Watersports
With a wide range of fun activities and adventure pursuits on the water available, Bude is one of the best places in Cornwall to enjoy your favourite pastime. With so many great facilities and professional coaches nearby, however, it is also a great place to learn something completely new on the canal, river, sea or lakes.
Surfing with Saltwater Safari
Surfing with Saltwater Safari
About Saltwater Safari:
For those familiar with Pete “Smudge” Smith, it’s no secret that he boasts over two decades of experience as a coach in the adventure sports industry. Holding qualifications as a climbing coach, International Mountain Leader, and a certified teacher, Pete’s expertise lies in extracting the best from individuals in challenging environments.
With a wealth of experience, Pete is a Level 2 Surf Coach and Adaptive Surf Coach accredited by the ISA (International Surf Association). Additionally, he is a Level 3 Beginner Surf SUP instructor certified by the ASI (Academy of Surf Instructors). His aim is to impart a deep understanding of the sea, enriching your surfing experience.
Ethos:
Aligned with our commitment to delivering Saltwater Safari adventures tailored exclusively for you, we conduct surf sessions for individuals or small private groups. This ensures a personalized experience shared only with your friends and/or family.
Every session we conduct is unique, tailored to your needs and aspirations, promoting a different and progressive experience each time, regardless of your skill level.
Our sessions allow you to forge shared memories with your family and friends. These experiences will linger in your thoughts, becoming cherished moments that you’ll reminisce about long after your holiday has concluded!
Our focus is on you acquiring new skills and valuable knowledge about the sea, and hopefully, about yourself.
Location:
Saltwater Safari proudly holds a license from Cornwall Council to conduct water-based activities on Crooklets and Summerleaze beaches in the beautiful town of Bude.
We’ll meet you at the Saltwater Safari trailer in the Crooklets car park. Here, we’ll ensure you’re well-equipped for an exciting surf session.
Coasteering with Freewave Surf Academy
Coasteering with Freewave Surf Academy
Embark on an extraordinary and thrilling aquatic adventure with coasteering near Bude. Suitable for various groups and ages, this action-packed experience promises excitement and awe.
Meet The Coasteering Team
Our team comprises certified and seasoned coasteering instructors who will lead you through the intertidal zone along Bude’s breathtaking coastline. Dive into expansive Cornish sea caves, discover wildlife-abundant rock pools, access hidden and secluded beaches around Bude, and take the plunge from one of our thrilling cliff jumping spots!
Discover The Coasteering Venues
While our primary venue is at Bossiney Bay near Bude, Cornwall, we also have access to multiple venues scattered along the stunning Cornwall coastline. Each location presents a variety of thrilling opportunities, explorations, and experiences in a spectacular environment. The choice of coasteering site will be based on the day’s conditions, making transportation essential for your coasteering adventure with us.
Craft Your Coasteering Experience
Tailored to suit the needs and abilities of each group, our coasteering sessions provide all necessary safety equipment. Just bring along old trainers that you don’t mind getting wet. Participants must be over 10 years old, capable of swimming 50 meters unaided, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Begin your session by meeting your coasteering guide near Bude, Cornwall. Once you’re ready, don a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, and helmet, and don’t forget those water-friendly shoes! Pay close attention to the coasteering safety briefing from the lead guide, who will provide insights into what to expect from your coasteering adventure. Familiarize yourself with the ‘do’s’ and ‘do not’s’ before immersing yourself in the beauty of the Cornish sea and exploring Bude’s enchanting coastline.
Minimum age for coasteering with us in Bude, Cornwall is 10 years old. All participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult during the activity.
Canadian Canoeing with Atlantic Pursuits
Canadian Canoeing with Atlantic Pursuits
Canadian Canoeing is a traditional long canoe that can seat between 2 and 4 people, as per the Inuit and Canadian First Nation people used many years ago. You use a single blade paddle which you use one side only.
It is a great activity requiring a little bit of team work and learning steering skills as you paddle up Bude Canal, an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Specializing in small groups and private family outings, ensures that your session consists of just 6-8 people, giving you exclusive access. Head Coach Sam Roberts brings over 30 years of outdoor experience to the table. As a national trainer for British Canoeing, one of the top 5 coaches in the UK, and a former international competitor for Team GB, his expertise and passion for canoeing are unparalleled.
Atlantic Pursuits pride themselves on offering quality equipment that is regularly updated and well-maintained. From buoyancy aids to dry-cags and stable canoes, they provide everything you need for a safe and enjoyable experience.
