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About the centre
Newquay, Cornwall
Operated by Newquay Water Sports Centre, a partner of adventuro.
Built around teamwork, paddling and wave riding, surf rafting offers a different way to experience the Cornish coastline from the water. Choose between joining an open group session or booking a private raft for your own family or group as you head into the surf with experienced guides leading the way.
After arriving at the harbour base, you’ll meet the guides and get fitted with wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and paddles before the session begins. The activity starts on the beach with a warm-up and introduction to paddling techniques, raft control and safety procedures. Capsize drills and manoeuvring exercises help everyone get comfortable working together before heading into the ocean.
Once on the water, the raft follows the coastline through changing sea conditions, with the experience adapting to the weather and swell on the day. During open group sessions, participants paddle together as a team while learning how to navigate through white water and surf zones. Private bookings allow your own group to enjoy a more personalised session, with guides adjusting the pace and route around the ages and confidence levels of those taking part.
Wave riding is often a major part of the experience when conditions allow, although some sessions may focus more on coastal exploration, paddling skills and navigating moving water close to the shoreline. Along the route, you may pass rocky sections, caves and swirling water formations while learning how to control the raft as a group. Once back ashore, there’s time for a debrief before returning to base for showers and changing facilities.
Launching from Newquay Harbour provides excellent access to both sheltered water and open surf conditions, making it an ideal location for surf rafting sessions throughout the year. The harbour setup allows instructors to adapt the activity to suit changing sea conditions while staying close to facilities and safe launch points.
The surrounding coastline is well known for its beaches, surf breaks and dramatic sea cliffs, creating a memorable setting for time out on the water. Exploring the area by raft offers a completely different perspective compared to viewing it from land, especially when moving through the swell and white water along the coast.
No previous rafting or surfing experience is required for either the group or private sessions. Instructors guide participants through all techniques and safety procedures before entering the sea, making the activity suitable for adventurous beginners.
Participants should feel comfortable around water and prepared for a physically active experience involving paddling and teamwork. Open group sessions require a minimum age of 8, while private trips can accommodate children from 5 years old depending on conditions and instructor guidance.
Years of experience across surfing, white water rafting and coastal guiding helped shape these sessions into a unique ocean activity suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities. Quality equipment, experienced instructors and direct access to varied sea conditions allow every trip to feel slightly different while maintaining a strong focus on safety.
Mel brings extensive experience in watersports and adventure activities, helping visitors choose between open group sessions and private experiences depending on what suits them best. The harbour-based setup also means guests have access to useful facilities including changing rooms, showers and easy beach access before and after the session.
Open group sessions allow individuals, couples or smaller groups to join other participants in the raft, creating a social experience where everyone paddles together as a team. These sessions are ideal for those happy to join a mixed group and enjoy meeting other people during the activity.
Private sessions reserve the raft exclusively for your own family or group. This gives the guide more flexibility to tailor the pace, route and level of adventure around your group’s ages, confidence and experience levels.
No previous experience is needed for either session type. The activity is designed to introduce beginners to paddling, raft control and wave riding in a safe and supportive environment.
Before entering the sea, instructors explain everything from paddling techniques to safety procedures and capsize drills, helping everyone feel prepared before heading into the surf.
Open group sessions are suitable for participants aged 8 and above, while private bookings can sometimes accommodate children from 5 years old depending on conditions and instructor judgement.
The minimum ages differ because private groups allow guides to adapt the session more specifically around younger participants and family groups.
Wave riding is included whenever sea conditions allow and is usually one of the highlights of the session. However, the amount of surfing possible depends on tides, swell and weather conditions on the day.
If conditions are calmer or unsuitable for wave riding, the experience may focus more on coastal exploration, paddling skills and navigating moving water along the shoreline.
Participants should expect an active session involving paddling, teamwork and moving around inside the raft. While no advanced fitness is required, being comfortable taking part in water-based activities will help you enjoy the experience more.
The raft is controlled collectively, so teamwork plays a much bigger role than individual strength during the session.
Swimwear for under the wetsuit, a towel and warm clothes for afterwards are recommended. Some participants also choose to bring water shoes or old trainers suitable for the beach.
All technical and safety equipment is included, including wetsuits, paddles, helmets and buoyancy aids.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, United Kingdom
From £55
