Take to the Water
Surfing
If you love surfing then Cornwall is for you, from beginners to advanced you will all find a wave somewhere to suit your level! Porthmeor beach in St.Ives is our best local beach and often has great surf. The St Ives Surf School is highly regarded as one of the best places to learn to surf in Cornwall. Also offering Kayak tours, SUP lessons, coasteering experiences and equipment hire. www.stivessurfschool.co.uk
If you fancy avoiding the crowds on Porthmeor in high season, hop in the car then Gwithian & Godrevy should be your destination (20 minute drive). Great expanse of beach with excellent surfing & facilities, and if you want to book lessons check out www.surfacademy.co.uk or for hiring surf gear try www.downthelinesurf.co.uk in Hayle itself.
Canoeing
A great way to escape the crowds and experience the beauty of Cornwall from the water! Ideal on your own, as a couple or even a family, there are beautiful rivers & estuaries to explore or for the more adventurous take your canoe out to sea!
www.encountercornwall.com/canoe_hire is based in the beautiful creekside village of Lerryn. Canoe the beautiful river Fowey and explore creek side estuaries which are teaming with birdlife (ideal for twitchers!). Perhaps take a picnic, eat at the local pub in Lerryn or paddle over to Golant on the longer excursion and enjoy a pint overlooking the river. Damon, the owner, is friendly and very informative and has great local knowledge. Approximately one hour”s drive from St Ives.
A little closer is www.loebeachwatersports.co.uk set on the coast next to where the River Fal meets the sea. Paddle up the river past the King Harry Ferry where you often spot huge ocean going super tankers that are “moored up” if out of commission, their size is staggering! Or, if the tide is in, paddle round to Restronguet creek along to “Point” and marvel at some of the most impressive and most valuable homes found anywhere in the UK ! An alternative and truly memorable day out!
Sailing
If you are a sailing fanatic and need your fix while you are on holiday, Mylor is THE place to start. Set on the “Carrick Roads”, arguably some of the best and most scenic sailing waters in the British Isles awaits! If the weather is kind you can drop anchor at beautiful St.Mawes or if too rough sail up the inland waterways towards Truro.
Seal Island St.Ives
For the children, why not take a trip to Seal Island and view a small colony of grey Atlantic Seals! Just 3.5 miles to the west of St.Ives it is ideal for all the family.
Swimming
If sea swimming and the local leisure centre aren’t for you, head to Penzance for a swim in the iconic, Jubilee Pool.
Situated at the eastern end of Penzance’s promenade is one of the jewels in Penzance’s crown – the iconic art deco Jubilee Pool. Opened in 1935, to celebrate King George V’s Silver Jubilee, the pool is one of only a small number of the 1930s lidos built around the UK. At 73 metres by 100 metres in length, the Jubilee pool is not only the largest seawater lido, but the largest surviving outdoor lido in the country.
The lido itself is arranged with platforms of several levels offering areas for sunbathing and viewing the bathing area.
Closed during winter months, the pool is open to bathers from May to September. Situated overlooking to pool is the Poolside Cafe which is a great way to start the day with a coffee or for a spot of lunch apres swim!