Newquay Activity Centre

Stand Up Paddleboarding in Newquay, Cornwall. Tours available on the ocean or estuary, what are you waiting for?

Visit Tripadvisor’s No.1 provider of water sports adventures and try it for yourself with Newquay Activity Centre! Ever seen those idyllic images of paddle boarders gliding across open water? Discover the delight of our stand up paddleboarding adventures in Newquay with our world-class instructors and experience the thrill for yourself, along Newquay’s history-rich coastline.

Choose from one of our growing selection of awesome sup options along the beautiful Cornish coastline.

Locations

Newquay’s historic coastline holds a host of secrets just waiting to be discovered, including hidden coves, smugglers caves, craggy inlets and natural rapids to explore on stand up paddleboards!

Together with your expert SUP instructor, you’ll assess the weather and swell conditions before the launch; learning the fundamentals of beach and sea safety to ensure you’re armed with the correct knowledge for the future.

The pristine sand of Towan Beach is the perfect place to launch your SUP, stretching from Newquay’s harbour walls to the cliffs of Lusty Glaze Beach at low tide.

Take in the scenery from the deck of your own SUP as you glide along the water’s surface. Newquay Bay becomes a looking glass into the marine environment below, home to a vast array of native wildlife and flora including inquisitive seals and even dolphins if you’re lucky!

Every adventure differs depending on the weather and swell conditions of the day, so get ready for an action packed paddle along Newquay’s scenic coastlines.

What's Included?

• Allocation of wetsuits, buoyancy aids, rash vests, SUP boards and paddles
• Heated changing facilities
• Male and female toilets
• Hot outdoor showers
• Secure lockers for valuables and storage for belongings
• Full SUP safety briefing and lesson in the basics of paddle skills
• Fun warm up to get the blood pumping before you paddle
• Open water adventure and exploration of smugglers caves, tidal sections, natural rapids and rocky inlets
• Wildlife identification from the deck of your SUP
• Exhilarating paddle races and games
• Final landing brief and SUP wave negotiation towards the beach
• 10% discount for a surf, coasteer, kayak or bodyboarding experience with Newquay Activity Centre
• 15% discount at Newquay’s Rip Curl Concept Store
• Discount card for food and drink at locals bars and cafes

Something for Everyone

After a quick warm-up to get the blood pumping; you’ll learn the core skills of SUP balance, paddling and steering – starting from your knees and progressing to your feet. We provide equipment for all ages and whatever the ability or group size, our team of expert instructors tailor every experience towards you. You’ll then be familiarised with the equipment that you’ll be using. There will then be a comprehensive explanation of safe SUP techniques, signs, signals and things to look out for.

You may be on your own individual board, but stand up paddle boarding is the greatest activity to do with your family, stag and hens, corporate colleagues or a Military group. Newquay’s dramatic coastline is the perfect playground for pushing personal boundaries and building team dynamics.

Facilities

Newquay Activity Centre’s HQ, just a short walk from Towan Beach, is the perfect place to park your gear and get kitted out for your exclusive SUP adventure. We provide heated changing rooms, male and female toilets, hot outdoor showers, safety lockers and storage for all of your belongings. This gives you peace of mind before, during and after hitting the water.

We have everything needed to provide the best stand up paddle boarding adventures in Newquay! We even supply you with a discount card to benefit from reduced pricing off further activities and money off various menus throughout the town as one of our valued customers.

When you’ve returned from your activity there’s a host of bars and eateries just moments from our HQ, perfect for refuelling after a fun-filled SUP experience.

Wildlife

We’ve developed our SUP, kayaking and coasteering routes in collaboration with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust giving our instructors the knowledge to provide you with an in-depth guidance of the native flora and fauna along the coastlines.

Newquay’s varied coastline is host to a huge array of native wildlife! During a recent eco-coasteer we found over 80 marine species along the Gazzle stretch alone.

Preserving the quality of our coastal environment and ensuring its protection is a number one priority of the Newquay Activity Centre.

We live to enjoy everything the coast has to offer; having clean, litter-free waters is vitally important for the health and safety of native wildlife, as well as our own. Ask our team about our current environmental strategies and find out how you can also help contribute towards looking after our coastlines.

Expert Team

Our fantastic team are industry experts and they know this coastline like the back of their hands. Using their wealth of international experience, they have pioneered, tried, tested and risk assessed every SUP route to ensure our stand up paddle boarding adventures in Newquay are the perfect combination of super-chilled paddling and adrenaline-fuelled fun. 

Centre of Excellence

Our award-winning activities sit top of the Trip Advisor rankings with 95% 5-star reviews. Check out our humbling list of accolades …

• Centre of Excellence – International Surfing Association and Surfing England
• 2 x Gold Winners – Cornwall Tourism Awards
• 1 x Gold Winners – South West Tourism Awards
• Certified National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualifications training centre

Learn bodyboarding in Cornwall and prepare to get highly addicted!

Not only is it super fun, but you’re guaranteed to catch a wave within the first ten minutes of your lesson! We coach all standards from complete novice to top level competitor and everyone in between, using only top-quality kit.

Check out our range of bodyboarding lessons and find the right one for you.

WHY BODYBOARDING?

Bodyboarding is easy to learn, but hard to master …this means that it’s accessible to everyone and it’s guaranteed instant fun. You’ll be riding a wave within the first 10 minutes of the lesson with Newquay Activity Centre’s expert instructors, and that’s a promise! While at the same time, there are an abundance of technical tricks and manoeuvres to master if you wish to take it to the next level.

