorian coastal defence site, with look at post used in the war) towards The Needles.
We paddled straight through the middle, ‘threading the needle’. The mixture of tides and wind made this an interesting transition. I paddled hard and it was like hitting a brick wall when going through the change in conditions. I fell to my knees, quickly picking myself back up I got though The needles out into Scratchells Bay. Even on this calm and still day the conditions around The Needles changed substantially. It wasn’t dangerous but the day was chosen for the right conditions. In more mild or winder conditions, the sea state would make this a difficult or dangerous place to be without the right experience level.
Around the south side of the IOW in Scratchells bay, it had amazing overhanging cliffs, and an impressive cave on the East corner. It was incredible that this beach can only be accessed by boat. Makes it even more special and pristine.
The paddle speed of the trip was very chilled, we still covered a fair few few kilometres but the pace was great to still have a chat and take in the scenery.
The boat then collected us from the bay, taking us back to Keyhaven for 12.30pm. Just in time to grab some well deserved brunch. I headed to Paddle on the Green, in Milford on Sea.
Sat eating pancakes, I reflected. What an epic trip the whole morning was, I couldn’t have asked for a better time. The weather was spot on, the people were lovely and the scenery was second to none. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in paddling to the needles. This paddle could be done without a tour, however it would definitely be for paddlers with a lot of sea experience. And please always keep in mind that conditions do change and be prepared for anything in the Solent!
I’d love to hear if you’ve paddled to The Needles and what your experiences were like.
Ness x
Ness' bit of everything 