On the Water - Lewinnick Lodge

Making the most of Cornwall’s saltwater playground

With summer on our doorstep, it’s time to get back out on the water – and, here in Cornwall, there’s no better place to do it. With turquoise oceans, sheltered coves and idyllic lakes, it’s a water-lover’s paradise.

If you’re not so seasoned in water-sports, though, don’t worry; just think, this could be your year to (quite literally, in some cases) jump into something a little different.

And whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a total beginner, there’s something for everyone. From surfing to fishing trips (and everything in between), here are six ways to make the most of Cornwall’s aqua playground.

Surfing

No doubt surfing is synonymous with long, lazy summers in Cornwall, and we’re not surprised. Whether you’re looking for small beach breaks or dreamy points, there are waves for every skill level – and an abundance of surf schools if you’re just starting out.

Experience the cold water rush of waves breaking over your head, or take it slow and embrace the calming feel of the ocean at sunset. For lessons, head to nearby Fistral Beach Surf School, and, if you haven’t got your own wetsuit, don’t worry! You’ll find plenty of places to hire gear around our best-known surfing beaches.

Coasteering

There’s nothing like escaping the heat with the cool feel of the ocean sliding over your feet, but why not take your gentle paddle a little further and dive head first into a sea of fun?

Coasteering is not only an adrenaline-pumping sport, it’s also a great way to explore Cornwall’s stunning coastline, while finding some of those secret spots that you can’t always find on your own.

Discover smugglers’ caves, spot marine life and experience Cornwall in a whole new way with the team at Newquay Activity Centre. No matter your experience level, they’ll have the perfect session for you.

SUPing

If you love the idea of being in the water but you’re not quite ready for the rush of surfing or coasteering, try your hand with a SUP instead.

Stand-up paddle boards are a great way to get out on the ocean, giving you the ability to explore new places that can’t be found on foot. The best part? It doesn’t take long to nail down the skill and you can be gently cruising along the coast in just a couple of hours.

Here in Newquay, you can try this rapidly-growing sport in the sheltered, but beautiful, Gannel Estuary. Big Green Surf School offers daily lessons and tours, so you have all the support you need to get started.

If you’re part of a big group, hire a giant SUP and embrace all the chaos and fun of sharing one board – you won’t regret it!

Kayaking

Embrace nature and the elements with a sea kayaking tour, where you can explore the rugged Cornish coast and keep your eyes peeled for marine life.

No pre-experience is necessary, and you’ll be teamed up with qualified instructors who know the best spots for a truly memorable experience on the water.

If you’re just looking to hire and head out on your own adventure, you can hire kayaks locally right here.

Bodyboarding

Bodyboarding is great fun for all the family and you won’t need any lessons to nail down your technique. Just throw yourself into the waves and have a good time!

Lifeguard flags on the beach will tell you where’s safe to jump in, and, don’t forget, you can hire wooden bellyboards for free, too – a great way to avoid buying unsustainable polystyrene bodyboards that all-too-often end up being discarded on the sand.

Sea safaris & fishing trips

If getting in the water doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, you can still enjoy the many ocean wonders that Cornwall has to offer without getting wet.

From marine wildlife tours to fishing trips, enjoy a taste of what life on the coast is really like with the people who know it like the back of their hand. Whether you’re fishing for mackerel or fulfilling a life-long dream of spotting dolphins, it’s an experience for every member of the family.

Book your ocean stay

Top off your ocean experience with a cliff-side stay at Lewinnick Lodge.

After a day of fun on the water, escape to the edge and unwind in our restaurant, where you can enjoy brasserie favourites with a contemporary twist, then fall asleep to the sound of the sea in one of our boutique hotel rooms. To start your adventure, book your stay right here.

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