Stay nearby: The Tall House | Sleeps 8 + 2 dogs Portreath, North Cornwall Don’t have your own equipment? Book a SUP safari through Newquay Activity Centre. There can be a bit of a rip tide around the mouth of the beach, so it’s best to set off upriver around 1.5 hours before high tide and take in the salt marshes, wildlife, sheltered water, sweeping sands and blue lagoons that the tide reveals. There are several places to launch along the river, but we recommend parking in the National Trust car park at Crantock Beach because you can leave the car all day.
The River Gannel runs from Newquay to Crantock Beach on the west side of the Pentire. Image credit: cornwall_lover on InstagramĬomplete with turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery, the River Gannel is a firm favourite for paddleboarders of all abilities, whether it’s a group of you keen for some light-hearted fun or you’re looking to polish your skills. Stay nearby: Admirals View | Sleeps 7 The Gannel, North Cornwall Experience Daphne Du Maurier country from the water.The safe waters are also perfect for those trying out their paddleboarding skills for the first time and you can book lessons and hire equipment from nearby Polkerris Beach. Here you have the choice to head upriver towards Golant and Lostwithiel or towards the mouth of the river and out to sea. If you’re heading out on your own board, you can park up at Caffa Mill car park opposite Daphne Du Maurier’s house, Ferryside. There is loads to see, from fascinating wading birds and marine flowering plants to rocky headlands, extraordinary caves and sandy beaches. Located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is one of the best places to SUP in Cornwall for bird and wildlife lovers. Stay nearby: Tremoor | Sleeps 2 Fowey River Beginners can experience the wonders of Sennen Cove and Porthcurno by booking a tour through Ocean Sports Centre Tours based in Carbis Bay. It's great for wildlife lovers too as you can get a close-up view of the seal colony that lives within a secluded sea cave beneath the Land’s End headland. Located just around the headland from the most westerly point of mainland Cornwall and England, paddling left from Sennen Cove can deliver an entirely alternative viewpoint of the ever-popular Land’s End landmark. Keep an eye on the weather before you launch from the little harbour in Sennen Cove while it is one of the country’s most beautiful spots, there can be an unruly swell too. Stay nearby: The Pottery | Sleeps 2 + 2 dogs Sennen Cove, South Cornwall Peace and quiet away from the summer crowds.These secluded coves make stunning spots to pitch up for the day and enjoy a little solitude, just you and maybe a few other seasoned paddleboarders. Launch your board from the beach at low tide and head left towards Logan Rock, along a dramatic section of coast with jagged rock formations, and secret coves and sandy islands that can only be reached by paddle or boat. Porthcurno is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful Cornwall beaches, and one of the best places to paddleboard in Cornwall. With white sands and turquoise waters, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on a tropical island. Image credit: a_cornish_life on Instagram