Loe Beach is a sheltered, and fairly safe, sand and shingle beach that’s great for swimming, kayaking and other watersports such as sailing and windsurfing. Loe Beach Watersports Centre hire kayaks right at the put in spot so there’s no need to bring your own – great if you’re short on space or travelling by train.

The launch spot of Loe gives access to a wide watery area that you can explore until your heart’s content. Paddling south you’ll eventually come upon Mylor Yacht Haven which is a busy little marina village that’s perfect for stopping off on your paddling jaunt. A pleasant harbour side café/restaurant serves up some particularly tasty ice cream flavours to get your chops around. If you fancied a spot of lunch then you could also do that here.

Heading left after launching you’ll then find a network of estuaries and inlets, all waiting to be explored on your kayak. For those really feeling up to it; paddling from Loe all the way into Truro itself is possible. If you do fancy having a crack at this route then be aware of tides and boating traffic. It’s also worth carrying a chart so you don’t get lost in the many inlets – something which is easy to do. Paddlers looking to not exert themselves so fully will find the, mostly, gentle waters around Loe Beach perfectly adequate for having a bash at some paddling fun.

If you’re thinking of hiring a boat then Loe Beach Watersports Centre has either single or tandem kayaks on offer. The centre also runs coaching programmes and guided paddling tours. You’ll get to experience the best this area has to offer without worrying about navigation duties yourself. Having a trained and qualified instructor on hand will instil confidence and help you build those necessary fundamental skills for when you do eventually go it alone. And don’t forget, if the weather isn’t playing ball for kayaking adventures, the centre is able to offer other activities such as stand up paddle boarding, dinghy sailing and windsurfing.

Once you’re done with your days saltwater experiences you’ll find plenty of places to relax and talk story about your kayaking adventures. Truro and the surrounds boast plenty of restaurants and pubs to choose from with establishments to match most budgets.

How to get there:

As you head along the A39 you’ll need to take the B3289 towards Feock and the King Harry Ferry. After roughly 2.5 miles you’ll see Loe Beach sign posted. Coming from Roselands; take the first left after Telissick Gardens and continue following directions to Loe Beach.

Facilities:

An established watersports centre is right onsite that offers kayak hire. There’s a well stocked watersports shop for those needing spares or replacements and a café selling food and beverage refreshments is available just a short hop away from the water.

Hazards:

Tides, harsh weather, during periods, and boating traffic are all worth taking note of. Bathers also frequent Loe Beach during the summer months and you’ll need to steer clear.

Ins and Outs:

Unload your boat and then simply drag it the short distance to the water’s edge.

Notes:

Plenty of other watersports entertainment is on offer at the centre and for those who want to take part in dry land activities; there are some good cycle and walking routes on offer in the area.

Overview:

Loe beach, Feock, is a sheltered spot that sits on the banks of the Carrick Roads waterway about 10 minutes from Truro. It’s a popular haven for boats and during summer months you’ll find many moored vessels lying anchored just off the beach. Launching here gives paddlers the opportunity of exploring the extensive area which is fantastic for kayaking and other watersports.

You could navigate your way along towards Mylor Yacht Harbour and further on towards Falmouth if you wished. Or perhaps you fancy checking out the many other inlets dotted around; whatever your kayaking preferences you’ll be well served with a visit here.

Location:

Daymer Bay is an explorer’s paradise as it’s the gateway to the Camel Estuary that flows into the Atlantic.

If you want to indulge in a spot of kayak surfing then the right hand point break off the rocky headland offers gentle beginner type waves for the majority of the year – although on huge surf days this turns on and has been compared to the waves of Indonesia!

If you venture further out to sea then you will come across the infamous Doom Bar which is a sand bar in the mouth of the estuary that can chuck up some serious wave action on its day.

Paddling round the headland towards Polzeath there are plenty of rock gullies to inspect and, if you’re really up for it, then you can continue on to Polzeath itself or head across the Camel to Padstow in the opposite direction.

In all instances make sure you know the tide times and be aware that ferocious currents flow in and out of the estuary.

Daymer’s sandy beach is great for family members who want to relax and soak up some sunshine and is great for wee ones who fancy building sand castles and having fun.
If you turn up on a windy day then Daymer Bay is transformed from a tranquil beach into a windsurf and kitesurf paradise. It’s usually best to head elsewhere for a more sheltered paddle at these times.

