Cornwall is adorned with stunning beaches, coves, and waterways, so you won't be surprised to hear that the area is the perfect location to try the ever-growing popular sport of paddle boarding. A little more relaxed experience against Cornwall’s favourite sport of surfing, paddle boarding is the ideal water sport for exploring the best of Cornwall off-shore.
But where to start when staying with us at Pentire Hotel? You may have the paddle, you may have the board, you may have neither, but with our handy guide below you’ll soon be out on the water discovering Cornwall’s beautiful seascapes.
Safety Guidelines When Paddle Boarding in Cornwall
First things first, let’s talk about safety. Before you even get to blowing up your board, it’s vital to update your water-safety knowledge so you can have the best, and safest, time out on the water.
If you are looking to go out on the water without the guidance of professional instructors then it is important to check you have the correct safety equipment, that it’s fit for use and that you’re using it correctly. For example, double checking your life jacket and making sure you’re wearing the right size, and using a waterproof pouch to take your phone with you in case you need to contact the lifeguard.
Remember, in Cornwall, tides, currents and the weather can change dramatically, and a prepared trip is a safe trip.
Equally as important and perhaps the most overlooked is the wind forcast. Remember that just because it is sunny it doesn’t mean that it isn’t windy. To give you an example, most paddle board schools won’t take people out on the water with anything above 15mph gusts. Wind is by far the biggest risk to paddle boarders and if you haven’t had experience reading the wind forcast we absolutely recommend that you go out with professional instructors!
For the latest safety information, visit the RNLI website.
REMEMBER: find the local number for RNLI in Cornwall.
Another source for great paddle board safety information is SUPboarders SUP Safety campaign. Check this page out for additional information too.
Best Places For Paddle Board Rental and Lessons Near Pentire
Newquay Activity Centre, the go-to place for those looking for paddle boarding classes in the heart of Newquay. Their experienced instructors are dedicated to providing lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels, ensuring a safe and enjoyable learning experience. The added convenience of being close to Pentire makes it a natural choice for our guests.
If you do have some experience or are confident you can take things a little further and join one of their adventure tours. The team at Newquay Activity Centre are experts and will guide you around some of the most stunning coves on the coastline.
No matter whether you have a lesson or a tour, you’ll be a vastly more confident paddle boarder with their help!
Which means you may want to consider some of the location below if you have time to travel and are eager to see other towns and pockets of stunning coastline in Cornwall.
Our Top Pick of Locations for Paddle Boarder with Experience and Are Happy to Travel
St. Ives Bay: St. Ives Bay offers calm waters and beautiful scenery, making it an excellent spot for beginners. There are paddleboarding schools and rental facilities in the area.
Falmouth: Falmouth's sheltered harbour and estuaries provide a great environment for paddleboarding. Gyllyngvase Beach is a popular spot, and there are several paddleboarding schools in Falmouth offering lessons.
Polkerris Beach: This small, sandy beach near Fowey is perfect for beginners. The sheltered cove provides calm waters, and the local water sports center offers paddleboarding lessons and rentals.
Perranporth: This long, sandy beach with consistent waves is suitable for both beginners and more experienced paddleboarders. There are schools and rental shops available in the area.
Hayle Estuary: The Hayle Estuary, with its tidal waters, offers a unique paddleboarding experience. It's important to check the tide times and go with an experienced guide if you're a beginner.
Porthcurno: Paddleboarding in the clear waters of Porthcurno is a beautiful experience. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers a picturesque setting for paddleboarding.
River Fal: The River Fal, which flows through the city of Truro, provides a tranquil setting for paddleboarding. There are paddleboarding schools along the river offering lessons and rentals.
Newquay: Known for its surf scene, Newquay also offers opportunities for paddleboarding. Towan Beach and Fistral Beach are popular locations with schools and rental options.
Padstow: The Camel Estuary near Padstow provides a scenic location for paddleboarding. You can explore the estuary and enjoy the picturesque views.
Port Isaac: This traditional Cornish fishing village has a small bay suitable for paddleboarding. It's a less crowded spot, providing a peaceful environment for learning.
There is no shortage in paddle boarding opportunities both locally to Pentire and across Cornwall. That is what makes staying in Cornwall so incredible, there is always something to do and paddle boarding ticks every box. Sun, sea and stunning coastal views. Remember to consider your safety out on the water and have an absolute blast!