Kayak Paddle & Picnic

A PADDLE WITH AN ADDED BONUS

Our Kayak Paddle & Picnic tour 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.

ENJOY A RIVER PICNIC IN NEWQUAY

As you arrive at Penpol Creek, the first point of interest along the river route, you’ll soak in the atmosphere of this tranquil blue lagoon. It’s a haven for river wildlife, rare estuary birds and flora and fauna. Your instructor will point out rare species whilst explaining the Gannel’s rich heritage.

After cruising downstream and enjoying the views, you’ll moor up your kayak at the site of an old lime kiln and shipyard. Our knowledgeable instructors will teach you the history surrounding this old lime kiln and the part it played in the town’s heritage.

From here you’ll head into the woods and breathe in sweeping estuary views from the top of a nearby hill. It’s here that you’ll enjoy a well-earned rest and a bite to eat to help fuel the rest of your adventure. We’ll supply the Cornish pasties and liquid refreshments, all you need to do is enjoy the views!

Following a leisurely break, you’ll head back to your kayak and chill out with a swim before slowly returning to the tour’s starting point. Along the way, soak in those extraordinary views that channel all the way out to Crantock beach and beyond. If you’ve timed things well, you could witness a spectacular, not-to-be-missed Gannel sunset!

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, rash vests, 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!

NEWQUAY’S COASTLINE

Opting for our ocean-based Paddle & Picnic Kayak Tour will provide you with a completely different but equally enjoyable experience. After kitting up and learning the basics, you will launch your kayak from a sheltered stretch of Cornish coastline to begin your adventure.

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.

Prepare to see Newquay like never before as imposing cliffs, caves, coves and crags come into view around every corner. Follow your instructors lead as they teach you how to paddle effectively so you can glide through the water with ease. Witness the marine ecosystem in its natural habitat as you watch the wildlife from a distance. Experiencing the joys of the ocean from a kayak is an enjoyable and rewarding way of spending time with close friends or even like-minded strangers.

Explore the forgotten footsteps of gin-smuggling pirates, silently gaze upon native wildlife in its natural habitat and witness hidden caves once used for storing plunder. Our highly passionate instructors will teach you all they know about their beloved Newquay, leaving you with a new-found appreciation for the Cornish coast.

You will then find a suitable place to anchor down and enjoy lunch. Swap the paddle for a pastie and enjoy a well-earned break while you soak in the views. It’s not every day you get to sample local ingredients whilst looking back at the very land that they came from; savour the moment!