How to get there:

Follow signs to Wadebridge (A39) then take B3314 toward Dunders Hill. Continue straight before turning left at SW Coast Path sign. Follow signs for Daymer Bay.

Facilities:

A car park is located at the northern Trebetherick end of the beach and boasts refreshment and toilet facilities. Daymer Bay is also a dog friendly beach.

Hazards:

The tidal flows in and out of the Camel Estuary can be particularly fierce. On its day big and powerful waves break across the bay and aren’t for the faint hearted.

Boat traffic should always be given a wide berth and on windy days windsurfers and kitesurfers can be found blasting about.

Ins and Outs:

Launching and landing is easy. Simply park your car and drag your sit on kayak down to the water’s edge. The wide sandy beach means wet suit booties are not required.

Notes:

The famous ale – Doom Bar – is named after the sand bar out in the middle of the Camel Estuary and is brewed locally.
If you’re the keen cycling type then there are some fabulous trails located nearby.

The Poet Laureate John Bejamin is buried in St Enodc churchyard which is located at the south end of the beach.
For foody types, Rick Stein has his famous restaurant and delicatessen located just across the water in Padstow.

Overview:

Daymer Bay is a secluded little bay that nestles at the mouth of the Camel Estuary on Cornwall’s north coast and is a stone’s throw away from the picturesque fishing village of Rock and the popular surfing spot of Polzeath. The nearest town is Wadebridge.

Location:

Lopwell Dam is a large weir that’s situated on the River Tavy and it’s possible to drop down the flowing slope in your boat. At certain times the water cascading down the weir will give you a hefty shove while at lower waters you’ll be scraping the rocks with your kayak.

The weir at Lopwell is a good introduction to white water/river paddling that closed cockpit boaters regularly participate in. Unless the water is particular strong flowing, it’s perfectly applicable to the sit on kayaking crowd. Even though it’s hardly the most extreme drop in the world, it’s still good fun to huck yourself over the ledge.

Designated a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) due to abundant wildlife that frequents the area, Lopwell is a big draw for many. Outdoor enthusiasts visit the site for various activities – the area wouldn’t handle too many boaters and the peace and tranquillity would be severely disrupted with large crowds of paddlers.

For those looking at covering a bit of distance then Lopwell Dam to Stonehouse is a pretty good route. Launch off the slipway next to the dam and then go with the tide under the multi arch bridge that bears left. You’ll end up close to Devonport Dockyard where there’s a lot of heavy boat traffic that you’ll need to steer clear of. You’ll also pass Torpoint ferry terminal which you’ll also need to avoid – for obvious reasons. A good tip is to aim for the wake of a passing boat and then paddle like the clappers.

Further along on the left you’ll end up at Royal William Yard, a group of grey buildings that signals another left turn. You then follow the creek up to Admiral’s hard slip and your final destination. This is also used by the Cremyll passenger ferry, so be aware!

Whether you choose to play about at Lopwell Dam itself or make the trek along to Stonehouse, this area of Devon is a great spot for paddling and you’ll no doubt have plenty of après stories for the pub after your session.

How to get there:

3 miles from Plymouth. Head out towards Dartmoor. Bere Alston/Lopwell Dam well sign posted.

Facilities:

A café serving light lunches, snacks, hot drinks and refreshments is right on site. From here you’ll get a good view of the river and, if you’re lucky, you may even spot a seal or otter swimming about.

The café is set in the Old Pump House which has an exhibition about the building and surrounding area. Kayaking, relaxing and learning – it’s all possible at Lopwell.

Hazards:

Paddling on any form of moving water has dangers – a lot of which may not be immediately spotted by the uneducated or inexperienced. Being caught in a recirculating body of water can be hazardous and difficult to free yourself from.

If you’re visiting Lopwell and unsure of your abilities or the conditions then always ere on the side of caution – if in doubt, don’t go out.

Lopwell is also a very Popular Fishing site so watch to not get yourself tangled on a fishing line – inconvenient for both yourself and the person whose line it is!

Ins and Outs:

There’s a small slipway that you can launch from making it easy to put in. There’s some carrying of your gear to get to the slipway though so may be worth packing light and bringing the trolley.

