Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2014 | Page 38

FEATURE
Wight Water

screening; adults £8.50, children £7.50
(3-16 yrs). For more details or to book
call into the zoo entrance, or you can
book online.
The zoo, built within the ruins of a
Victorian Fort on Sandown seafront, has a
variety of animals, including the popular
meerkats, but specialises in two particular
areas - tigers and lemurs.
However, African lions are some of the
most iconic animals in the world, and
there are three living at the Isle of Wight
Zoo. Currently classed as vulnerable, lions
are under threat all over Africa as they
lose habitat and compete with humans.
The Isle of Wight Zoo is dedicated to
the preservation of animal species and
the education of visitors. Although best
known for the collection of big cats they
are also home to a large collection of
primates and specialise in lemurs. These
remarkable animals are only found wild
in Madagascar, where an astonishing
variety of species can be seen. The zoo
currently has seven species of lemur, four
of which can be found at Lemurland, the
area of the zoo devoted specially to them.
Tel: [phone]. IW Zoo, Yaverland
Seafront, Sandown, PO36 8QB.

Shanklin Chine

Enjoy the unique tranquillity of
Shanklin Chine, the Island’s oldest tourist
attraction, which opened in 1817. The
famous and tranquil leafy gorge is much
loved by everyone who walks through it,
from poets, artists and writers to visitors
of all ages. The winding woodland, with
its steep sides is a magical place for rare
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plants, wildlife and enchanting waterfalls.
Visit the nature hide with live action
from the squirrels' feeding station, and
remember the Chine is illuminated after
dusk during the summer season.
There is also a permanent display to
PLUTO (Pipe Line Under The Ocean). The
video and display show the fascinating
story of how the pipeline carried petrol
to the Allied troops in Normandy. New
material has been added for this year.
At the Chine's lower entrance is the
memorial to 40 Royal Marine Commando
who trained there during the war in
preparation for the Dieppe raid of 1942.
Take time to relax in the conservatory
and tea room and also visit the gift shop
where you will find many interesting
items for sale.

Wight Water is regarded as the Island’s
premier water sports centre. Opened in
1985 by the current owner Scott Gardner’s
father, it is perfectly located within
Sandown bay for tourists and locals alike.
It has a world class pedigree of windsurf
professional instructors, including Scott’s
brother Ross Williams, the two-time and
current Pro World windsurf champion.
Alongside the win dsurfing is the RYA
accredited school offering courses in
sailing, BSUP accredited school for stand
up paddle boarding, Surf GB school,
AALA school and a RLSS training centre.
So if you are a competent water sports
enthusiast or a complete novice wishing
to take a course or hire equipment you
will find everything you need to further
your skills at Wight Water.
The most recent venture includes
the kite surf school based at Yaverland
beach, the only BKSA recognised school
on the Isle of Wight offering beginner,
intermediate and advanced courses
using Ozone kites. The Yaverland site also
operates as a satellite hire centre for surf,
kayak and stand up paddle boarding
lessons and equipment hire.
Next door to the training centre is
Tradewinds Café operated by Scott’s Aunt,
offering Segafredo coffee, a selection of
tea, freshly prepared food and home
made cakes.
For all your equipment needs sister
shop Earth, Wind & Water, located at 8
Atherley Road, Shanklin, near the train
station, and operated by Aaron, Scott’s
brother, should be your first port of call.
Tel: 866269. www.wightwaters.com