Guided SUP Tour in Cornwall

Stand up paddleboarding is one of the finest ways to explore Cornwall's coastline. Unlike a surf lesson or a short paddle in sheltered water, SUP touring is about journeying through the landscape, reading the conditions and travelling confidently under your own steam.

From our base at The Headland Hotel we're perfectly positioned to launch straight onto the spectacular coastline around Towan Headland, Little Fistral and The Gazzle. If conditions favour somewhere more sheltered, we'll head to the beautiful River Gannel, where winding creeks, saltmarsh and abundant wildlife offer a completely different paddling experience.

Every session is planned around the day's wind, swell and tides. Rather than simply following your guide, you'll begin to understand why a particular route has been chosen and how experienced paddlers work with the natural environment rather than against it.

Along the way you'll develop practical skills including efficient paddling, route planning, crossing moving water, paddling in different wind directions, identifying hazards, understanding 'tick-off' and 'collecting' features, packing a drybag and preparing for safe coastal journeys.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing paddle through stunning scenery or the foundations for longer coastal adventures, every tour is private, tailored to your experience and designed to leave you a more capable and confident paddler than when you arrived.

Requirements for SUP Touring

SUP Touring with us is designed to be adventurous, empowering, and accessible – this is what you’ll need:

1. Basic swimming ability – you don’t need to be fast or strong, but should be able to move confidently in water while wearing a buoyancy aid.
2. Comfort on open water – you'll be paddling on the sea or estuary, so being at ease in natural water is important.
3. Minimum age – recommended for ages 12 and up, depending on conditions and group dynamics.
4. Reasonable fitness – just enough to stand, paddle steadily, and enjoy a two-hour session without fatigue.
5. Willingness to follow instructions – our guides are national trainers who will help you build real skills, but it’s important to listen and engage at your own level.

Falling in is always a possibility, but never a problem – the boards are stable, and your wetsuit and buoyancy aid keep you warm and supported. Sessions are tailored to suit the group and conditions, with a strong focus on safety, learning, and enjoyment.

Please bring:

1. Swimwear to wear under your wetsuit
2. A towel
3. Something warm and dry to change into afterwards

If you have a drybag and want to bring snacks, water, or a phone, you’re welcome to – we’ll show you how to pack it securely. All technical equipment, including wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and boards, is provided.

SUP Touring sessions run for just over 2 hours from start to finish, beginning and ending at Surf Sanctuary HQ.

1. Arrival & Kit-Up
2. Meet at the centre to get fitted with a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and board; all equipment is provided.
3. Location Choice
4. We'll choose the most suitable venue on the day according to wind, swell and tide. This may be the coastline around Towan Headland and The Gazzle or the sheltered waters of the River Gannel. If the Gannel offers the best conditions, you'll simply follow us in your own vehicle for the short five-minute drive while we transport the equipment.
5. Safety & Skills Briefing
6. Before getting on the water, we cover safety procedures, basic paddling techniques, and how to read conditions like wind and tide.
7. On the Water
8. We set off together on a relaxed, guided journey tailored to you. Along the way you'll learn skills like route planning, wind management, and efficient paddling in moving water.

Every session is bespoke; we adapt the pace, route, and focus to suit you.