Notes:

If you visit Lopwell Dam for a paddle then you’re in a prime location for other kayaking adventures. The South West Lakes Trust, which maintains the Lopwell area, has an number of other inland stretches of water to choose from. And don’t forget either the North or South Devon coasts for more challenging open sea conditions.

Overview:

Lopwell Dam isn’t so much a stretch of water suitable for kayaking as a feature that paddlers head for when water levels are up and in the mood for a bit of adrenaline.

On the face of it the dam/weir at Lopwell is a beast of an obstacle although this shouldn’t put anyone off. Lopwell Dam is fine for those with sit on kayaks and an intermediate level of skill.

The area is tidal with the weir sitting at the upper mark of the River Tavy, three miles from Plymouth and seven from Tavistock. The dam is in a nature reserve that has several different habitats –saltmarsh, freshwater marsh and semi-natural woodland. Roe Deer, otters and Atlantic grey seals frequent the area and as such this part of Tamar-Tavy estuary is designated a special area of scientific interest.

Lopwell Dam is also a cracking place for bird watching and visitors who fancy a spot of walking. For cyclists; you’ll also find the Bere Peninsula cycle route close by and the Tamar Discovery Trail begins at Lopwell.

Location:

Either side of the pier, visiting paddlers will find two classic south coast surf peaks that can both be good on their day, with the right combination of swell, wind and tide.

The artificial surf reef to the left of the pier has so far proved to be a damp squib with the project beset by continuous problems. On the few occasions that the reef has actually worked it was deemed to be an expert only break, more suited to bodyboarding than any other wave riding craft. However, the wave either side of the pier are still good and can deliver nice waves on their day.

If you’re not fussed by swell action then this whole section of coast is open for kayak touring and distance paddling. In particular, during any kind of westerly blow, launching from Sandbanks, in the west, and heading off on a downwinder can be fun.

For paddlers who just fancy a float, then during summer months when calmer seas generally prevail, messing about in your ‘yak in the water around Boscombe is pure bliss.

Onsite facilities are fabulous with plenty of eating and drinking establishments to keep you fuelled up and toilets are close to hand.

Parking can be a bit of a mission at peak times and if you’re not at the beach early, you may end up with a bit of a jaunt during high season. If you don’t fancy the slog up and down the hill then Sorted Surf Shop offer kayak hire.

How to get there:

Boscombe is one of the main towns in the county of Dorset and is, as such, well sign posted if you’re driving to the city. Trains head straight into Bournemouth centre from most major UK locations. Boscombe is a short bus or taxi ride away. Bournemouth also has an international airport with domestic flights available.

Facilities:

Plenty of facilities are available – from eating and drinking outlets, a surf/kayak hire shop and toilets are close by.

Hazards:

Other water users during busy times will need to taken into consideration. Although Boscombe’s wave is relatively soft breaking, the inside section can dump the novice unceremoniously on the sand. Currents can be prevalent at times and if you’re thinking of ‘shooting the pier’ then you’ll need to have your wits about you.

There are wooden groynes dotted along the beach and these will also need to be avoided.

The artificial reef is unfortunately a no go area at the moment.

Ins and Outs:

If you’re fortunate to nab a parking space on the sea front then getting your kayak to the put in is relatively straight forward. For those less fortunate then it can be a bit of a mission getting your boat to and from the beach.

It may actually be worth dropping your gear off first and then heading to find parking space.

Notes:

Sorted Surf Shop are the local kayak hire company on the seafront and for those looking into accommodation and/or eating and drinking establishments then check out Urban Beach Hotel and Urban Reef Restaurant.

Overview:

Boscombe is an example of a quintessential south coast seaside town and is an annex of the larger Bournemouth and Poole areas. Boscombe sits in the middle of Bournemouth Bay, with the Isle of White to the east and the Jurassic Coast to the west.

Boscombe is iconic with its pier, which recently had a facelift – as did the whole Boscombe area, in fact, as a result of the installation of the UK’s first artificial surf reef. Boscombe now boasts a lively seafront with bars, cafes, restaurants, exclusive high end sea view accommodation, a dedicated surf/kayak shop and attracts hordes of visitors when sunny weather hits.