WHAT KIT?

Whether you’re bringing your own kit or using the top level bodyboarding equipment that we supply you (included in the price), you’ll need the following:

• The right size bodyboard

The length of the board should measure from your knee to your chin when held in front of you, with increased width in the board for larger riders.

• A leash

The main choice is between a wrist or bicep leash. Ensure the Velcro attachment is padded, comfortable and well made. A top of the range leash will offer brass swivels on both ends of the leash to ensure it does not tangle when you’re bodyboarding.

• A pair of fins

If you’re going to take bodyboarding seriously, then a decent pair of well-fitting fins will be essential. You get what you pay for with fins, the more expensive pairs offer unrivalled comfort and propulsion. Fin sizes typically come in XS, SM, M, ML, L & XL, but each brand varies slightly, so make sure you try before you buy. You want a fin that is snug but not tight.

• A wetsuit

Don’t skimp! The difference in enjoyment between surfing in comfort against feeling too cold or suffering from rashes is huge. What’s more, the more you pay – the more features your wetsuit will have. When you are trying on a suit, check for baggy areas in the back, under the arm and behind the knees. There shouldn’t be much slack in these areas.

• A pair of wetsuit socks / finserts / heel guards

These all offer protection from nasty fin rubs, a must if you don’t get in the water all that often.

WHERE WILL WE SURF?

Newquay is blessed with 7 beautiful surfing spots (Fistral, Towan, Tolcarne, Great Western, Porth, Lusty Glaze & Crantock) These all provide a variety of waves in all conditions and for all levels – there’s something for everyone in the UK’s no.1 bodyboard town.

TOP TIPS IN THE WATER

When you’re out in the water, there are a number of important ground rules you should follow:

• Don’t drop in! Bodyboarding is a fun sport with few rules but it’s fundamental that you don’t share the wave with other riders. The rider closest to the breaking part of the wave has the priority for riding that wave.
• Don’t bodyboard directly after a meal.
• Don’t bail your board when paddling out through the waves. There may be somebody right behind you who won’t appreciate getting a board in the face.
• Don’t bodyboard alone. If there is nobody in the surf it normally means that the conditions are not favourable. But if it is pumping and uncrowded, call a mate to join you.
• Don’t enter the water before warming up. Cold stiff muscles and ligaments can easily be wrenched by a wipe-out.
• Don’t run straight in. As tempting as it is when the waves look good. Take the time to check the beach for rip currents, where other surfers are sitting, the time between sets, the wind direction and the best spot to paddle out. 5 minutes of patience will reward you with more waves.

LEARN THE LING – THE GLOSSARY

• Aerial: An explosive manoeuvre where the bodyboarder launches themselves into the air off the top of the wave
• Barrel: The tubular section of a wave within which a bodyboarder can find the meaning of life. Also referred to as a tube, a pit and the green room.
• Prone: The laying position when riding a bodyboard
• Dropknee: Half kneeling, half standing position when riding a bodyboard.
• Right-hander: A wave that breaks towards the right as seen from the line up, (and vice-versa for a left hander).
• Set: A group of larger waves that arrive at the beach on a regular basis

Coasteering in Cornwall with Newquay Activity Centre

Explore the wild coast of Cornwall and its unique craggy cliffs like you’ve never done before.  Join one of our coasteering Cornwall adventures and experience a buzz like no other as you clamber through old smugglers’ caves, spot incredible marine life, negotiate natural rapids and whirlpools before attempting adrenaline-fuelled sea cliff jumps.

Choose from one of our huge selection of adventurous coasteering routes along the beautiful Cornish coastline and book online today.

Coasteering

Explore Newquay’s wild coast and its spectacular craggy cliffs like you’ve never done before. Take the plunge on one of our awesome coasteering adventures and experience a buzz like no other as you climb your way through old smugglers’ caves, see an abundance of marine life in its natural habitat, negotiate natural rapids and whirlpools before attempting adrenaline-fuelled sea cliff jumps. Coasteering in Newquay really is as wild as it sounds!

Choose from one of our 11 action-packed coasteers, depending on the level of intensity you desire, your experience level, your area of interest (adventure, history, ecology), the sea conditions, and the size of your group. There really is something for everyone here! – We’ve even just launched the first ever night coasteer in Cornwall.

Our Credentials

Newquay Activity Centre is the pioneer of coasteering in Cornwall. Since the late 90’s we have discovered, unlocked and delivered more than 10 amazing coasteer routes along Newquay’s stunning coastline.

We are truly passionate about coasteering, and so it comes as no coincidence that we proudly hold a number 1 ranking on Tripadvisor for coasteering in Cornwall. We are also two time golden winners of the Cornish Tourism awards, and two time silver winners of the South West Tourism Awards.

We are a recognised provider for Outdoor Learning Programs for schools in Newquay. We regularly work with local and national schools to introduce children to our exciting Cornish Coastline and help improve their knowledge of its heritage, natural wildlife and potential dangers. Applying education through coasteering underpins classroom education and reinforces a child’s existing knowledge, as well as giving back to the local community!

We are also an accredited provider of military adventure training packages. Our coasteers go above and beyond the forces’ high standards of developing leadership, teamwork and other personal qualities necessary to withstand the rigours of operational service.

