Cornwall is a brilliant place to try out watersports such as canoeing and kayaking โ getting out on the water in this way gives you a whole new perspective and can make for some of the most memorable holiday experiences. Here are some of myย favourites:
Canoe Cornwall, based at the National Trustโs Trelissick Gardens offer not only canoe trips but also Bear Grylls survival training, archery and even bow-and spear-fishing (for the over-18s). Jay, Johan and Nikki provide full-day and half-day Canadian canoe trips, the most popular of which is a half-day journey on the River Fal (ยฃ25 per person) launching from Trelissickโs pontoon. Full day guided trips can also be arranged at ยฃ35.00 per person.
On Saturday mornings Canoe Cornwall also run a โLife Skills Academy for Kidsโ which can include canoeing, experiencing the thrill of shooting a target at over 20 metres, making fire with just two sticks of wood or even self defence classes. Details of all Canoe Cornwallโs activities and dates at Trelissick can be found on their website.
Another lovely team are Karen and David of Encounter Cornwall who run guided canoe trips and kayak hire from their base at Golant. Their activities on the sheltered tidal waters of the River Fowey are suitable for those new to kayaking. The Creeks & Backwaters trip explores the backwaters on the high tide โ or on the low tide you can venture down to Foweyโs historic Harbours & Beaches.
On both trips you will be paddling through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Marine Conservation Area teeming with wildlife that includes kingfishers, herons, egrets, cormorants, various waders, and if youโre lucky, a seal or dolphin. Encounter Cornwallโs departure times vary from day to day as they are dependent on the tide โ just check details of times on their website.ย In addition to their regular tours (which guarantee to run if 2 people book) Encounter Cornwall are happy to organise Private Tours for parties of up to 20 outside the busy school holidays. The are perfect for Hen and Stag Parties, Large Family Groups and for special Birthday experiences.
If you have previous kayaking experience and would prefer to just hire a kayak, Canadian canoe or stand-up paddle board and explore at your own pace then that is also possible with Encounter Cornwallโs hire service.
If itโs sea kayaking you would like to try, then Koru Kayaking offer two hour and full day tours with an experienced guide using sit-on kayaks. Their coastal trips run from Trevaunance Cove near St Agnes on the North Coast where you can see colourful cliffs and spacious caverns carved out during the mining era, secluded beaches, bird colonies and even seals. In addition, Koru run river kayaking trips from the private beach of the Budock Vean Hotel near Falmouth to explore the Helford River, including Frenchmanโs Creek, the inspiration for Daphne du Maurierโs novel of the same name. Either trip costs ยฃ40 per person with an additional ยฃ7 for wetsuit hire if required.
Whichever way you choose to get out on the water, we are sure you will have great fun โ please just be aware of tides and take appropriate clothing and safety gear. If youโre a beginner, we recommend joining a reputable guided excursion such as those above. More information and safety tips can be found on Canoe Englandโs Go Canoeing website.
Have you been kayaking or canoeing in Cornwall? Why not share your stories below, tweet @Actionnan or post a message on our Facebook page?
