Estuary SUP Tour

LEARN TO STAND UP PADDLEBOARD!

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 scenic Gannel Estuary. Most of our SUP groups begin paddling on their knees, advancing to a stand up position when they feel safe and confident enough to do so.

Our River SUP 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. Our River Sup Tour is a great place to start if you’re completely new to stand up paddle boarding. The calmness of the crystal-clear water makes for an excellent learning experience.

There is absolutely no pressure on our River SUP 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.

STUNNING SCENERY

The River Gannel flows North to the coast, joining Newquay’s tidal estuary towards the vast sands of Crantock beach. The water meets the sea in long winding rivulets that you’ll navigate on your boards following our expert SUP instructor.

During the adventure, you’ll flow with the tide beneath overhanging trees, past magnificent sand dune systems and through clear water pools. It’s a peaceful setting full of history and wildlife. 

To call the Gannel a river is to somewhat undersell it. The Gannel is akin to your own winding stretch of crystal-clear ocean water, flowing its way along golden shores, backdropped with the vibrant greens of rolling hills in the distance.

SPECIAL WILDLIFE

The Gannel Estuary is a different habitat to the rugged cliffs and surfing coves of Newquay. Its sheltered waters have carved a unique route through the sand banks, and with no swell to negotiate, it’s the perfect place to learn the basics of stand up paddle boarding.

This is a simple activity to learn and it’s super addictive to practice. With the expert guidance of our SUP instructors, your boards become the perfect platforms from which to see the Gannel’s wildlife up close, including a vast array of native bird life. 

HISTORY AND HERITAGE

Along the route you’ll discover Penpole Creek, once known as the Port of Truro where goods would be sailed in and transported by horse to the southern coast of Cornwall. The remains of the quay are still visible today along with the moorings of small sailing boats.

Listen out for the cry of the Crake, a haunting sound heard day and night by locals said to be a human soul trapped forever in the Estuary waters. “Like a thousand voices pent up in misery, with one long wail dying away in the distance”….the legend lives on.

Newquay Activity Centre takes SUPing seriously; we have the qualifications and experience to consistently maintain a high level of safety and fun. We are a two-time Gold winner of the Cornwall Tourism Awards and a Gold award winner at the South West Tourism Awards. Our Individual Stand Up Paddleboarding 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 SUP with us, but they need to be accompanied by an adult on our Family or Private SUP Lessons.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS EXTREME WEATHER?

We are super fortunate to operate our River SUP Tour in the shelter of the Gannel Estuary. We choose the tide and weather times that deliver the very best conditions for stand up paddle board 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 SUP 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 stand up paddle board 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!