What’s more, preserving the quality of our coastal environment and ensuring its protection is a number one priority of the Newquay Activity Centre. We live to enjoy everything the coast has to offer; having clean, litter-free waters is vitally important for the health and safety of native wildlife, as well as our own. To support this and our work with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, our instructors now perform daily coasteer clean-ups to help keep our coastal landscape clean. 

Our Instructors

Our instructors are experienced, well-qualified, friendly and infectiously enthusiastic about coasteering. They pride themselves on offering you an unforgettable coasteering experience that will leave you itching for more. They actively seek new routes along our coastline and brush up on their ecology, geology and historical knowledge of each new route, so as to provide unrivalled coasteers.

Location

Our centre is strategically located just a short walk from both Towan and Fistral beach. It’s also near the gateway to the Gazzle peninsula, which is where the majority of our coasteering adventures begin. The peninsula offers some of the most beautiful yet ecologically diverse and historically fascinating coasteering routes in Europe. You’ll explore the Tea Caverns cave and smugglers coves, come face to face with our resident seal colony and leap from stunning rock formations into picture-perfect, turquoise blue plunge pools.

Unlike other watersports, coasteering is less dependent on weather conditions, and so we go ahead and operate – come rain, wind or shine. For this reason, and the wide variety of coasteers that we offer, we only postpone 2 – 3 sessions a year due to bad weather.

Our adventure centre is equipped with heated changing rooms, lockers and storage for your belongings, hot outdoor showers and male & female toilets. We also offer our centre as a base for your gear if you’re down in Newquay for the day, happy for you to come and go as you please. We are just a short stroll from Newquay’s famous surfing beaches (Fistral, Towan, Tolcarne & Great Western) and the town centre with its abundance of great restaurants, bars and surf shops.

The Right Equipment

A good coasteer is only as good as the route, your instructor and your gear. We pride ourselves on exceeding expectations in all these areas.

Wetsuit 

You’ll be suited up in a top of the range, warm, comfortable and flexible wetsuit. Being toasty warm and having the freedom to move in the water ensures you’ll enjoy the coasteer as much as possible.

Helmet

We are as serious about safety as we are passionate about coasteering. Each person is fitted with a ‘Nookie’ helmet. Nookie are the market leaders in coasteering equipment. Their helmets are comfortable, adjustable and offer unrivalled protection.

Buoyancy Aid

Above your wetsuit but below your rash vest, you’ll be wearing a YAK buoyancy aid. These lightweight flotation aids are ergonomically designed to offer maximum buoyancy and comfort whilst not impeding your coasteering experience.

Trainers

We have a large range of resilient sports trainers available to rent. So instead of you worrying about ruining your own shoes, you can concentrate on enjoying the wild ocean adventure.

What's Included in a Coasteer?

• Allocation of equipment, Rip Curl wetsuit, buoyancy aid, trainers and helmet
• Adrenaline-filled coasteer experience around Newquay’s coast
• 10% discount off further Newquay Activity Centre activities
• 15% discount off at Newquay’s Rip Curl Concept Store
• Discount card for food & drink at local bars and cafes

To reserve one of our 11 adrenaline fuelled coasteers, check out our full list and book online today. We have the North Cornwall Challenge and Jet Coasteer for the thrill seekers, the Heritage Coasteeer for the cultured adrenaline junkies, and the Eco Coasteer for the extreme environmentalist. We cater for large or small groups, private sessions, stag and hen parties, family adventures, school trips and corporate events.

We’re also proud sponsors of the British Army and regularly run military coasteers for their adventure training days. You name it, we’ve the perfect coasteer for it. So whether you’re coming for an individual or group session, check out all our coasteering options to find the right one for you. But be warned, coasteering is highly addictive!

Newquay kayaking tours: take in breathtaking views, explore secret coves and investigate smugglers caves.

It’s the best way to appreciate Newquay’s incredible coastal environment with each tour being different due to the changing weather conditions. Our tours are great for all ages and abilities.

With no prior experience required for any of our kayak tours, we embed the essential skills to get you started and up skill you as you move through the tour. The focus is on exploring the coast from this unique perspective and moving at your own speed under the guidance of our experienced, qualified and outgoing instructors.

We’re proud to be Tripadvisor’s No.1 provider of water sports adventures.

Choose from one of our growing selection of Cornwall kayaking tours and explore the beautiful Cornish coastline.

Whether you’re an adventure loving family, wild group of stag and hens or an adventurous individual looking to explore; we have the best range of kayaking activities for you.

Our HQ is conveniently based close to Towan beach, the gateway to the Gazzle Peninsula and less than a one-minute walk to Newquay’s town centre. With car parks close by, eateries up the road and the beach just below us; you’ll be in prime position for a day out to remember with Newquay Activity Centre.

Whatever your age, ability or group size, we will provide the perfect kayaking tours and coastal adventures in Newquay for you.

Contact our expert team of professionals for more information and experience our Newquay kayaking adventures. We have developed tours for all ages and abilities to get the absolute most out of Newquay’s breathtaking coastline.

Locations

The Gazzle is a cliff-line steeped in history. Smugglers caves, natural rapids, craggy inlets and hidden coves; our coastline holds a host of secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Newquay Bay is one of the most sheltered stretches along Cornwall’s northern coastlines. At low tide, the pristine sand stretches all the way from Newquay’s harbour to the cliffs of Lusty Glaze beach. Seals and dolphins regularly frequent these waters and once out of Towan’s harbour, we’ll lead you along sections of coastline otherwise inaccessible by land.