Location:

The coastal village of Praa Sands is located half way between the towns of Penzance and Helston in West Cornwall.  The beach lies within the Cornwall Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) has shallow waters & seasonal lifeguards, making Praa Sands an extremely popular beach during the summer. The beach is easy to access from car parks close by and there’s a gentle slipway. Watch out for the clampers….they have no mercy. This is also a popular surf beach with a busy surf shack that hires out sitons wet suits etc.

How to get there:

A30 towards Penzance, Cornwall. Go through small village called Crowlas and at the next roundabout turn left towards Helston. Go on for about 5 miles turning right when signposted towards Praa Sands.

Facilities:

Toilets, pub, surf shop, chip shop parking.

Hazards:

Seals are inquisitive but not dangerous. basking sharks can be around but are protects by law so no closer than 100 metres to them is allowed. the swell can hide and reveal rocks that have sunk ships…proceed with a certain amount of caution if anything other than calm seas.

Ins and Outs:

Praa have an slip way on to the beach and to tghe sea.. plenty of places to explore with more beaches in secluded cove both left and right of Praa. Pixie cove approx half mile right is a secluded rocky cove still used for fishing.

Notes:

check tide and weather reports and leave a schedule of your proposed journey should you wish to travel any real distance.

Overview:

1 mile golden beach. to the left is Rinsey head, steep granite cliffs peppered with caves, crystal clear water and secluded beaches, to the right rocky outcrops with inlets to explore. seals are regul

Location:

Seaton has a steep shingle beach set in a bay.

The main attraction for us when we visited early in 2004 was the fact that there was a camp site right on the beach (although admittedly due to our late arrival we had to pitch the other side of a hill).

Being without a trolley we lugged our new Ousasso over the hill and down to the beach to be greeted by some pretty manacing looking surf. How typical this is of Seaton I don’t know, but a more experienced paddler would have instantly known that the waves were too big for novices like us!

The beach itself is constructed of incredibly small, fast draining shingle. This means that when the waves are up they break right on the beach – not exactly ideal for a couple of clueless newbies.

After a few attempts we did get the kayak out and caught some fairly good waves. Sure that someone more experienced would have got more out of it though.

How to get there:

Exit the A35 at Chideock and head South. The road gets very narrow and looks a bit like a farm trail, but does get there in the end.

Facilities:

There are public toilets and a reasonable sized car park right on the beach. There is also a pub and a camp site.

Hazards:

Steeply shelved beach. Nasty shore dump. Undertow.

Ins and Outs:

Notes:

If the sea-state when we visited was typical then Seaton is probably better suited to more experienced paddlers, particular those in search of waves.

Overview:

Seaton beach is situated in a sheltered bay beneath Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast

Location:

Tamar Lakes are located on the border of Cornwall and Devon. The lakes are split into two distinct areas – Upper and Lower Tamar. Upper Tamar is where you’ll find the watersports action while Lower Tamar is protected as a nature reserve. A dam separates the two stretches of water.

Tamar’s watersports facility is recognised by the BCU (British Canoe Union) and as such offers a full tuition programme with qualified instructors. This is great news if any paddlers are looking to improve their skills as you can do so in a safe and contained environment.

For paddlers wanting to launch their boat then a day’s kayaking will cost £6.50. You then get access to all the onsite facilities which include hot showers and changing rooms.

It’s worth noting that Tamar Lakes stipulate paddlers must have third party insurance in place for anyone wishing to launch. You’ll be automatically covered if you take out an annual BCU membership.

How to get there:

Just off the A39 next to Kilkhampton.

Facilities:

Changing rooms, showering facilities and onsite café are all available for visiting paddlers to use after paying the launch fee (the café can be visited anytime without additional cost).

Hazards:

The dam that separates the two lakes is worth avoiding. Care should be taken to not interfere with local wildlife, although again, they’ll no doubt get out of your way first.

Ins and Outs:

Once you’ve paid the launch fee then it’s possible to ‘drop in’ almost anywhere along the banks of the lake. You’ll need to keep the main slipway free, so don’t linger, but using this to access the water is fine as long as it’s not busy.

Overview:

Sitting in a sleepy corner of the north Cornish countryside, Tamar Lakes offer both a peaceful and tranquil nature reserve environment, for those looking to get away from it all, while also being suitable for the more adrenaline minded visitor.

