Paddleboard Estuary Tour

• Informative and relaxed River Gannel Paddleboard tour
• Qualified and knowledgeable SUP instructors
• A wetsuit, buoyancy aid, SUP board and paddle provided
• Heated changing rooms and secure storage for your valuables
• Hot outdoor showers, plus separate male and female toilets
• Full safety briefing, kit familiarisation and weather condition checks
• Option to meet at the River Gannel if preferred
• River Gannel wildlife watching and identification
• Tales of the area’s rich history, biodiversity and heritage
• A 10% discount on further Newquay Activity Centre activities
• Discount card for apres SUP food and drink at local bars and cafes
• A 15% discount 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!

If you want to learn some new skills while exploring Newquay’s quieter side, this is the tour for you. With the correct safety advice and instruction, standup paddleboarding is quick and easy to learn. First, our instructors will teach you the basics, then the tour sets off with a relaxing paddle along the scenic Gannel Estuary. Most of our SUP groups begin paddling on their knees, advancing to a standing position when they feel safe, balanced and confident enough to do so.

Our Estuary SUP Tour has been designed to teach you many core skills. These include how to launch and land, stand up and balance, hold your paddle, perform basic strokes and make directional changes. This tour is a great place to start if you’re completely new to standup paddleboarding. The calm, clear water of the estuary makes for an excellent learning experience.

There is no pressure on our Estuary  SUP Tour. Feel free to enjoy the session from the comfort of your knees, or give standing up a go – it’s entirely up to you! Our experienced instructors are there to help, no matter your skill level.

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 and 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 dune systems and through clear water pools. It’s a peaceful setting that’s packed with history and wildlife.

To call the Gannel a river is to somewhat undersell it. The Gannel will be like your very own winding stretch of crystal-clear ocean water, flowing its way along golden shores, against a backdrop of vibrant green hills and woodland.

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 sandbanks, and with no swell to negotiate, it’s the perfect place to learn the basics of standup paddleboarding.

This is a simple activity to learn and it’s super addictive to practise. With the expert guidance of our SUP instructors, your board becomes the perfect platform to see the Gannel’s wildlife up close, including a vast array of native bird life. Look out for everything from curlews and little egrets to different types of gull. Otters and kingfishers have also been known to make an appearance, along with the local seals that sometimes pop up to say hello.

History And Heritage

As you paddle through the estuary, you’ll discover Penpole Creek. Once known as the Port of Truro, this is where goods would be sailed in and transported to the southern coast of Cornwall. The remains of the quay and the moorings of small sailing boats are still visible – if you know where to look.

Listen out for “The Crake”. This haunting cry, heard day and night, is said to be the sound of a thousand human souls forever trapped in the Estuary waters. The legend lives on: “Like a thousand voices pent up in misery, with one long wail dying away in the distance.” It’s a chilling tale – and a memorable one to take back home.

A few times this has been referred to as ‘River SUP Tour’ but I’ve changed it to ‘Estuary SUP Tour’ to keep it consistent with the headline

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