Together with your experienced and qualified instructor you will assess the conditions, learn the fundamentals of beach and ocean safety and perfect your kayak skills before launching your craft into the water. Your tuition will be land and water based and pitched at a level to suit all group members.

Every adventure differs depending on the weather and swell conditions of the day, so get ready for an action packed paddle along Newquay’s scenic coastlines.

What's Included?

• Informative and exciting sea kayak lesson and tour
• Qualified and knowledgeable kayak instructors
• Heated changing rooms and secure on-site storage for your valuables
• Hot outdoor showers and male & female toilets
• Full safety briefing, kit familiarisation and weather condition checks
• Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, kayaks and paddles included
• Wildlife watching and identification
• Tales of the area’s rich history, biodiversity and heritage
• 10% off further Newquay Activity Centre activities
• Discount card for apres kayak food & drink at local bars and cafes
• 15% off at Newquay’s Rip Curl store
• Excellent bad weather options in case of adverse conditions – we’ll get you guys in the water! This activity can go ahead in the rain – no worries!
• Please allow roughly 3 hours for your total visit

Facilities

Newquay Activity Centre’s base near Towan Beach is the perfect place to park your gear and get kitted out for your exclusive kayaking adventure. We provide heated changing rooms and safe storage for all your belongings, giving you peace of mind before, during and after hitting the water. We’ll hold the fort whilst you’re out enjoying our kayaking tours and coastal adventures in Newquay!

We sit in the heart of Cornwall’s adventure capital above Newquay’s Towan Beach, just moments from Newquay town centre. Within walking distance there is a host of car parks, eateries and bars for winding down after your action-packed kayaking adventure.

You will be issued with a discount card at the end of your session which will provide you with up to 25% off at local bars/restaurants and 15% discount from the Rip Curl Store.

Something for Everyone

Whatever the age, ability or group size, our team of expert instructors tailor every experience to you.

We provide everything you will need for our kayaking tours and coastal adventures in Newquay. With a huge range of warm wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets and the most buoyant and user friendly kayaks; you’ll be ready to learn the core kayaking skills and begin your ocean adventure.

Whether you’re a group of friends, family, stag and hens, corporate colleagues or Military, Newquay’s dramatic coastline is the perfect playground for pushing personal boundaries and building team dynamics.

Wildlife and Heritage

Newquay’s varied coastline plays host to a huge array of native wildlife and is steeped in incredible history. We’ve developed our kayaking routes in collaboration with the Cornwall Wildlife Trust, meaning our instructors can provide you with an in-depth guidance of the native flora and fauna along the coastlines. We’ll also regale you with tales of history, myth and legend.

During a recent eco-coasteer we found over 80 marine species along the Gazzle stretch alone.

Preserving the quality of our coastal environment and ensuring its protection is a number one priority of the Newquay Activity Centre.

We live to enjoy everything the coast has to offer and having clean, litter free waters is vitally important for the health and safety of native wildlife, as well as our own. Ask our team about our current environmental strategies and find out how you can help contribute towards looking after our coastlines.

Expert Team

Our fantastic team are industry experts with a wealth of international experience. Every route has been tried, tested and risk assessed by our instructors to ensure our kayaking adventures and coastal tours in Newquay are the perfect combination of enjoyable and adrenaline-fuelled fun.

Our award-winning activities sit top of the Tripadvisor rankings with 95% 5-star reviews. Check out our humbling list of accolades …

• Centre of Excellence – International Surfing Association and Surfing England
• 2 x Gold Winners – Cornwall Tourism Awards
• 1 x Gold Winners – South West Tourism Awards
• Certified National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualifications training centre

The Best Newquay Surfing School

Newquay Activity Centre is Newquay’s longest running surf school, located right in the heart of the action, and perfectly positioned for accessing Great Western & Fistral Beach.

Newquay Surf Lessons

We have surf lessons to suit all abilities, ages and group size. Whether you’re a total beginner wanting to go surfing in Newquay for the very first time, or you want to fine tune your skills and progress on to green waves, we’re the perfect surf school for you!

Learn to surf Cornwall

Rest assured there is nothing to be nervous about, our lessons are zero pressure and super fun! We’ve been teaching surfing in Newquay, Cornwall’s most iconic surf town, for over 20 years and love what we do. We know the beaches like the back of our hand and will adapt the lesson to match your ability.

Choose your surf lesson

We have both individual and group lessons available, so you can choose whether you’d prefer to learn 1:1 with an instructor, or alongside your friends and fellow students. Regardless of the lesson type, we’ll have you up on your feet and riding waves in no time.

Your surfing lessons in Newquay include:

• Warm showers, heated changing rooms, toilets and lockers for your valuables
• All equipment: wetsuit & surfboard (and boots and gloves in winter)
• Qualified and experienced surf instructors
• Safety briefing
• 2 hour Newquay surf lesson (at Fistral or Great Western Beach)
• 10% discount on additional activities: coasteering, SUP, kayaking or bodyboarding 
• Discount card for apres surf food/drink and the Rip Curl shop (15%)
• Discount at our on-site Newquay surf hire centre
• Perfect location for Surfing Lessons in Newquay

Newquay Activity Centre is ideally situated to access some of Cornwall’s best surfing beaches. We run the majority of our lessons at Newquay’s extremely user friendly and safe Great Western Beach. The waves are consistent  and ideal for learning, so we are privileged to experience 350+ days of surfing in Newquay each year. If we want to look for different conditions or surf at another stage in the tide then we are just a few minutes walk from the international surfing mecca that is Fistral beach.

