Wa’ SUP Newquay? Paddles From The Past // Vol 1 Part I
By James Fisher
Another day, another moment to appreciate the lifestyle that surrounds us down here in Newquay, Cornwall. We are truly fortunate to have an exciting and diverse aquatic playground just a stone’s throw away from our Newquay Activity Centre HQ. Based just a short walk from Towan beach, we’re perfectly placed for ocean adventure things to do in Newquay.
Along with surf hire in Cornwall, we also host a wide range of ocean activities for the more adrenaline-inclined folk out there. Filling a popular spot on our activity roster are the mixed variety of SUP lessons and tours we offer. If you’re looking for an action-packed day out for the whole family (including the dog!) why not try our Family or Private Group SUP Lessons. If you’re just as interested in what’s going on below the surface, take a look at our Snorkel & SUP Adventure. We can provide adventurous things to do in Cornwall for families, including both ocean and river based paddle board lessons.
Recently, however, we’ve been giving a nod towards some interesting paddles of the past – previous lessons that helped shape who we are today. As a company committed to providing as much fun and laughter as is safely possible, we are constantly reviewing and improving our stand up paddle board lessons in Newquay. Naturally, this means letting go of some classics – and it’s these sessions we’ll be looking back on during this mini-series of blogs.
Today, we will doth a metaphorical cap to our previously offered Eco River SUP Tour.
“Eco River SUP Tour”
- 2-hour SUP tour along Newquay’s River Gannel estuary
- Environmentally focussed experience
- River wildlife spotting and identification
- All kit included
Discover the peaceful river waters of the Gannel estuary – a protected marine conservation area. It’s a tranquil haven for wildlife, rare birds and unique flora and fauna. Away from the buzz of Newquay and the town’s crashing waves, the Gannel is a popular spot with stand up paddle boarders. And with no ocean swell to negotiate, it’s the perfect place to learn how to SUP or develop your skills!
River stand up paddleboarding
You’ll get a full brief from our expert SUP instructors on the banks of the river. Learn how to paddle, navigate your SUP, change direction and self rescue. From paddling on your knees to perfecting the art of standing, you’ll develop those SUP skills in no time!
Unique native wildlife
Embarking from the river bank, our instructors will guide you across the river at a leisurely pace. From the elevated platform of your SUP, you’ll spot and identify rare UK wading birds such as egrets that inhabit the tree-lined river bank. Your instructor will also point out the Gannel’s unique flora and fauna along your journey.
Discover the peaceful lagoon at Penpol Creek where you’ll glide amongst overhanging trees and enjoy the serenity of this sheltered spot.
Estuary scenery
This low intensity tour gives you plenty of time to pause and soak in the gorgeous scenery. The Gannel estuary meanders north out to the sweeping sands of Crantock beach, where you’ll pass salt marshes and spectacular sand dune formations.
What’s Included
- 2-hour River Gannel eco-focussed SUP lesson and tour
- River wildlife identification
- Expert tuition from our friendly SUP instructors
- Full safety briefing, kit familiarisation and weather condition checks
- Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, SUP and paddles included
- 10% off our other adventure activities
- Discount card for apres surf food/drink and the Rip Curl shop (15%)
If our classic Eco River SUP Tour sounds like it might have been right up your street, we now provide a new and improved tour of similar interests. Check out our Eco Sup Tour which is fully ocean-based, offering a unique learning platform from which to learn about Cornwall’s diverse marine inhabitants.
If you would like to see what paddle boarding in Newquay can offer you, feel free to get in touch via our online chat. Alternatively you can head over to our SUP FAQ page where you’ll find all of the answers you’re looking for. Check out our full range of paddle boarding in Cornwall activities here. Booking can be completed quick and easily online through our website for any activity you may be interested in. We hope to see you in our new centre soon!
