OSKC Watersports, Devon
Published on: 24/05/23
If you’re looking for a watersports adventure at a quieter location than the packed surfing hotspots, but still want expert, friendly tuition, OSKC Watersports has all this and more! Located in the classic North Devon village of Combe Martin, just five miles from Ilfracombe, you’ll discover secluded sandy beaches, great rock pools and dramatic coastal scenery. Throw in beautiful inland exploration and some great cafes, and it’s already high up our list for a top summer staycation location.
For those in the party who want to explore, exercise or challenge themselves a bit more, it’s also the home to North Devon's premier kayak and stand up paddle board hire, sales and tuition centre. Boasting decades of unrivalled knowledge and maritime experience around the North Devon coastline, from lessons and excursions to kayak and paddle board hire, and with full changing, shower and toilet facilities, they’ll have you riding the crest of the wave!
Lessons and Taster Sessions
Book NowEverything for the total beginner to intermediate paddler! Take advantage of OSKC’s fully qualified instructors, coaches and sea kayak leaders, all British Canoeing qualified and highly experienced, plus AALA licensed (to take out under 18s as well as adults). A great way to dip a toe and have fun with the family, taster sessions and lessons are run on a demand basis. They also run certification courses in everything from coastal orienteering to British Canoeing qualifications, just contact to enquire.
Guided Sea Kayak Tours of Combe Martin Bay
Take an unforgettable kayak tour of the stunning North Devon coastline, with the reassurance of accompanying qualified and highly experienced local guides. With all equipment included, your guide will take you through basic paddling instruction and safety information. You’ll then head out to various bay locations, including private and idyllic beaches and where dolphins, porpoise and seals can be spotted. Tours last around 2 hours and are well suited to any capability including younger children. Operating on higher tides, the Beach & Cave Tour also enables access to local caves. Standard tour group size is a maximum of 8, but prebook an Ultimate Exclusive tour for small groups (minimum 2) to large (up to 50) tours, with your own personal guides.
Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) in Combe Martin Bay
For the total beginner who wants to give stand up paddle boarding a go, the one-hour SUP Taster Session is perfect. Great family fun in small group sizes only, with the added security on an instructor, you will learn all about the equipment and about getting onto the water safely. Once on the water you will learn how to manoeuvre the board before giving standing up a go. For the novice to intermediate paddler, choose a relaxed two-hour Stand Up and Paddle session, covering and reviewing the basics before heading off on a mini adventure of Combe Martin bay, with a more advanced tour for experienced paddlers.
Kayak-steering
Book NowAdrenaline filled action, kayak-steering’s mix of kayaking and coasteering is probably the most exciting and adrenaline filled way to explore Combe Martin bay. After kitting-out and instructions, you’ll paddle out with your expert guide to a private beach, exploring the coastline as you go. You can then embark on a swim, scramble and light climb to your choice of varied height cliff jumping spots, before enjoying a leisurely paddle back to Combe Martin beach.
Groups and parties
Great fun for team-building or letting your hair down, for celebrations, teambuilding and parties. All equipment and guidance supplied, and no need to be changing on pavements or carparks, thanks to the large changing room, toilet and shower facilities on site. All group sizes can be catered for, in activities from a gentle and relaxing scenic paddle to high adrenaline cliff jumping!
Kayak and SUP hire
Book NowExplore the coves, caves and secluded beaches around the beautiful Combe Martin bay at your own pace, stopping where you fancy. With around 3km of coastline to safely paddle, enjoy one of the most beautiful and scenic coastlines in the South West, best viewed from the sea. Spot oyster catchers, peregrine falcons, seals, porpoise and even dolphins.
Choose from the latest, British made sit-on-top type kayaks and paddleboards, very stable and easy to use, available in all sizes and levels of experience models, from children to larger adults. And who says you have to paddle alone? The Explorer SUP, suitable for up to 4 paddlers, is great for families, while the Super Tanker, taking up to 10 people, will test your coordination, balance and friendships, ideal for stag and hen groups!