Surf School Newquay

Newquay Activity Centre is purpose built and has toilets, heated changing rooms, lockers for valuables, hot showers and storage space for your personal items. We are just a few moments from the centre of town and its abundance of great coffee joints, eateries and surf shops. We’ll supply you with a discount card after your lesson which will give you some great discounts at local businesses around town.

Qualified and experienced Instructors

We pride ourselves on having the very best surf instructors at Newquay Activity Centre. Our surf lessons are run by Surfing England ISA level 1 qualified coaches and experienced surf lifeguards. Our surf coaches come from all walks of life and are a 50-50 mix of male and female instructors, the thing they all have in common is that surfing in Newquay is their number 1 passion. 

Our coaches are knowledgeable and experienced, fun and friendly, and dedicated to giving you the best experience of Newquay surfing. We take our surf coaching seriously; we are not a ‘surf shepherding’ outfit, we see your surf lesson as the exciting first step of a lifelong journey. Our aim is to help you develop the foundation skills to blossom into a capable, independant surfer. It really can be a life changing journey, so warning, you might get hooked!

Newquay Activity Centre is headed up by former British Team Coach, Rob Barber, and our lead surf coach is English surfing champion, Alan Stokes; both chaps are specialists at taking elite surfers to the next level, and are available for focused tuition upon request.

The Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy

Newquay Activity Centre is the home of the Outdoor Activity Instructor Academy, and the best surf coaches in the business are trained in-house. We cherry pick the most engaging and passionate coaches that come through our academy, ensuring that Newquay Activity Centre is always flying the flag and leading the industry in regards to quality coaching.

Top of the range Equipment 

To enjoy your time in the ocean and progress as much as possible during your lesson, it’s important to be kitted out with the right equipment. That’s where we come in…

Beginner Surfboards

To learn to surf, you must have the right equipment. This will make a big difference to your enjoyment and success when surfing in Newquay. A common mistake is trying to learn to surf on a board that’s not suitable for your level, height, weight or type of wave. Yes, the board might look cool under your arm, but it’s frustrating when you’re unable to ‘catch a wave’ or ‘pop up to your feet’. At Newquay Activity Centre we don’t just give you any old surfboard to ride; we choose one that is most suitable for you. So the first step is to determine what size board fits your height, size and surfing experience level.

For our beginner lessons we are committed to using Alder and Softech boards for our new surfers. Though more expensive to other beginner boards, they offer unrivalled stability and buoyancy. Super stable boards, though not the coolest in the quiver, are much easier to paddle, will get you into waves quicker, and are made of soft foam for safety. When you’re learning it’s all about wave count, and these foamies are the ideal boards to get you up and riding and progressing up the ranks. What’s more, at the end of each season we are able to re-skin the boards, and so we’re not sending old boards to landfill.

Improver Surfboards

If you’re looking to take a step up, we offer three stages of progression surfboards which you can experiment with. The best board is the one you’re having the most fun on!

Children’s Surfboards

Newquay Activity Centre is the only surf school in the area to offer an exclusive range of children’s surfboards. Please ask us for details.

Wetsuits

Our guests are provided with top of the range, well fitting and flexible wetsuits that are appropriate to the season. Being warm and comfortable in the water is super important as it enables you to fully concentrate on learning and having fun for the duration of your surf lessons

Surfboard Hire Newquay 

If you’d like to bolt on additional surfboard hire to your lesson then we are delighted to offer you a discounted rate. You can either stay in the water after your lesson or return to the centre for lunch before heading out to surf your socks off all afternoon. If you’d like to hire equipment after your lesson to surf at Fistral Beach, Towan or Great Western, then please select the surf lesson with bolt on Newquay surf hire option. 

Our glowing credentials

Newquay Activity Centre have been delivering surf lessons in Cornwall for over 20 years, and we’re proud to be the longest running provider of surfing lessons in Newquay. We’re proud of our number 1 ranking on trip advisor and we are two time winners of the Cornish Tourism awards and gold winners of the South West Tourism Awards. 

We are proud to have been recognised and sponsored by Rip Curl; they are a leader in surfing equipment, apparel and wetsuits, and have recognised Newquay Activity Centre as a centre of excellence in the Cornwall surf school scene. 

We also coach the Army and the Navy surf teams. This means we regularly organise military adventure training packages that meet their high standards. Their core values of teamwork, developing leadership and other personal qualities is necessary to withstand the rigours of operational service.

About Newquay Surfing

With seven beaches on our doorstep, Newquay has earned the title of Surf City for good reason. It would be sacrilege to visit the birthplace of this iconic sport without considering taking surfing lessons in Newquay. With our top of the range equipment, industry leading credentials, enthusiastic and experienced surf coaches, and access to Cornwall’s most famous surfing beaches, we will have you up and riding in your first session. 

Newquay Activity Centre is just a short walk from both Fistral and Great Western Beaches. We benefit from good surfing conditions everyday, regardless of most wind and weather conditions. 

Surfing Lessons in Newquay

If you are completely new to surfing, why not check out our beginner surf lesson. Or if you’d like multiple lessons, give us a call and we can create your very own bespoke package. We have daily newquay surfing lessons, suited to all abilities and tailored towards all ages.  

So what are you waiting for? Get in touch, book your newquay surfing lessons and start catching waves.

Go super stand up paddle boarding with the Newquay Activity Centre

3… 2… 1… blast off!  We are excited to launch our latest and arguably most fun activity at the Newquay Activity Centre … super sized stand up paddleboarding!

