Watersports to Try in Cornwall this Summer
Ready for action this summer? From Harlyn Bay to the Camel Estuary, Cornwall is a watersports paradise. Whether you’re craving surf thrills, estuary paddles or something a little more adventurous (SUP yoga, anyone?), there’s no better place to take the plunge.
Padstow is perfectly placed between ocean and estuary, giving you access to calm creeks and Atlantic swells in a single stay. So, here’s your guide to the ultimate watersports to try on your summer holiday – all just a hop, skip and splash from your Harbour Holidays cottage.
Wake Surf, Wakeboard and Waterski
Wakesurfing in Cornwall. Image courtesy of Camel Ski School.
Camel Estuary, Rock
Want to surf when the waves are flat? Try wake surfing with Camel Ski School. Their specialist boat creates an estuary wave you can ride endlessly. Once you’ve mastered the art of getting to your feet, learn to drop the rope and carve like a pro.
The glassy estuary is also perfect for wakeboarding and waterskiing. Whether you’re a total beginner or ready to level up, expert instructors are on hand to get you skimming in style.
Best of all? Camel Ski School is based in Rock – just a scenic ferry hop across the water from Padstow.
Surfing
Image courtesy of Kingsurf
Harlyn Bay & Mawgan Porth
Surfing is Cornwall’s iconic watersport – and when conditions align, the beaches around Padstow light up with opportunities to ride the ocean swells.
Just ten minutes’ from Padstow, our go-to surfing beach is Harlyn – a sheltered, crescent-shaped bay with mellow waves ideal for beginners. Book a lesson with Harlyn Surf School, and enjoy all the convenience of beachside parking and a sea view café.
A little further west, one of the most consistent surf spots near Padstow is Mawgan Porth. It picks up every ripple of Atlantic swell and the expert team at Kingsurf will have you up and riding like king of the waves in no time!
Bellyboarding
Image courtesy of Dick Pearce Bellyboards
Porthcothan, Polzeath, Watergate Bay
Want to ride waves without the balance, lessons or wipeouts (well, some of the wipeouts, at least)? Try bellyboarding. These retro wooden boards were the original way to surf in Cornwall – and they’re making a comeback. Why? Because they’re buckets of fun and belly laughs on any wave, big or small.
No need to stand up or splash out on gear. Just grab a board, catch a ripple, ride party waves, and feel the thrill of surfing without having to get to your feet. You don’t even need to fork out on kit, with free bellyboard hire from Dick Pearce at locations across Cornwall, including nearby Porthcothan, Watergate Bay and Port Isaac.
Stand Up Paddle Boarding & SUP Yoga
Stand up paddle boarding – photo by Harlyn Surf School
Harlyn & Camel Estuary
Paddleboarding is one of the easiest – and most peaceful – ways to explore the Camel Estuary, coves and coastline around Padstow. Learn the basics on a supervised session with Camel Ski School, book a two-hour guided safari, or hop on a six-man Monster SUP for group laughs. Or what about Paddle & Prosecco sessions? Now that sounds like a summer holiday.
For something even more zen, Harlyn Surf School not only offer SUP safaris and lessons, they take relaxation and on the water one step further with SUP yoga – a floating class that blends balance, breathwork, and epic views. Bonus: core muscles fully engaged.
Coasteering
Explore the coastline on a coasteering adventure.
Trevone
Swim, scramble, climb and cliff jump along the wilder edges of Cornwall’s coast on a guided coasteering adventure from Trevone. With Trevone Bay Adventures, you’ll dive into sea caves, explore secret gullies and maybe even meet a curious seal or two.
A must-try for adrenaline seekers aged 12+ who can swim 50m. Why not book a sauna back on the shoreline as the ultimate post-adventure treat?
Kayaking
Kayaking in Cornwall.
Camel Estuary & Padstow coastline
Prefer to explore under paddle power? Perhaps pack up a picnic and float to an empty cove? Explore the Camel Estuary and the surrounding by kayak for a relaxed yet adventurous day on the water. It’s a great way to spot wildlife, paddle to hidden beaches, and experience the landscape from a fresh perspective.
Book a tour or go self-guided with Cornish Kayaking or Trevone Bay Adventures.
Flowrider & Cable Wakeboarding
Wakeboarding – photo by Retallack Resort
Retallack Resort, Wadebridge
Fancy the thrill of surfing… minus the sea? Head to Retallack Resort, just seven miles from Padstow, and ride the FlowRider: a stand-up artificial wave where you can practise your skills without needing swell.
There’s also a cable wakeboarding lake and inflatable rides for thrill-seekers big and small.
Book a Watersports Break in Padstow
Whether you’re into wave-riding, paddleboarding, or just want to try something new on the water this summer, Padstow’s got it all – surf beaches, estuary calm, and expert set ups.
Book your Harbour Holidays cottage and dive in.