You’ll spend most of your session in the water, maximizing your fun. The introductions and warm-ups are informative but concise, ensuring you make the most of your time. Safety is paramount, which is why Sam and his team are all qualified with British Canoeing. Canoeing on flat water is extremely safe and ideal for families. Age is just a number! Canoeing sessions are suitable for individuals aged 5 and up, so don’t let age hold you back. Whether you’re 5 or 85, canoeing is a fantastic activity for everyone to enjoy!
Monster Slip and Slide Bude
Monster Slip and Slide Bude
Experience the thrill of the Monster Slip And Slide Bude, a 4-lane, 360FT long attraction located in North Cornwall, close to the picturesque town of Bude. Just 4 minutes from the breathtaking beaches of Widemouth Bay, Monster Slip And Slide Bude awaits!
Complimentary super-fast bodyboards and inflatable rings allow you to launch yourself off the Monster ramp and zip down the exhilarating 360ft slide! Plus, children aged 4 and under slide for free!
No need to worry about hunger or thirst! The Monster Munch Team has you covered with a variety of delicious food, refreshing drinks, and tempting ice creams to keep you energized while you Slip and Slide!
Rent the slip and slide exclusively for an epic party! Whether it’s a birthday bash, stag or hen do, kids club event, or corporate/staff party, make it unforgettable with your own private session on the slide.
Customer reviews
“What a fantastic experience for the whole family. We went as a family of five – children age ranges from 3-12. Well organised and plenty of opportunities to go on the slides. What we loved most was the variation from going down the slide, on your own, body board, single ring or double ring which sat four!”
“What a fun way to spend an afternoon! 3 adults and 2 children had a fantastic time from start to finish. Check in was quick and easy, the safety talk was brief but thorough and the amount of time on the slides was just right. We loved the fact you could choose single rings, double rings, body boards or just yourself to go down the slides. We tried everything and enjoyed them all!”
Coasteering with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Coasteering with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Coasteering is an exhilarating mix of fun, thrills, and excitement. Upon arrival, the team at Shoreline will outfit you in wetsuits, buoyancy jackets, helmets, and a pair of old trainers before setting off to explore the rugged coastline of North Cornwall.
Whether you’re keen on swimming, diving, scrambling, or jumping, there are plenty of options to cater to everyone’s adrenaline levels. Their carefully selected location boasts sea caves, rocky outcrops to navigate, and ample opportunities for thrilling deep-water jumps.
But coasteering isn’t just for the adrenaline junkies. With jumps of various heights (all optional) and stunning underwater flora and fauna to admire, there’s something for everyone in this activity.
Rest assured, they only conduct sessions when sea and weather conditions are optimal. Their experienced instructor team, led by a qualified Beach Lifeguard Trainer and Mountain Instructor,ensures every session is conducted with safety and professionalism as top priorities.
Surfing with Freewave Surf Academy
Surfing with Freewave Surf Academy
Whether you’re a novice eager to ride your first wave or someone looking to enhance existing skills, our surfing experiences at Widemouth Bay in Bude, are designed to provide you with the essential surfing skills, knowledge, and the confidence you seek.
If you are embarking on your “learn to surf” journey or aiming to improve your abilities both are best achieved through expert guidance from skilled and experienced coaches. With the right surfing instruction and quality equipment, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can conquer the waves. The thrill of catching your first wave during your initial surfing lesson is bound to be one of the most exhilarating experiences you’ll ever have.
Nestled at the stunning surfing haven of Widemouth Bay our surf school offers an ideal setting for our lessons. We prioritize personalized attention through small group surf lessons, ensuring that you receive focused guidance. All necessary equipment is included, and each surfing lesson spans between 2 to 2.5 hours.
For those seeking a more tailored experience, we provide Private Surfing Lessons, and we are equipped to handle large group surf bookings. Contact us for further details on these customized options and let us be your guide to a memorable surfing adventure.
Surfing with OA Surf Club
Surfing with OA Surf Club
With three decades of expertise in conducting surf lessons in the Bude area, our seasoned team is perfectly positioned to guide you from novice to champion.
OA Surf Club organises surf lessons at Widemouth Bay, just a stone’s throw from Bude. This expansive sandy beach serves as an idyllic setting for both learning the basics of surfing and honing your existing skills. Whether embarking on this adventure solo, with family, or alongside a group of friends, our amiable and skilled team is not only dedicated but their passion and contagious enthusiasm, ensures you receive nothing short of the finest experience in the water.
