Laura
Absolutely brilliant experience, would highly recommend to everyone!
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A 90-minute guided taster for groups of four or more, on sit-on-top kayaks, sea kayaks or canoes in sheltered Geopark water. About half an hour is kit, a brief and a first feel of the boat on the sand, then a short coastal loop suited to the day's sea state. Caves and wildlife are part of the route when tide and wind allow, without stretching the outing into a long day.
Meet on the sand, get a buoyancy aid fitted, and hear how to launch, steer and stay with the group. Once everyone is settled in the chosen craft, the guide leads a short route along the English Riviera, often into a cave or a quiet cove if the water is kind. The pace stays easy so first-timers and younger paddlers can keep up.
We contact you before the date to confirm the launch. That is usually Oddicombe, though Meadfoot, Paignton Sands or another Torbay slipway may be used when that water is kinder. Arrive a little early so the brief does not eat into time on the water.
Oddicombe Beach sits on Babbacombe Bay, a sheltered cove with Blue Flag water and a sand launch that suits a first paddle. South-westerly wind is blocked here, so the bay often stays calmer than more open Torbay beaches.
When the forecast is awkward we move the group to another regular launch, such as Meadfoot slipway or Paignton Sands, rather than forcing a lively Oddicombe. The meeting pin comes with your confirmation and again if the plan changes closer to the session.
No previous kayaking is needed. Be happy getting splashed and able to follow a brief on the sand. Children from 8 can join when they fit a buoyancy aid, and anyone under 18 paddles with a responsible adult. Younger or less confident paddlers often share a tandem.
Old or wet shoes help even if you hope to keep your feet dry, plus a towel and a spare layer. A swimsuit is useful if you want to swim after you land. Mention confidence or mobility concerns when you request a date so we can plan pairings.
Guides here work sit-on-tops, sea kayaks and open canoes on this coast, so the craft matches the people in your group rather than forcing everyone into one boat type. Technical layers, including Reed Chillcheater clothing on cooler days, come with the session.
The taster is built for families and groups of four or more who want a first look at caves and sheltered water, with a guide staying alongside for the whole 90 minutes. Routes stay short and low-impact so you can enjoy the Geopark without a full-day commitment.
We confirm the launch when we approve your date. That is usually Oddicombe Beach, Beach Road, Torquay, TQ1 3LB. There is no parking on the sand. Use the cliff railway from Babbacombe Downs or walk the path down.
If we move the group to Meadfoot, Paignton Sands or another Torbay slipway, the pin comes in the same message. Please arrive a few minutes early so kit and the brief stay on schedule.
About 90 minutes in total. Roughly 30 minutes is kit, briefing and a first feel of the boat on the sand, then around an hour on the water along a short coastal loop.
The exact distance depends on wind, tide and how the group is paddling. We keep the outing relaxed rather than chasing miles.
Four people booking together is the usual minimum for this taster. Larger parties use the group options shown when you request a date.
Tell us your headcount in advance so we have boats and a guide ready. Extra people cannot join on the sand without warning.
Eight, when the child fits a buoyancy aid. Anyone under 18 paddles with a responsible adult. Younger or less confident paddlers often share a tandem so they stay close to an adult.
The guide checks fit on the beach before anyone launches, and can change pairings if someone needs more help once you are afloat.
No. The taster is for first-timers, families and anyone who wants a short, wet introduction rather than a full training day.
The guide teaches a forward stroke, a simple steer and how to stay with the group before you look at caves or a quiet cove.
We pick the most sheltered launch on the day from our regular Torbay sites. Oddicombe is the usual meeting point when the bay is kind.
Meadfoot, Paignton Sands, Brixham Breakwater or Oxon Cove may be used instead. We send the pin with your confirmation and again if the forecast shifts.
Boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and technical outer layers suited to the season, including Reed Chillcheater clothing when it is cooler on the water.
On mild days you may only need gym or beach layers underneath. The guide will say what to wear when you check in.
Old or wet shoes, a towel and a spare layer. A swimsuit is useful if you want to swim. Pack water and a snack for after you land, plus sun cream and a hat in summer.
Transport to the meeting point is not included. Leave valuables in the car unless you have a case you are happy to take on the water.
Morning or afternoon through the operating season, subject to weather and a group of four or more. We confirm the clock time when we approve your date.
Start times can shift a little for tide. Check your messages the evening before if you are travelling from outside Torbay.
Guides regularly paddle tandem with guests who want extra reassurance, and we can stay in the calmest water inside the bay rather than pushing for caves.
Say so when you request a date so we can plan pairings and craft before you arrive. We would rather know on the form than on the sand.
We move the launch or shorten the loop if wind or swell makes the planned water unsafe. Rain alone does not stop a taster.
We contact you as early as we can if we need to change the plan. The goal is a useful first paddle, not a fight with the sea state.
We are a passionate team of experienced sea kayakers based in the beautiful Torbay area. Our mission is to provide safe, fun, and memorable guided kayaking trips that showcase the breathtaking scenery and rich wildlife of the English Riviera.
From our base at Oddicombe Beach within Babbacombe Bay, we are a specialist adventure operator in geology and wildlife tours throughout the English Riviera UNESCO Global Geopark. Whether you are learning a new paddle sport or planning an unforgettable family day out, we deliver sea kayak and SUP training, tours, and watersports beach hire with expert guidance and all the equipment you need.
Absolutely brilliant experience, would highly recommend to everyone!
Kieran was an organised, pleasant, knowledgeable and interesting tour guide. Also clearly, a very good kayaka. The only critique would be the size of the group. It was just too long to get everyone geared up and at the cave for all kayaks to go into and out. Otherwise a…
Great, good local knowledge, friendly instructor. Lots of wildlife and little adventures had. Recommend.
Amazing experience, would highly recommend to anyone!
Jose was very friendly and helpful! The bikes he provided were great for the price, and we enjoyed a unique gravel bike adventure in Spain. There were very few other companies offering gravel bike rentals. I would 100% recommend this adventure with Jose to any travelers in Spain looking to…
It was really enjoyable. I had never done kayaking before but after some short, simple clear instruction I was confidently making it way along the coastline. It was great to see things from the water you would've otherwise have been able to get a view of. I would definitely do…
Excellent day out with super efficient Kieran and Sam. Even a novice like me finally cracked the code to a good kayaking. The caves, guided tour on geological formations punctuated by marshmallow roasting and fossil hunting truly enhanced the overall experience. Would love to do it again. Plus - a…
Operated by Sea Kayak Torbay, a partner of adventuro.
