Our Kayak & Bushcraft Experience will begin in one of two places depending on your choice of setting. Opting for our ocean adventure will see you exploring the nooks and crannies of Newquay’s impressive coastline, whereas choosing our river option will allow you to be immersed in the beauty of the Gannel Estuary.

KITTING UP AND LEARNING THE BASICS

Whichever adventure you choose, the equipment allocation and safety brief remain the same. You’ll be kitted up with Rip Curl wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, kayaks and paddles either from our Newquay HQ or our off-grid river base.

Your instructor will guide you through the mechanics of each bit of equipment so that you’re familiar and confident with your new adventure gear. As much as we want you to have fun on the water, we also have a huge commitment towards keeping you safe. Before paddling out, your instructor will deliver a full safety brief along with a lesson in correct kayaking techniques.

You’ll learn how to paddle efficiently, use the tide and weather to your advantage, manage different swell sizes and how to ‘ferry glide’ if you’re on the river. You’ll also learn about water safety and any important signals that may come in handy. Your brief will finish with a short warm-up before hitting the water and setting off on your adventure!

RELAXING RIVER CRUISE

Launching from the banks of the River Gannel, you’ll quickly put into practise the land-based kayaking techniques you learnt on the shore. You’ll cross the bank over to Penpol Creek, using tidal information and weather to navigate safely before mooring your kayak up at the site of an old historic lime kiln.

Venture off into the woods and discover whether you could survive in the wilderness armed with just a few basic tools and a bit of know how. With only the nearby hanging trees for shelter, you’ll learn how to use your survival instincts to live off the land and how to source the best materials to build a fire. Understand the difference that wet weather can make, adjusting your focus from damp wood to dry leaves and other such alternatives.

When you’ve collected your share, find out how to safely split kindling to help get that fire going. When the flames are roaring, your instructor will share tales of the Gannel whilst helping you identify the different flora and fauna that surround it. Don’t throw all of your sticks on the fire though – be sure to keep your best one behind! It will come in handy for all of the marshmallows you’ll be toasting while you relax and enjoy the surroundings!

OCEAN ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE

If you’ve chosen our intrepid ocean option, you will set off as a group from a sheltered stretch of Newquay coastline before finding a suitable place to put your survival skills to the test. Your instructor will run through the best techniques for ocean kayaking, putting your earlier land-based lesson into practice.

We launch and land from two of Newquay’s lush, semi-secret coves. The start to experience is an adventure, as we walk down a rock path to the water’s edge. It’s worth it as the scenery is breath taking, there is some incredible coastal wildlife in the area, and you really are experiencing the best of Newquay’s coastal fringe. We take the walk down to the water slowly, the kayaks will be waiting in the cove for you.

We pride ourselves in sharing a well-rounded learning experience, which will on many tours see you given the opportunity to experience both a double and single kayak. If you start in a double kayak but want to try a single, we swap mid-way on either one of the secret beaches that we visit or in the ocean environment. We cannot guarantee that you will have a single or a double kayak for the duration of the tour. But will have the opportunity to experience both, or one or the other.

Navigating the waves, you and your group will battle the elements in an organised display of effective teamwork. You will discover local marine life, imposing cliff lines, smugglers caves and inviting coves.

Your instructor will teach you about the history and heritage of the Cornish coast with stories of pirates, shipwrecks, plunder and mutiny! Being out on the ocean is a fantastic way to appreciate the landscape of Newquay. Enjoy the rugged coastline from atop the wild Atlantic swell and get yourself into the headspace of an explorer before embarking on a bushcraft experience like no other.

Remember to conserve a bit of energy ready to disembark from your kayak and venture into the wilderness for your lesson in instinctive survival. Source suitable firewood and enjoy mystical maritime tales around a roaring fire with your instructor.

Newquay Activity Centre takes kayaking seriously; we have the qualifications and experience to consistently maintain a high level of safety and fun. We are a two-time Gold winner at the Cornwall Tourism Awards and a Gold award winner at the South West Tourism Awards. Our kayak lessons and adventures in Newquay are days-out to remember!

With safety at the forefront of our lessons, we must advise that children under the age of 8 are welcome to kayak with us, but they should be accompanied by an adult and book onto a Private or Family Kayak Tour.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS EXTREME WEATHER?

We are super fortunate to operate many of our activities in the shelter of Towan beach or the Gannel Estuary. We choose the tide and weather times that deliver the very best conditions for kayak tours. However, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and sometimes she may have different plans for us. We always check the forecasted conditions but if the wind or swell picks up unexpectedly, we may need to change the time or location of your tour. Alternatively, we can move your booking onto a different activity, safe from unsuitable or dangerous kayak conditions.

Over 95% of our tours go ahead unaffected by the weather but, in the unlikely event that this does happen, we have excellent back-up options for you to choose from. If we need to amend your kayak booking due to adverse weather, we will let you know in advance. (No need to call us). We appreciate your understanding.

NEWQUAY ACTIVITY CENTRE

Our purpose-designed centre, conveniently located near Towan beach, is your one-stop shop for ocean adventure activities in Newquay. We’re not in the business of just making a quick buck. When you book with Newquay Activity Centre, you get the care, attention, knowledge and feedback that you need.

On site we have hot outdoor showers, heated changing rooms, lockers, separate male and female toilets and clothing storage. We also have a hire centre for all of your needs after your lesson. Extend your days fun and check out our hire equipment.

Book online today or contact us via our online chat where our friendly team will be more than happy to answer your questions. Book tomorrow’s activity today!