Watersports

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!

Big Blue Surf School boasts a rich history of teaching surfing for over two decades. Whether you’re a novice eager to learn or seeking a fantastic family adventure, Big Blue can help you achieve it. With a track record of safely introducing over 35,000 individuals, including men, women, and children, to the exhilarating world of surfing, we welcome returning enthusiasts year after year. Our surfing lessons cater to individuals, families, schools, as well as those with disabilities or neurodiverse individuals.

Operating on Summerleaze Beach, one of Cornwall’s most diverse surf spots, we have access to a sheltered bay for challenging conditions and an open sandy beach during mid to low tide, accommodating surfers of all skill levels. If big waves aren’t your preference, worry not!

Our coaches, fully qualified for all skill levels, are trained surf lifeguards, many of whom honed their surfing skills in Bude, providing them with extensive local expertise. Emphasizing safety as our top priority, we maintain a high coach-to-student ratio.

At Big Blue, we believe in inclusivity, running specialized adaptive lessons for individuals with disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, and mental health challenges.

Ensuring surfing is accessible to everyone is our mission!

Our expertise extends to working with both children and adults facing various conditions and disabilities. These include, but are not limited to, autism, Down’s syndrome, physical disabilities, as well as challenges related to speech, sight, and hearing.

Tailoring our approach to individual needs and abilities, we provide a spectrum of options, ranging from introductory ‘learn to surf’ sessions to tandem wave riding.
For tandem experiences, we offer specialized boards with an instructor, while our collection of extra-wide surfboards facilitates solo riding, ensuring added stability for an effortlessly enjoyable experience.

Each lesson is conducted one-on-one with an instructor, prioritizing safety in the water. Additionally, we provide buoyancy aids as necessary to enhance the overall safety and enjoyment of the experience.

Operating year-round, we offer extra-thick wetsuits to keep you warm during cooler months.

Discover the tranquillity of SUP Yoga, a truly mindful experience suitable for all abilities. No prior experience in either paddleboarding or yoga is necessary, making it accessible to everyone. However, if you’re a dedicated practitioner, our instructor Emma can tailor the session to your level of expertise.

Join us for early morning sessions designed to immerse you in nature, providing a break from the chaos of daily life. As the world awakens, paddle out to a serene spot to begin your yoga practice.

Meeting at our trailer near the Bude Tourist Information Centre, come prepared with yoga or comfortable clothing, swimwear underneath, and any necessary medication.

Once you experience the serenity of SUP Yoga, we’re confident you’ll be drawn to join us again!

Immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of North Devon’s landscapes at North Devon Wake Park. This family-friendly water sports park is conveniently located just 10 minutes from the picturesque Southwest coastline. The stunning lake is surrounded by lush fields and tranquil countryside, provides an enchanting backdrop for water sports enthusiasts and novices.

Dive into the excitement at the Aqua Park, where thrilling challenges evoke the exhilarating obstacles of “Total Wipeout.” Experience the excitement of wakeboarding or feel the rush of adrenaline on the Ringo rides. For the ultimate adventure, make it a day to remember by combining all these heart pounding activities!

Enjoy the convenience of on-site parking, along with well-equipped changing rooms and hot showers, enhancing your overall experience. Well behaved dogs on leads are welcome as there is a foot path around the lake.

Aqua Park
Step into an enthralling world of adventure at the Aqua Park reminiscent of the exhilarating challenges seen on ‘Total Wipeout.’ Envision yourself navigating through an aquatic playground, slides that curve and twist, climbing frames that challenge your agility, jumping platforms that test your bravery, and a race track adorned with playful obstacles. Each element is meticulously designed to deliver a thrilling blend of adrenaline and joy.

In a commitment to safety and enjoyment, North Devon Wake Park have  intentionally limit their capacity to less than 50% of the manufacturer’s recommendation. This careful approach creates a spacious and secure environment, ensuring that whether you’re a competitive racer or just here for the fun, there’s plenty of room for everyone to explore, play, and craft unforgettable memories with loved ones.

At the Aqua Park, every splash tells a story, and each visit leaves you eagerly anticipating more!

Wakeboarding
Experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of wakeboarding with a state-of-the-art facilities include two dynamic straight-line cables and the WakeparX full-size cable. sessions are designed for all levels of experience.

Ringo Rides
Feel the rush of adrenaline with an exciting Ringo ride, perfect for speed enthusiasts! Ringo Rides cater to both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re seeking the exhilaration of being towed behind a boat or a milder adventure, Ringo rides have it all.

Open Water Swimming
The lake is a serene 550-meter circuit of calm water. Ideal for open-water swimmers, triathletes, or anyone seeking the joy of swimming in fresh, spring-fed water, the facility ensures a safe and pristine environment.

Experience the Excitement of Stand-Up Paddle Boarding (SUP)
A stand-up paddleboarding lesson is an excellent introduction to this rapidly growing sport. The stability of the large surfboard-style paddle board provides a secure platform for standing. With the use of an extra-long canoe-style paddle, you can effortlessly navigate the waters within minutes. Stand-up paddleboarding is less demanding than surfing, making it accessible to everyone in your group.

Immerse yourself in a stand-up paddleboarding lesson during your visit to Bude. Discover the charm of Bude’s historic waterways, connect with nature, and acquire a new skill while creating lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re in a large group, with family, friends, or enjoying a solo adventure, stand-up paddleboard lessons offer an enjoyable experience.

Gear Up for Adventure
Equip yourself with a suitably sized inflatable paddle board and an extendable paddle. Pay close attention to instructions, and you might stay dry—though, a wetsuit is available just in case! Once on the water, you’ll learn to manoeuvre the board first on your knees before gracefully standing up and exploring the waterways like a pro. Get ready for a memorable and enjoyable stand-up paddleboarding experience in the picturesque surroundings of Bude.

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.

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.