Have some water and beach fun in the sun this Cornish summer with our round-up of amazing ocean activities in and around Bude.
Stand up and be counted
Stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP-ing as it has become affectionately known, has seen a meteoric rise in popularity over the last few years. It’s the most serene way of exploring the still waters of Bude’s rivers, canals, harbour – and the open ocean when it’s calm – and is a sport accessible to all ages. If you’re new to the sport then you will begin by kneeling on the stable inflatable board to gain confidence and learn how to manoeuvre using an extendable paddle. Once you’ve gained in confidence, you’ll be up on your feet and paddling away in no time!
Surf’s up
No visit to Cornwall would be complete without getting into the waves and Bude and its surrounding beaches has no shortage of fantastic safe surf spots, including Crooklets, Summerleaze and Widemouth Bay. Young or old, with the right tuition and a modern learner board designed to be super-buoyant, you’ll be ‘hanging ten’ sooner than you think. It really pays to get some instruction from a skilled and experienced coach as this will make your surfing journey both rewarding and safe. And for little ones who aren’t ready to stand on a board yet, bodyboarding can be just as fun!
At one with the ocean
What better way to explore the coastline than on a guided coasteering session. All togged up in a wetsuit, buoyancy and helmet, you’re ready for an exhilarating and action-packed experience. Following what is known as he intertidal zone, you’ll be clambering over rocks, swimming through sea caves, exploring vast rockpools and visiting hidden beaches you could only dream of existing. And the best bit is the many jump sites on the way, where you can launch yourself from a rocky precipice into the cool waters below.
Namaste
If you prefer your coastal activity to be at a slower pace, then beach yoga is the perfect way to connect with the ocean without getting wet. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and the cry of the gulls, poses are enhanced by the rhythmic sounds of the waves as you breathe deeply into each new posture. If you haven’t tried yoga with the feeling of the sand between your toes and the sun on your face then it comes highly recommended and is best finished by a dip in the turquoise ocean.
Guests of Elite West Holidays receive priority bookings and a discount for all of the above activities when booked with Free Wave Surf Academy.
Safety First
There’s no doubt that Cornwall, and its north coast in particular, is a veritable ocean playground. While the thrills and spills of spending time in the waves is a draw for many it’s worth bearing some safety tips in mind before you take to the water. If you’re a beginner it’s always good to get some instruction. Whether that’s a one-to-one, family or group lesson, by having some expert tuition you will enhance your skills and confidence within a safe environment.
Once you’ve learned the ropes and are up and riding, or if you’re just fancying a dip in the waves, we recommend swimming on a lifeguarded beach and always following some basic beach safety steps. The RNLI provide lifeguard cover for seven beaches in and around Bude and their website provides invaluable information and advice.
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