Sailing in Salcombe to coasteering in Dorset: take to the water this summer

Balmy temperatures have descended on the South West

There's no better time to take to the water and explore the beautiful coastline. With miles of crystal clear ocean, sparkling estuaries and serene lakes, escape the heat and try your hand at a new activity. From sailing in the ever popular Salcombe to kayaking in St Mawes and coasteering on the Jurassic Coast, we’ve rounded up our favourite watersports for this summer.

Sailing in Salcombe, South Devon

Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Salcombe’s tranquil estuary is best explored by boat. There’s an abundance of wildlife and a myriad of sandy coves, and the safe and sheltered conditions are perfect for sailing. For complete beginners, Salcombe Dinghy Sailing offer taster sessions and private lessons. For an extra special experience, treat yourself to exclusive use of a skippered yacht for up to ten guests with Sailfunk. They can arrange anything from dolphin spotting charters to champagne and supper cruises.

Secure your sailing holiday at Waterside, set right on the edge of the Salcombe Estuary.

Kayaking in St Mawes, South Cornwall

Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Roseland Peninsula, St Mawes is a picturesque harbour on the south coast of Cornwall. On a calm summer day, head to St Mawes Kayaks on the quay to hire a single or double kayak. Available to rent from two hours to two days or more, we’d recommend kayaking to St Anthony’s Head and back – don’t forget to pack a picnic and stop off at one of the lovely little coves for lunch and a swim.

Coasteering on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset

© Cumulus Outdoors
 
With its fossil-rich beaches, sandy coves and dramatic cliffs, the Jurassic Coast is an exciting playground for adventure-seekers. Try your hand at rock scrambling, sea swimming, cliff jumping and cave exploration with Cumulus Outdoors, who are members of both the British Coasteering Federation and the National Coasteering Charter. The only provider in the area with private parking, toilets and changing facilities, they have a ‘challenge by choice’ ethos, so all participants are encouraged to challenge themselves whist having fun and feeling safe.

Paddleboading in Port Gaverne, North Cornwall

Just around the coast from Port Isaac, the narrow cove of Port Gaverne has turquoise waters and sheltered conditions, which makes it ideal for stand up paddle boarding. Beginners can join Cornish Rock Tors for a lesson, or seasoned paddlers can journey a bit further afield on a guided trip around coast. Perfect for discovering inaccessible locations and spotting wildlife, you’ll see a completely different side to this rugged stretch of North Cornwall coastline on a paddle board.

A boutique hideaway for couples, The Nook near Rock is just a twenty minute drive from Port Gaverne.

Waterports in Exmoor, Somerset

Nestled in the hills of Exmoor National Park, Wimbleball Lake Activities Centre is just a fifteen minute drive from Dulverton. A refreshing option for a warm summer day, cool off with a spot of windsurfing, paddle boarding, sailing, canoeing or kayaking. After a lazy picnic lunch, explore the surrounding nature parks and woodland on foot or by bike – great for families and dog walkers.

Twenty minutes from Wimleball Lake, Upcott Farm provides an idyllic countryside getaway in the heart of the rolling Somerset countryside.

Surfing in Sennen Cove, West Cornwall

Cornwall’s most westerly surf spot, the crescent bay at Sennen Cove offers consistent surf and over a mile of golden sand. There are a couple of fantastic local surf schools for all ages and abilities, as well as the option to hire equipment. Voted ‘one of the top 5 great surf schools in the UK’ by The Times, Smart Surf School is run by a family of professional surfers, with a student to coach ratio of 5 to 1. The award-winning Sennen Surfing Centre also runs intermediate, group and private sessions.