Estuary SUP Paddle & Picnic

LEARN TO STAND UP PADDLE BOARD!

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 paddle along the beautiful Gannel estuary, before stopping off for a proper Cornish picnic! Most of our SUP groups begin paddling on their knees, advancing to a stand up position when they feel safe and confident to do so.

Our River SUP Paddle & Picnic Tour has 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 River SUP Paddle & Picnic Tour; feel free to enjoy the session from the comfort of 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.

We’ll get you kitted up in warm wetsuits and buoyancy aids from the comfort of our heated changing rooms. Out on the river bank, your instructor will guide you through the tides, how to navigate your SUP and the ebb and flow of the river. After a safety brief and kit familiarisation, our friendly instructors will continue to guide you every step of the way.

WHAT YOU’LL DISCOVER ON A RIVER GANNEL SUP TOUR

Efficiently putting those skills into practice, your group will paddle upstream and across the river. Along the way, your instructor will point out the various rare estuary birds nesting in the trees. You will look out for many other local wildlife inhabitants including fish, otters and voles.

At Penpol Creek, you’ll discover a peaceful lagoon. There, you’ll explore the remains of an old lime kiln and learn how the creek was once used as a trading post site. You’ll also put your new paddle skills to the test, gently navigating your SUP under the atmospheric overhanging trees.

We’ll even throw in some games and challenges. These are completely optional so just let us know!

RIVER SUP PICNIC SITE – BREATHTAKING ESTUARY VIEWS

Moor your SUPs and place your paddles at the old lime kiln on entry to the woods above Penpol Creek. Take a quick ride on the tree-hanging rope swing before making your way towards our peaceful picnic site on the crest of a nearby hill.

Enjoy the endless sweeping views and a well-earned rest. Take a break here with a picnic lunch, supplied by us and full of locally sourced Cornish ingredients (yes, including pasties!) All that paddling will no doubt have given you an appetite! Before you depart, take a few moments to soak in the breathtaking sights of the estuary as the river meanders north towards Crantock beach.

After an enjoyable break, it’s back down towards the river to pick up your SUP. Fuelled again on picnic pasties and snacks, it’s time to breathe in the peace and serenity of one of Newquay’s hidden gems on your return paddle!