Check out our range of Super SUP packages and choose the perfect one for you.

What to Expect

Equipped with a buoyancy aid, helmet and paddle, you and up to seven others will launch this giant sized craft from the calm waters of Newquay bay or Towan Head and paddle your way around Newquay’s stunning Gazzle peninsula. Along the way you’ll take in a myriad of marine flora and fauna while learning about Cornwall’s mythical past of smugglers, pirates and buccaneers.

You’ll learn to perfect paddle strokes and execute basic SUP manoeuvres, while working as a team to hold your balance and keep moving. The Super SUP makes an excellent diving board and wiping out is half the fun!

You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Newquay’s infamous big wave spot The Cribbar. Fear not, we won’t have you riding monster waves …instead we’ll have you pitting your wits in a race across Newquay Bay against our second Super SUP and her crew. If that’s not enough, underwater, there’s an abundance of sea life to be seen and discovered with our safari snorkelling adventures.

Choose from our huge rang of awesome, action-packed Super SUP experiences, depending on the level of adrenaline you seek, and your area of interest (adventure, history, ecology). From our high octane Super SUP + Coasteer and Racing Super SUP tours, to our more leisurely yet informative Eco, Snorkel and Heritage Super SUP sessions. We really do have something for everyone!

Oour Credentials

At Newquay Activity Centre, we’re always seeking to expand our portfolio of outdoor Ocean adventure activities, and in doing so we were the first adventure centre to pioneer Super SUP coasteering adventures in Cornwall. Ever since our maiden voyage we’ve been hooked with the sport, and have since developed a multitude of hilariously fun ways to use this versatile beast of a watercraft.

In addition to our pioneering prowess, we proudly hold a 100% rating on trip advisor for Super SUP tours in the UK. What’s more, we are two time gold winners of the Cornish Tourism Awards and two time silver winners of the South West Tourism Awards. It should come as no surprise that there’s been somewhat of a media frenzy around our fleet of giant inflatables.

Our Super Stand Up Paddle Boarding experiences have featured positively in the Newquay Voice and the Sunday Times.

“There is an abundance of interesting features to navigate around, which included Dead Man’s Cove and the Tea Caverns, reputedly a haunt of smugglers in days gone by to stash their booty …There was also a lot of wildlife around with the friendly seal making an appearance.”  Warren Wilkins, The Newquay Voice

We are also a recognised provider of outdoor activities for disabled people. We regularly work with local and national disabled charities to enable all individuals the chance to enjoy and explore our exciting Cornish Coastline. Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT), who we have worked with in the past, recently returned to try our new super SUP + coasteer tour, which was received with a huge thumbs up.

Whatever your physical ability or level of confidence in outdoor environments, our professional instructors will help groups of all abilities push personal boundaries. We pride ourselves on making our watersports accessible to everyone with the focus on fun!

What’s more, we sponsor the Army & Navy Surf Teams and are accredited providers of military adventure training packages. Our Super SUP tours meet the forces’ high standards required to prepare their troops for the rigours of operational service. Our Super SUP adventure for military groups include team building, navigating the craft and competitive tasks to test command and control. Our relationship with the military is something we’re extremely proud of. We recently ran a fundraising coasteer and super stand up paddle in aid of Armed Forces charity SSAFA, where we raised over 400.

Oour Instructors

Our instructors come with years of SUP experience, have undergone rigorous in-house and external qualifications, are lifeguard trained, know our local coastline like the back of their hands, and are passionate about SUPing. They pride themselves on offering you an unforgettable SUP experience that will leave you coming back for more. They enjoy the physical challenge of paddling, SUP games and races, as they do telling you all about our coast’s history and marine life.

Location

Our purpose-designed centre with its heated changing rooms, secure lockers and hot outdoor showers, is conveniently located just a short walk from Towan beach, at the foot of the Gazzle peninsula -home to some of the most stunning, biologically rich and historically fascinating stand up paddle boarding routes in Cornwall.

Unlike other watersports, stand up paddle boarding is less reliant on waves or wind, nearly all weather conditions offer an excellent tour. We choose the best tidal time for you to experience the most of our coastal route. Our centre is also just a 5-minute walk from Newquay’s famous surfing beaches (Fistral, Tolcarne & Great Western) and the town centre with its surf inspired retail, and abundance of great coffee shops, restaurants, bars and surf shops.

The Right Equipment

• The Super SUP

This beast of a craft is highly inflated to offer maximum float and buoyancy. When standing or kneeling on it, it’s a sensation similar to being on a boat and on a bouncy castle! Incredibly buoyant, it feels its way through the ocean swells and offers a unique sensation as waves and chop pass under you. The craft is built for fun and by working as a team you will soon get the hang of navigating it around the coast. 

• Wetsuit and ID vest

You’ll be suited up in a top of the range, warm, comfortable and flexible wetsuit. Being toasty warm and having the freedom to move in the water, ensures you’ll enjoy your SUP experience to the max.

• Helmet

At the Newquay Activity Centre, safety is number one. Each person is fitted with a ‘Nookie’ helmet. Nookie are the market leaders in watersport equipment. Their helmets are comfortable, adjustable and offer unrivalled protection.

• Buoyancy Aid

Above your wetsuit but below your ID vest, you’ll be wearing a YAK buoyancy aid. This lightweight flotation device is ergonomically designed to offer maximum buoyancy and comfort while not impeding your Super SUP experience.