Whether you’re a first-time surfer eager to catch your first wave or seeking to refine your technique, our expert coaches specialize in optimizing every moment of your session. Our comprehensive lessons encompass the essentials, from learning how to carry a surfboard to mastering the art of catching waves and adopting various standing techniques.
Our crafted 2-hour lessons strike the perfect balance, combining valuable coaching time on the beach with extensive water sessions. This approach ensures you not only grasp the fundamentals during instruction but also have ample time in the water to hone and practice your newfound skills.
Surfing with Atlantic Pursuits
Surfing with Atlantic Pursuits
SURFING AND BODY BOARDING WITH ATLANTIC PURSUITS
Ever wondered about the differences between surfing and body/boogie boarding? Allow us to shed some light on the nuances:
Surfing:
The objective is to catch a wave substantial enough for you to stand on the board and ride the wave. By using long boards, extending up to 9 feet, these are easier to balance on and control. It’s a thrilling activity where you typically remain within chest-depth waters to catch a wave. Our instructors are on hand to assist you in catching the perfect wave, providing you with the optimal opportunity to ride the board with style and skill.
Body/Boogie Boarding:
On the other hand, body or boogie boarding employs a much smaller board, especially suitable for smaller children. This activity is typically confined to the safe swimming area, offering a secure and enjoyable experience.
In essence, whether you choose the exhilarating ride of surfing or the family-friendly fun of body/boogie boarding, Atlantic Pursuits ensures a memorable aquatic adventure tailored to your preferences.
Why opt for Atlantic Pursuits?
Owner Sam Roberts: a 30-year Outdoor Expert:
With over three decades of experience, Sam Roberts is a seasoned trainer in surf life-saving and served as an RNLI helmsman for 20 years. His expertise as an excellent waterman is dedicated to delivering enjoyable, safe, and informative sessions.
Exclusive Small Groups/Private Family Experience:
Enjoy a session with just 6-8 people, ensuring a more personalized and intimate setting.
Premium Equipment:
Our equipment is top-notch, updated annually. Wetsuits, surfboards, and bodyboards are all in excellent condition, sourced from reputable providers such as Gul, Sola, and C-Skins.
Maximized Water Time:
Our groups prioritize time in the water, ensuring you make the most of your session. Informative introductions and warm-ups are concise, allowing you to fully enjoy your time.
Safety First:
Owner Sam Roberts: a 30-year Outdoor Expert:
With over three decades of experience, Sam Roberts is a seasoned trainer in surf life-saving and served as an RNLI helmsman for 20 years. His expertise as an excellent waterman is dedicated to delivering enjoyable, safe, and informative sessions.
For All Ages:
This activity is suitable for everyone, starting from the minimum age of 5. Age is no barrier—whether you’re 60 or 6, this is an exciting and inclusive activity for all.
Coasteering with OA Surf Club
Coasteering with OA Surf Club
With over two decades of expertise, OA Surf Club stands out as one of the pioneering companies to introduce coasteering in Bude and Cornwall.
If you’re seeking a holiday adventure like no other, consider coasteering—an exhilarating activity seamlessly blending swimming, scrambling, and cliff jumping into the sea. Immerse yourself in an exploration that unveils the coastline from a unique perspective. Traverse through natural arches, venture into sea caves, navigate barnacle-covered ledges, and experience the thrill of plunging into the crystal-clear waters of the Cornish sea. Swim across inlets, uncover hidden beaches, and embark on an unforgettable journey along the stunning coastline.
Your safety is our utmost priority.
Rest easy and fully immerse yourself in the coasteering adventure, as we handle all the details for you. We provide all the specialized equipment necessary, leaving you to simply bring your swimwear, a towel, and closed-toe footwear for the sea—we’ll take care of the rest.
Wetsuits, buoyancy aids, helmets, and any other essential gear are included to ensure you’re fully equipped for the adventure. With our experienced coasteering guides, safety is paramount. Trust in the expertise and skills of our team, allowing you to focus on enjoying every moment of your coastal exploration.
Discover Cornwall’s incredible wildlife.
Our instructors have a wealth of knowledge and will choose a thrilling and stimulating route that will challenge and excite you. We have been coasteering in Bude for over 20 years. Along the way keep your eyes peeled for dolphins, seals, and other marine life that inhabit the area, learn about the diverse ecosystems and wildlife-filled rock pools that you’ll encounter along the way.