Being close to Bude, which has even more paddling options, kayakers looking for a diverse set of ‘dropping in’ points will be well served by a trip here.

Location:

Harlyn Bay is a sheltered sandy beach on Cornwall’s north coast. The beach offers a shallow sandy shore that get’s some fun surf when the conditions are right, though doesn’t seem to get too gnarly due to it’s sheltered position. Lots of rocky outcrops, bays and caves to explore.

How to get there:

Facilities:

Lifeguards on duty at the surf school during peak months, toilets, lots of parking and a 4wd ice-cream van. Harlyn Surf School offer kayking tours & kayak hire, see here for more details harlynsurfschool.co.uk

Hazards:

Can get very busy. Novice surfers getting in the way. Submerged rocks around the edges of the bay that are well capable of puncturing a hull.

Ins and Outs:

From the main beach. Nice shallow, sandy spot.

Overview:

Sheltered beach with good surf and interesting spots for day touring / exploring.

Location:

St Ives is a bustling Cornish town that sits way out west on the peninsula. Set right in the path of prevailing weather systems, St Ives is a haven for artists, bohemian types, watersports enthusiasts, outdoor fans, tourists, surfers and those looking to escape to a beautiful part of the UK’s coast.

St Ives Bay has a number of different beaches to choose from that all face different directions and as such offer various on water conditions depending on the weather. From Porthmeor to Gwithian and Godrevy to the north, St Ives Bay offers kayaking conditions for every type of paddler – beginner to experienced.

Carbis Bay is one of the more sheltered spots in the area and boasts much calmer conditions than its more full on neighbours. The spot does get a wave, particularly if it’s blowing a hooley from the south. Carbis Bay offers respite from the wind to local surfers in the know. It’s also a haven for those less experienced when big Atlantic swells hit offering a mellower surfing experience than Gwithian or Godrevy.

Towards the east end of the beach, at the bottom of some steep and slippery steps (that make getting your gear down the cliff a bit of a ‘mare) you’ll find a sandbar that kicks up a dumpy lump to play on at low tide. The beach at this state in the cycle links up with neighbouring stretches of sand and it’s possible to paddle (and walk) between spots. As the water pushes, you’ll find yourself unable to walk back to your drop in, if things go awry, but paddling back should be no bother.

It’s worth noting the backwash and current you get around the cliffs to the right as you look out to sea from mid tide. Steer clear of this and you’ll be fine. As the water fills up the beach, any wave activity quickly turns to fairly hard shore break – worth watching out for when landing back on the beach.
After your session you’ll find refreshments at the local beach bar which is an annexe of the Carbis Bay Hotel. There’s also a little outlet for ice creams which will help you cool off during warmer spells.

For those who fancy taking an extended break in the area then there are some amazing seafront properties overlooking the water perched on the cliff side. Most are exclusive and you’ll need a fat wallet to cope with the hefty tariffs of some places.

It’s also worth noting that access to the beach can be tricky. The road down to Carbis Bay is steep and narrow with only a few car parking spaces available at the bottom. You can chuck your vehicle in at the train station, half way down, although during high season this is frowned upon and you may face parking penalties.

If you own a larger vehicle, such as a van, then you could find manoeuvring your vehicle a bit of a stress, particularly in summer. Out of season shouldn’t be a bother, although be aware, St Ives and its surrounds stay busy right the way through the year.

How to get there:

Getting to Carbis Bay and St Ives couldn’t be easier. Follow the A30 south all the way along the Cornish peninsula to Redruth, once here you’ll see sign posts guiding you towards St Ives. Head for town and Carbis Bay is located just off the A3074.

Facilities:

The Carbis Bay Hotel operates a beach front café that sells all manner of refreshments, food and drinks. A shop selling generalist beach toys, paraphernalia and ice creams is open in high season and a lifeguard service operates through the summer months.

Toilets and parking are available but the car park gets full quickly.

Hazards:

A hefty high tide shore break can catch out the unwary during the launching and landing process and currents, backwash and tides around headlands need to be taken note of.

During the main holiday season, the beach can get quite busy, with a variety of water craft coming and going. Paddlers need to watch out for other boats and water users during busy times.