• Paddle

Our lightweight, high spec SUP paddles come in two sizes and are perfect for all ages and for any physiques. At only 2.5 lbs, they are lightweight, yet durable, and they float to help you make the most of your paddle boarding experience.

What;s Included in a Super Sup Session?

• Allocation of equipment, Rip Curl wetsuit, ID vest, buoyancy aid, paddle and helmet
• Epic Super SUP experience
• 10% discount for a surf, coasteer, individual SUP or bodyboarding experience with us
• Discount card for apres surf food/drink and the Rip Curl shop (15%)

So, If you’ve ever wondered what it’d be like to stand up paddle board with 8 people, then get on board one of our Super SUP adventures today! To reserve your place on one of our adrenaline fuelled Super SUP sessions, call us on 01637 877722.

It’s an unforgettable option for families, stag & hen parties, groups, school trips and corporate events, to have one board that everyone can use and enjoy together, whether it’s surfing, exploring or just having fun on the water. It’s a thrilling experience that MUST be tried!

If you want to know even more about our Super SUP then please take a look at our Frequently Asked Questions!

So if you’re looking for something new, unique and novel this summer, then call our friendly bookings team today and book your Stand Up Paddle Boarding adventure …you won’t regret it!

Newquay is Cornwall’s adventure capital!

We’re number one on Tripadvisor for our pioneering coastal adventures…the choice is simple. Join Newquay Activity Centre as we explore the best parts of Cornwall’s beaches and coastlines on our award winning coastal adventures in Newquay! They’re all unique to us – you won’t find them anywhere else!

Choose from one of our selection of coastal adventures on the beautiful Cornwall coast.

Newquay’s dramatic cliff lines and coves are the perfect playground! Places to push your boundaries, build confidence and reconnect with the outdoors before hitting some of the U.K.’s best beaches. With over 20 years experience, Newquay Activity Centre has the perfect selection of adventure options for you, based in the heart of Newquay.

Group discounts are available; just contact our team of professionals for more information and to book your exciting group activities in Newquay today!

Education

Our coastal adventures are developed to be the perfect combination of adrenaline fuelled fun and essential sea safety. Tides, rip currents, rocks, the role of lifeguards and basic first aid; once you know about them, it is hard to forget them.

Our team of professionals have years of personal experience underpinning their qualifications and a wealth of knowledge to share. You’ll gain more than just new confidence on our coastal adventures in Newquay.

History and Heritage

Newquay’s Atlantic coastline has seen its fair share of dramatic events, from tea plundering pirates using its caves under cover of darkness, to superstitious witch-hunt rituals and heroic lifeboat rescues.

When a terrible storm battered the coast of Newquay in December 1917, a local fishing boat got washed over the notoriously dangerous Cribbar reef. A lifeboat was deployed to rescue the shipwrecked sailors but the boat was quickly tipped over by the rough seas. Its crew spent three days trapped in a cave until the storm subsided.

Our Cornwall Castaway adventure is a coasteering challenge inspired by that heroic lifeboat crew, who foraged for food and found ways of lighting fires whilst the water raged around the caves. Do you have what it takes to survive a shipwreck? Book one of our most popular coastal adventures in Newquay today!

Adrenaline Fuelled Fun

Do you have what it takes to become an RNLI lifeguard? On this full-day activity you’ll get your adrenaline pumping, tackle rescue scenarios and learn some of the core skills used daily by professional lifeguards on the U.K.’s busiest beaches – introducing the Lifeguard Trials. Then take those skills to the cliffs, caverns and caves of our coasteer route for an afternoon of adrenaline-fuelled activity.

Why stop there? Our Surf Survivor course encompasses all aspects of the beach rescue lifestyle and will see you competing against your friends or family in a race against the clock. We’ve devised unique life saving and coastguard activities, combining flag and fitness games to challenge your group physically and mentally on some of Cornwall’s best surf beaches.

You’ll need determination, good communication skills and your best Baywatch impression… we’ll provide the rest.

Something for Everyone

If it’s laughs you’re after, the Cornish Challenge is definitely for you. It’s our answer to the Highland Games and combines Californian beach competitions with lifeguarding challenges and scenarios. Challenge your peers to take the plunge with Newquay Activity Centre for one of the best adventure activities in Cornwall.

Healthy Competition

The winner takes all on our Racing Super Stand Up Paddleboard adventure! On the starting whistle, what ensues is a blur of exertion, frantic paddling and smiles. Underhand tactics are guaranteed in the quest to take the lead. Only one team can walk away victorious after landing back on the beach and take bragging rights over their fallen friends.

Locations

Our HQ is conveniently based near Fistral, Great Western and Towan beach, the gateway to the Gazzle Peninsula and just a one-minute walk from Newquay’s town centre. With car parks close by, eateries up the road and the beach just below us, you’ll be in prime position for a day out to remember your coastal adventures in Newquay.

Towan Beach is one of the most sheltered stretches along Cornwall’s northern coastlines. At low tide, the pristine sand stretches all the way from Newquay’s harbour to the cliffs of Lusty Glaze beach. Seals and dolphins regularly frequent these waters and once out of Towan’s harbour, we’ll lead you along sections of coastline otherwise inaccessible by land.

The ‘Gazzle’ is a sweep of cliff-line steeped in history. Smugglers caves, natural rapids, craggy inlets and hidden coves; our coastline holds a host of secrets just waiting to be discovered.