We understand that each individual and group has different abilities and preferences, which is why our coasteering sessions are pitched at the perfect level to suit your needs. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced coasteering enthusiast, we’ll tailor the experience to ensure that you get the most out of your adventure.
Coasteering for groups.
If you’re looking for a group activity, then Coasteering is perfect. Whether you’re a corporate group, stag do/hen do, birthday party, scout group or just a bunch of friends, Coasteering is an unforgettable adrenaline filled experience, and will fill you with energy for a night out or refresh you from the night before!!
We can offer private sessions for any size group, this allows our guides the complete freedom to adapt a session towards your expectations.
Sea and Surf Kayaking with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Sea and Surf Kayaking with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Bude offers an ideal setting for various paddle sports adventures, utilizing the sea, surf, canal, and local rivers.
Within Shoreline’s coaching team, is former World Champion, Simon Hammond, acclaimed author of “Surf Kayaking: The Essential Guide” and an International Surf Kayak Coach. You really will be learning from the best!
One of the most thrilling adventures in Bude is paddling down the Bude canal and out into Summerleaze Bay. From there, depending on conditions, you can continue along the coastline to explore the numerous inlets and channels between the rocks, landing on deserted beaches. On the return journey, the Shoreline team will find a surf beach and teach you how to ride the waves, providing ample time for practice, which is both easier than you think and incredibly enjoyable.
If conditions are flat and calm, they will focus on coastal exploration. If there’s plenty of surf, they will emphasize the surfing aspect. Regardless, they guarantee you’ll have an unforgettable time.
Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports
Surfing with Shoreline Extreme Sports
At Shoreline we use a number of soft-shelled surf boards designed to help you get started and develop a robust technique. Not only are these boards extremely safe but they are also light and easy to carry to and from the shore. Being very buoyant these boards catch the waves easily making sure that you will have plenty of rides on which to get to your feet and polish up your surfing style!
We generally run half day sessions throughout the year providing Instructors, Boards, Wetsuits with Hats and Gloves in the colder months. This is a great individual sport and group activity where you can never predict who will come out as the session’s star, its physical but very rewarding.
Within Bude itself we boast three very different beaches with Crooklets being the most well known as our classic ‘surfing’ beach. Crooklets is home to the towns Surf Life Saving Club the very club that provides the training and Lifeguard qualifications essential to our team of coaches. The Surf at the west facing Crooklets beach breaks along a long sandy shallow sloping beach creating endless peeling and broken waves perfect for learning and practising your surfing techniques.
Surfing with Bude Surfing Experience
Surfing with Bude Surfing Experience
Scott, the Head Surf Coach, at Bude Surfing Experience whose extensive experience in the industry leads our team of highly-qualified instructors. Each member of our coaching team is carefully selected to align with our core values of ensuring both fun and safety at all times. We take pride in our commitment to excellence, with every instructor holding DBS checks, Safeguarding training, and certifications in Lifeguarding and Surf Coaching. Rest assured, we are fully insured and endorsed by Surfing England.
Whether you’re a complete beginner, an intermediate surfer, or someone seeking a few expert tips, we are dedicated to helping you progress swiftly and safely on one of Cornwall’s finest surfing destinations. Summerleaze Beach, one of our chosen locations, is not only dog-friendly but also perfect for families, featuring the unique Bude Sea Pool.
DAILY GROUP SESSIONS
Embark on our daily 2.5-hour group sessions tailored for all ages and abilities, maintaining a minimum ratio of 1 instructor to 8 learners. The session cost includes all necessary equipment. Families with children under 8 are welcome, but we kindly ask for a non-surfing adult to accompany them—please arrange this at the time of booking.
PRIVATE / BESPOKE SESSIONS
Unlock a personalized surfing experience by booking a private lesson, where your dedicated surf instructor focuses exclusively on you and/or your family. Ideal for families with small children eager to surf together, as well as individuals and couples seeking accelerated progress.
PEAK SEASON (July and August): Exclusive sunrise and sunset sessions only.
OFF-PEAK: Enjoy the flexibility of choosing your preferred timing.
We cater to diverse private group bookings, including stag and hen parties, corporate and team-building events, school, scout, and university groups, as well as birthday parties (for all ages over 8). Everyone is welcome for surf, SUP, and bodyboard sessions.