Paddleboarding & Bushcraft Experience in Newquay

Step onto calm estuary waters and combine paddle boarding with practical bushcraft skills in this unique experience. You’ll glide along the scenic Gannel Estuary before venturing into the woods to build a fire, toast marshmallows, and practise essential survival techniques. Suitable for all abilities, this session is designed to be both fun and educational for families and groups.

🔑 Key Details

• Duration: 2 hours
• Group size: Up to 8 people
• Age: 8+
• Location: Gannel Estuary, Newquay

🧭 What to Expect

Your adventure begins on the riverbank, where instructors give a comprehensive safety briefing and familiarise you with all equipment. You’ll learn how to launch and land your board safely, practise balancing and basic paddle strokes, and understand how to change direction effectively. Instructors adapt to each participant’s comfort level, allowing you to start kneeling and progress to standing only when you feel confident. Once on the water, you’ll follow a guided route through tree-lined estuary banks, past mudflats and sandbanks, while spotting local wildlife such as wading birds and fish. Your guide will share interesting historical and ecological insights about the area, adding context to your journey along the river.

The group then paddles to Penpol Creek, a peaceful, secluded spot surrounded by woodland. Here, the bushcraft portion begins. Instructors demonstrate fire-building techniques, including selecting dry kindling, splitting wood safely, and using sparks to ignite a flame even in damp conditions. You’ll then practise these skills yourself and enjoy toasting marshmallows over your fire. In the calm atmosphere of the woods, instructors tell stories about the Gannel Estuary, including local folklore and history. Before returning, there’s the chance to try a rope swing and take in the serene surroundings. The session concludes with a relaxed paddle back to the starting point, giving you time to reflect on the skills learned and the natural beauty of the estuary.

📍 Location

The Gannel Estuary lies just outside Newquay and offers a sheltered, calm waterway ideal for beginners and families. Its tidal nature creates sandbanks and mudflats at low tide and a gently flowing river at high tide, providing a versatile environment for paddle boarding. Surrounded by rolling hills and lush vegetation, the estuary is home to a variety of wildlife, including wading birds and fish that thrive in this protected habitat.

Penpol Creek, tucked away along the estuary, provides a quiet woodland area perfect for the bushcraft section. With trees and undergrowth offering natural shelter, it creates a sense of seclusion that enhances the survival experience. The combination of river, creek, and woods gives participants a chance to see multiple aspects of Newquay’s natural landscape in one session.

⚠️ Prerequisites

No prior experience in paddle boarding or bushcraft is required. Instructors provide step-by-step guidance, ensuring everyone feels confident and safe throughout the session.

All necessary equipment, including SUP boards, paddles, buoyancy aids, wetsuits, and bushcraft materials, is provided. Participants just need swimwear, a towel, and enthusiasm.

⭐ Why Choose Us

The centre has extensive experience delivering water-based and outdoor adventure activities for families, groups, and individuals. Instructors are highly trained in both stand-up paddle boarding and bushcraft, ensuring participants receive personalised guidance and support. Small group sizes mean everyone gets attention, allowing you to learn at your own pace without feeling rushed or left behind.

Facilities are designed for comfort and convenience, including heated changing rooms, secure storage, and outdoor showers. Safety is a top priority, with full risk assessments, contingency plans for weather, and constant instructor supervision. The team also focuses on delivering engaging educational content, sharing stories of local history, wildlife, and ecology to enrich the experience. Overall, the centre combines professional instruction, excellent facilities, and immersive outdoor learning for a truly memorable adventure.