Kayaking Newquay – Classic Cornish Cruises // Vol 1 Part II
By James Fisher
Continuing this current series of mini blogs, we’ve been taking a look back at some of the kayaking in Newquay sessions previously offered here at Newquay Activity Centre. We’ve been on the shores of Cornwall for over 20 years. We were around when flared jeans were cool and Oasis were never off the radio. Although some of our team may not want to admit their age, it’s safe to say that with great experience comes great wisdom. And it’s this wisdom and knowledge that makes Newquay Activity Centre the perfect choice for kayaking in Cornwall.
Our experienced instructors live and breathe the great outdoors. Their passion for being outside is second only to their passion of teaching others the benefits of being outside. If you book your kayak lesson or tour with Newquay Activity Centre, you’ll unquestionably be in the safest hands possible.
Cornwall is a county rich in history and heritage. From shipwrecks to smugglers, pirates to plunder; the coastline down in the south west holds some fascinating stories. Some of the best kayaking in Cornwall can be enjoyed whilst learning the history of the area, and that’s exactly what we achieved with our previously offered Heritage River Kayak Tour.
Let’s take a look at what this particular tour used to entail…
Heritage River Kayak Tour
History Inspired River Kayak Tour
- Historic kayaking lesson and guided tour
- River Gannel history and heritage focus
- Expert tuition from our kayak instructors
- All equipment included – buoyancy aids, helmets, wetsuits, paddles and kayaks
Discover the beauty and rich heritage of the River Gannel – Newquay’s tidal estuary that flows out to sea over Crantock Beach. It’s not just Newquay that’s steeped in history. Join us on a heritage focussed kayak tour and hear tales of sunken ships and hauntings whilst developing your paddling skills.
River Gannel history
Follow your instructor’s lead as he/she guides you to the opposite river bank to Penpol Creek – once used as a trading post. There, you’ll see the remains of an old lime kiln where traders burnt limestone and spread it on the land to improve soil quality. Goods shipped to Penpol Creek included coal and limestone.
Hauntings and shipwrecks
Paddling along the Gannel, you’ll discover the site of a shipwrecked museum ship that the Germans blew up in the Second World War.
And you may hear the fabled cry of The Crake. Legend has it that this bird haunts the local area…or could it be the cry of a tortured soul…?
Pause on your journey of discovery, soak in the gentle atmosphere before paddling back to the river bank. Of course, you’ll be an expert in kayaking thanks to guided instruction from our friendly instructors!
What’s Included
- River Gannel heritage kayak lesson and tour
- Expert tuition from our lifeguard-qualified instructors
- Land and water-based kayak instruction
- Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, kayak and paddles included
- History and heritage focus
- 10% off our other adventure activities
- Discount card for apres surf food/drink and the Rip Curl shop (15%)
Don’t worry if this Heritage River Tour sounds like it would have been right up your street; with new stories, better insights and incredible landscapes, our ocean-based Heritage Kayak Tour is still on offer! Learn about Newquays infamous coastal past as you follow the routes and explore the caves of yesteryears gin-smuggling pirates. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere that those very smugglers would have experienced. Mysterious caves, imposing cliffs, wild weather and sandy bays are all there to explore!
If you would like to see what else kayaking in Newquay can offer you, feel free to get in touch via our online chat. Alternatively you can head over to our kayak FAQ page where you’ll find all of the answers you’re looking for. Check out our full range of kayaking 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!