Ins and Outs:

After dropping your boat off in the car park you have to carry it a short distance down the steps and onto the sand. Once on the beach you can then drag you boat to the water’s edge.

If lifeguards are on duty then observe the flags designating swimming and surfing areas –launch in the appropriate place. If you’re unsure then speak to one of the guys on duty and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Notes:

St Ives has a number of fabulous eating and drinking establishments including the famous Sloop Inn – a famous smugglers pub thought to date back to 1312. If you’re wanting a spot of after dark action then the nightlife is abundant with a variety of late licence bars and a couple of nightclubs.

For those visiting the area then heading to the Tate St Ives is worth a look and features regular exhibitions.

Overview:

Carbis Bay nestles in a secluded little nook of St Ives Bay, just around the headland from the famous Cornish town itself. On its day you could be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere more exotic. The pristine white sand, amazing azure colour of the water and tranquil atmosphere all roll into to making Carbis Bay an irresistible place to put in and head off for a paddle.

With steep and cliffy access, limited parking – particularly on busy summer days – and other more frequented beaches in the area, Carbis Bay never gets that overcrowded. Busy, but not as much as St Ives Harbour or Porthmeor to the west.

If you’ve ever wanted to paddle in stunning clear water, with breath taking coastline as scenery, have a plethora of options for alternative put in points, indulge in some fantastic après activities and enjoy some peaceful ambience then Carbis Bay could be the spot for you.

Location:

Looe Beach is found on the eastern side of town and is described as one of the best kayaking spots in Cornwall. The beach is sheltered and can be very calm and tranquil during summer while out of season, the risk of more adverse weather is ever present. Exploring the coastline around this area of Kernow is a particularly pleasurable experience – rocky outcrops and cliffs provide the perfect backdrop to your kayaking adventures.

If you choose to head up the river you can take either the west fork or the east. You can paddle along for quite a way but it’s worth knowing the daily tide times and using the ebb and flow to help with your journey. Boating traffic can be heavy during high season and staying clear of any type of vessel is advised.

Heading out of the estuary paddlers can choose to hang right towards Millendreath and even onwards to Seaton – if you have the time. Turning left, you have either the coast to explore or St George’s Island.

Visitors to Looe will find plenty of choices of accommodation, amenities, pubs, restaurants and entertainment options for après paddling. There’s even a kayak hire shop based in town meaning you needn’t take your own boat if you chose not to.

How to get there:

There are a number of transport links to Looe depending on the direction you’re coming from.The main A38 from Liskeard has artery roads leading into the town. A train station on the main line between Plymouth and Penzance is also available – great if you’re considering hiring a kayaking and not bringing your own.

Facilities:

A kayak hire shop can be found at Looe beach and there are plenty of other amenities in town. Also an excellent cafe nearly according to one of our site users.

Hazards:

Tides can be strong in and out of the estuary and paddlers will need some understanding of the phenomenon if thinking of putting in. At certain times you’ll find big swells out in the open sea – particular if an easterly or southerly wind has been blowing. Boats and fishing trawlers will need to be steered clear of.

Ins and Outs:

Paddlers can put in on either side of the estuary at East or West Looe. You then have a choice of whether to head for open sea or navigate along the river itself.

The easiest place to launch in Looe is off the beach although there are other put in points around if you have a search. There a few slipways along the river’s edge but these get busy with marine traffic.

Notes:

For those who fancy a break from salty activities then a coastal path runs out of th town and is a great way to explore the area from land.

Overview:

Southeast Cornwall is generally a lot sleepier than its surf battered north coast brethren. Boasting a diverse number of towns and villages Looe falls into the moderate sized category and is a great place for a spot of kayaking. Looe offers two distinct paddling locations – open sea and the tidal River Looe.

Looe itself is a fishing town nestling at the bottom of a steep sided valley split into two by and estuary. St. George’s Island (commonly referred to as Looe Island) lies offshore to the west and would make a good paddling destination. The name Looe is derived from the Cornish word Logh – meaning deep water inlet. This in itself should give prospective paddlers an idea of what to expect from a visit.

Summer is the busiest period for tourists but Looe remains buzzing throughout the year. September features a host of tuneful acts during the annual Looe Music Festival while New Year’s Eve celebrations keep the tradition of fancy dress alive.

Location: