Family SUP Estuary Tour

• Qualified, experienced and insured SUP instructors
• Wetsuit, buoyancy aid, SUP board and paddle provided
• Heated changing rooms and secure storage for your valuables
• Hot outdoor showers and male & female toilets
• Full safety briefing, kit familiarisation and weather condition checks
• Tales of history and heritage along the route
• Comprehensive leadership and wildlife information
• 10% off further Newquay Activity Centre activities
• Discount card for apres SUP food & drink at local bars and cafes
• 15% off at Newquay’s Rip Curl store
• A dog sitter if you require it. Just contact us for more details.
• Excellent bad weather options in case of adverse conditions – we’ll get you guys in the water! This activity can go ahead in the rain – no worries!

Learn To Stand Up Paddleboard!

The idyllic surroundings don’t have to reflect the tempo of the session; our instructors want to see impressive wipeouts, some healthy family competition and lots of big splashes! Fully tailored to your group’s needs, you set the agenda to maximise enjoyment and get the most out of this beautiful and relaxing waterway.

With the correct safety advice and instruction, stand up paddle boarding is quick and easy to learn. First, our instructors teach you the basics, then the tour sets off with a unique and relaxing private paddle along the beautiful Gannel Estuary. Most of our private family SUP groups begin paddling on their knees, advancing to a stand up position when they feel safe and confident to do so.

Our Family River SUP Tours have been designed to teach you many core skills including how to launch and land, stand up and balance, hold your paddle, perform basic strokes and how to make directional changes.

There is absolutely no pressure on our Family River SUP Tours; feel free to enjoy the session from the comfort of kneeling on your board, or give standing up a go – it’s entirely up to you! Our experienced instructors are there to help whatever your skill level may be.

Detailed, Technical River SUP Instruction

Before you hit the water you’ll get a safety brief along with a full kit familiarisation experience. Your instructor will show you the key components of the paddle, the board itself and all of your safety gear. Once you’re happy and confident with the kit, it’s time for some wholesome family fun on the river! This exciting and unique way to spend a few hours is definitely something the kids will remember for a long time!

Your instructor will also assess the weather conditions on the day. You’ll discover how to use the weather and tide to navigate the river using a method known as ‘ferry gliding’ – you can use it to cross the river if the wind’s blowing in a certain direction.

Check out our SUP blog post for more information on the ins and outs of learning to stand up paddle board.

The close-quarters tuition of our Family River SUP Tour makes it a safe and secure way of learning and progressing your skills on the water. Let the kids take on new challenges and boost their confidence under the watchful eyes of our experienced instructors.

Bespoke River Sup Experience – You Set The Agenda!

Our friendly instructors are experts on the River Gannel – from its wildlife inhabitants and rare plant species to its rich heritage and secret spots. If you want the kids to become the next SUP Team GB, we can focus solely on helping you become pro’s through detailed and technical instruction. Or, if you fancy an eco focus, we can teach the whole family about the wildlife, history and heritage of the area.

Alternatively, if you don’t have a preference and want to discover a bit of everything, we can cover all aspects! Your SUP board is the perfect platform to take in the beautiful scenery and, if you’re lucky, witness a stunning Gannel sunset!

Who Is This SUP Lesson  For?

Our Family River SUP Tours are for families and groups of all skill levels and abilities. You don’t need to have any prior experience; our highly qualified instructors are masters in teaching people of all ages.

Anyone can buy a board and head to the beach, but mastering the ocean is a different story. Since 1995, we have curated the ultimate SUP experience. Combining the tranquility of paddling with the highest standards of safety and technical instruction.

Here is why we are the #1 rated provider in Newquay:

Certified Excellence (British Canoeing Partners)

We don’t just dabble in paddlesports; we are specialists. As an official British Canoeing Delivery Partner, our operating standards are scrutinised and approved by the sport’s governing body. Our lesson structures are developed using technical advice from top-level experts (including John Paul Eatock), ensuring you learn correct technique from day one.

Signature Routes & Weather Mastery

Paddleboarding is heavily dependent on wind and tides. We don’t believe in “canceling due to wind”, we believe in adapting.
The Coast: For calm days, we explore harbor caves and ocean wildlife.
The Gannel Estuary: When the wind picks up, we utilize our signature routes in the sheltered river estuary. We know exactly where to take you to get the best conditions every single day.

Elite Instructors

Your safety is in the hands of career professionals. Unlike many schools that rely on staff with basic qualifications, our team are all qualified Paddlesports Leaders and continue to improve their skillsets throughout Outdoor Instructor Academy training programmes. Every instructor holds:

• British Canoeing Paddlesports Leader Awards
• SLSGB Beach Lifeguard Certification
• Extensive local knowledge of rips, rocks, and routes

A Heritage of Safety & Trust

We are the go-to choice for those who cannot afford to take risks. We are fully AALA Licensed (Adventure Activities Licensing Authority) and Newquay’s only recognized SLSGB Training Centre. Our unblemished safety record is backed by £10 million public liability insurance.

Trusted by VIPs, Schools & The Media

Our reputation for excellence makes us the first choice for major media and elite athletes. We have delivered activities for the England Rugby Team, the England Surfing Team, and countless local schools. We have also been featured by:

• The Sunday Times & Christian Dior
• BBC Radio One & The Gadget Show
• 3x Cornwall Tourism Award Winners