Free Surf Day with Newquay Activity Centre - 11 May 2025
Last weekend, RAF families based at RAF St Mawgan came together for a day of surf, sunshine and shared experience on the Cornish coast – thanks to Newquay Activity Centre’s free family adventure session.
Now in its fourth year, this initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to supporting RAF St Mawgan adventurous training, and helping military families connect, recharge and thrive through outdoor experiences.
The session was led by our qualified instructors and offered free of charge to all participants – a gesture we’re proud to make as part of our long-standing partnership with the Armed Forces. As a Help for Heroes registered organisation, we also host regular activity sessions for veterans and wounded service personnel.
Building Bonds Through Adventure
What began as a session for 24 quickly grew to 32 due to overwhelming interest in our surf lessons. Every family turned up on the day, filling the beach with positive energy and excitement. Participants ranged from young children to adults, with many trying surfing for the first time.
“This is what we’re all about - getting people outside, building confidence, and helping families reconnect through the outdoors.”
Last year, the RAF St Mawgan group tackled our Surf Survivor session, and later this season they’ll return for coasteering, where they’ll scramble, swim and leap their way through Newquay’s rugged intertidal playground.
Why It Matters - In Their Words
RAF personnel and families are often posted far from their original support networks. Opportunities to meet others and bond over shared challenges are essential for building resilience and community.
“It is important as it brings families together in a healthy way outdoors on the beach. In an increasingly digital world this is really important.”
A Digital Detox on the Cornish Coast
One of the standout moments for many attending was seeing children set aside their phones in favour of wetsuits and waves. The focus of the day wasn’t just physical activity, but quality time without screens – something everyone appreciated.
As families supported one another in the surf, chatted on the beach, and laughed between waves, it was clear that the power of nature and community had done its job.
What Is RAF St Mawgan Adventurous Training?
Located just outside Newquay, RAF St Mawgan is a key base for military operations and training in the Southwest. Many of the families who joined us live on or near the station. Adventurous training is part of the RAF’s broader commitment to physical development, mental resilience, and team building.
At Newquay Activity Centre, we are proud to deliver tailored adventurous training sessions for RAF St Mawgan and other forces groups – blending military-style challenge with natural outdoor learning.
Our Military Programmes
In addition to family days, we offer structured, goal-driven activities for serving personnel across all ranks and experience levels.
Explore our full military offering here
You can also build a multi-day programme combining:
- Surfing
- Coasteering
- Stand-up paddleboarding
- Beach lifeguard skills
- Survival and navigation drills
Sessions are delivered by qualified instructors and can include various activities, team challenges and integrated learning outcomes.
Interested in Your Own Military Day?
We offer discounted options for:
- Unit welfare groups
- Regimental family fun days
- Military adventurous training
- Army PTI-led surf courses
- Resilience and leadership development
Let us tailor a session to your needs.