Together with your expert instructor you will assess the environment, learn the fundamentals of beach and sea safety before starting the most adrenaline fuelled, enjoyable activities to be found in Cornwall.

Every adventure differs depending on the weather and swell conditions of the day.

Facilities

Newquay Activity Centre’s base near Towan beach is the perfect place to park your gear and get kitted out for your tailored group activities. We provide heated changing rooms, hot outdoor showers, separate male and female toilets and safe storage for all of your belongings, giving you peace of mind before, during and after hitting our coastline. We’ve got you covered to ensure everyone enjoys our coastal adventures in Newquay.

Something for Everyone

Whatever your age, ability or group size, our team of expert instructors tailor every experience to you. We provide everything needed for the perfect coastal adventures in Newquay from our purpose-designed centre.

Expert Team

Our fantastic team are industry experts with a wealth of international experience. Every activity has been risk assessed by our instructors to ensure our coastal adventures in Newquay are the perfect combination of enjoyable adrenaline-fuelled fun. Remember no-one is ever challenged beyond their comfort zone unless they choose to be.

• Our award-winning activities sit top of the Tripadvisor rankings with 95% 5-star reviews. Check out our humbling list of accolades …
• Centre of Excellence – ISA and Surfing England
• Two times Gold winners – Cornwall Tourism Awards
• Gold winners – South West Tourism Awards
• Certified National Vocational Beach Lifeguard Qualification training centre

Our activity coaching weekends are amazing fun!

Join us for a weekend in Newquay. Whether it’s the wild wave riding of surfing and bodyboarding you’re looking for, the rebellious escapades of cliff-line coasteering or perhaps our outlandish super sup challenges, Newquay Activity Centre has the perfect activity for you!

Ready to get your fix of outdoor adventure? Strap on a mask, snorkel and fins and discover the vibrant marine life and hidden caves along Newquay’s coast. You'll glide through the water and dip beneath the waves, witnessing a dazzling spectacle of fish, sea life and hidden treasures. The 90-minute group tour is sociable and affordable - a great option if you're short on time!

What's Included

• Epic snorkel adventure around Newquay’s marine-rich coast
• Qualified, experienced and insured instructors
• Heated changing rooms and secure storage for your valuables
• Hot outdoor showers, plus separate male and female toilets
• Full safety briefing, kit familiarisation and weather condition checks
• Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, snorkels, masks and fins
• Tales of history and heritage along the route
• Information and identification of local marine life
• A 10% discount on further Newquay Activity Centre activities
• Discount card for apres-snorkel food and drink at local bars and cafes
• A 15% discount at Newquay’s Rip Curl store
• A dog sitter if you require it. Just contact us for more details.

Excellent bad weather options in case of adverse conditions – we’ll get you guys in the water! This activity can go ahead in the rain – no worries!

Snorkel Tour Around Newquay's Coastline

Get ready to dive into Newquay’s awesome coastline, exploring hidden caverns and getting a unique, up-close perspective on its marine life.

With the correct safety advice and instruction, snorkelling is quick and easy to learn. Our Snorkel Tour has been designed to teach you many core skills. First, our instructors teach you the basics. Then we’ll set off to find some of Newquay’s most interesting underwater worlds with some unique and adventurous snorkelling.  

We launch and land from two of Newquay’s lush, semi-secret coves. The experience kicks off with adventure, as we follow a rocky path to the water’s edge. It’s worth the trek down here, as the scenery is breathtaking and there is some incredible coastal wildlife in the area – you’re about to experience the best of Newquay’s coastal fringe. We’ll take the walk down to the water slowly – the ocean will be waiting for you.

There is no pressure on our Snorkel Tour. Feel free to enjoy the session as you wish – it’s entirely up to you! Our experienced instructors are there to help – no matter your skill level.

History Comes Alive

Newquay’s coastal scenery is simply stunning, but delve a little deeper and you’ll discover the markings of a history that’s rife with mystery and drama. From gin-plundering pirates to raging storms and shipwrecks, yesteryear’s gripping past is etched into the landscape of today.

You’ll explore the coastline above and below the water’s surface, navigating your way through caves once occupied by seafaring pirates. Keep an eye out for forgotten treasures beneath the waves.

Underwater Secrets

Jump in and peer into our natural marine ecosystem just minutes from Towan Beach.

Due to the abundance of marine life around the shores of Newquay, you needn’t venture too far down to witness the magic of the ocean. Our Snorkelling Tour comprises a relaxed surface swim where you can see plenty of wonder with your snorkel safely above the water line. You can also use this time simply to chill out and enjoy the views if you prefer – the choice is yours!

Our exclusive Snorkel Tours offer a different perspective of the seascape and a glimpse into the marine environment below. Whether you’re passionate about nature and the outdoors, are simply curious about our coastline’s marine environment, or want to try something unique, this is the adventure for you.

What happens if there is Extreme Weather?

We are super fortunate to operate many of our activities in the shelter of Towan Beach. We choose the tide and weather times that deliver the very best conditions for Snorkeling  Tours. However, we are at the mercy of Mother Nature and sometimes she may have different plans for us. We always check the forecasted conditions but if the wind or swell picks up unexpectedly, we will move your session on to our Super SUPs. This will ensure you still cover the same route and session content but will be on a craft that is more resilient against the conditions.  Alternatively, we may offer a different time or location for your tour.

Over 95% of our tours go ahead unaffected by the weather but, in the unlikely event that we can’t run your tour, we have excellent back-up options for you to choose from. We appreciate your understanding.