Kayaking in Newquay - Paddle & Picnic

There’s much more to kayaking than simply paddling in a straight line from start to finish. Your session can include much, much more! Learning advanced paddling techniques. Fun games and races. Exploring smugglers caves. Getting up close with wildlife in the natural environment, especially the local Seal population and possibly dolphins. Navigating narrow gullies and riding the natural rapids created by the ocean swell. Learning about local history and points of interest. Watching our coasteering groups as they jump off cliffs is also a great spectator sport!

What better activity to do in the rain than a water activity?  Rain or shine our kayak sessions are the ultimate activity for the family.

As you will be undertaking your session in one of our sit-on-top kayaks, falling in pretty unlikely, and even if it does happen, it is not a problem.  You can just flip the kayak upright and climb back in.  One of our qualified instructors will be on hand to make sure that you are ok and give you any assistance needed.

We can provide a wetsuit so you only need to bring a towel and swimwear. You can wear your own wetsuit if you have one or if you have your own kayak specific waterproofs you may bring these too.  Footwear will also be required so bring either a pair of shoes that you don’t mind getting wet or you can hire from us for £3 a go.  Most importantly please bring a sense of adventure and fun!

Your trip will take you on one of a couple of different routes that we use.  The main route is along the Gazzle which is a large headland just a short paddle from our centre.  Alternatively, we will take you along a sheltered stretch of river located a short drive from the centre. We are happy for you to let us know your preference, and we will use the conditions on the day to help us decide.

Our ocean-based route along Towan headland is rich in wildlife. Common sightings include Grey Seals, and an array of birdlife. There is also the possibility to see Dolphins, Sun Fish, Lion’s mane jellyfish, and Basking Sharks have previously been spotted in the area (don’t worry, they are completely harmless and have no teeth). Our river-based route in the Gannel estuary is very in rich in Birdlife including Herrings, Iceland and Franklin Gulls.

Providing you have fulfilled the minimum requirement of 50 metres swimming capability and you have no current health issues or injuries preventing you from participating in an adventurous activities you are welcome to come! Don’t worry, it’s not a race and you are not expected to be an Olympic-level paddler! Your instructor will make sure the group moves at the pace of the slowest paddler and will assist weak paddlers when needed.

All our Instructors are fully qualified British Canoeing Paddlesport leaders as well as Beach and Surf Safety Lifeguards. Our instructors have years of personal experience in the water, and attend regular site-specific staff training. We also work in close partnership with the RNLI to ensure your safety in and out of the water.