Where to surf, kayak & paddleboard in Devon

Heading out on the enchanting waters of Devon

If you're looking for a fun and exhilarating way to soak up the stunning coastline and roam the rolling hills of Devon, then nothing beats getting out on the water! With its long stretches of inviting coastline and meandering rivers, Devon is the perfect destination for watersports enthusiasts of any ability level. Read on to discover our ultimate guide to surfing, kayaking and paddleboarding in Devon.

Ready to don your wetsuit? Find the perfect place to stay with our lodges and holiday parks in Devon.

North Devon

In North Devon, you'll find some of the best surf spots in the UK. With the UK's only World Surf Reserve located in this region, you can expect consistently good waves and plenty of surf schools to help you perfect your skills. Croyde Bay, Woolacombe and Saunton Sands are all top surf spots, offering waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. If you're new to surfing, be sure to book a lesson with one of the local surf schools to get the most out of your time in the water.

For those looking to explore Devon from a different perspective, kayaking and paddleboarding are fantastic options. The calm waters of the River Taw and River Torridge are perfect for a leisurely paddle, while the rugged cliffs and hidden coves of the South West Coast Path provide a more adventurous setting for kayaking and paddleboarding excursions. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there are plenty of rental companies and guided tours available to help you make the most of your time on the water.

Woolacombe Beach, Woolacombe

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Known for its consistent waves and wide sandy shores, the award-winning Woolacombe Beach is regularly praised as one of the best beaches in Devon, and indeed the UK. It's particularly popular for surfing in Devon - part of the Surf Reserve - with smaller waves for beginners and more challenging breaks for experienced surfers. If surfing isn't your thing, you can still explore the waters by joining a kayaking trip or renting a SUP (stand-up paddleboard).

Postcode: EX34 7DJ
Equipment Hire: Yes - you can hire surfboards, kayaks and paddleboards at Woolacombe Surf Centre
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book surf lessons and kayaking trips at Woolacombe Surf Centre
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Cleavewood or Golden Coast Holiday Park - caravans, villas and apartments, both less than 10 minutes' drive from Woolacombe Beach

Larkstone Cove, Ilfracombe

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

With its sheltered bay, calm waters and lovely views of the surrounding cliffs, Larkstone Cove offers a picturesque setting for kayaking and paddleboarding on the North Devon coast. There's a great watersports hub here, right across from Ilfracombe Harbour, where you can book a range of instuctor-led activities including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. After a fun day out on the water, relax and recharge at the café or head over to explore Ilfracombe.

Tip: You can actually try Paddleboard Yoga here with Active Escape!

Postcode: EX34 9FQ
Equipment Hire: Yes - there's SUP hire with Active Escape
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book kayaking and paddleboard lessons at Ilfracombe Watersports Hub
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Beach Cove Coastal Retreat - cabins and sea-view boutique beach huts, right by Hele Beach and a 20-minute walk/3-minute drive from Larkstone Cove

Combe Martin Bay, Combe Martin

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Combe Martin Bay offers a picturesque setting for kayaking and paddleboarding, with its stunning coastline and gentle waters. Paddling along the rocky cliffs and exploring the hidden coves and beautiful beaches is a must-do experience for watersports enthusiasts in this charming seaside village.

Postcode: EX34 0DJ
Equipment Hire: Yes - there's kayak hire and SUP hire at OSKC Watersports or Surfside Kayak Hire & Tours
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book SUP lessons and guided sea kayak tours at OSKC Watersport, or various kayak tours at Surfside Kayak Hire & Tours
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Sandaway Beach Holiday Park or Combe Martin Beach Holiday Park - dog-friendly and family-friendly caravans and apartments, both less than 30 minutes' walk or 5 minutes' drive from Combe Martin Beach

Lynmouth Beach, Lynmouth

✔ Surfing

Sometimes a bit of a wildcard due to unpredictable waves, the coastal town of Lynmouth can be a great spot for intermediate surfers who want to ride the waves around the stunning coastline of Exmoor National Park. Whilst Lynmouth Beach has gained popularity in the surfing world after being included in the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, the area is quite sheltered so the waves aren't always reliable. There are also no surf camps here, which is why it's best for more experienced surfers, many of who come here to avoid the busier beaches like Croyde Bay. The best time of year to surf in Lynmouth is in winter when the swell picks up, and most of the top-quality point breaks are found in the north-facing coastline where it's more exposed.

Tip: Check out the Lynmouth Surf Cam to see live surfing conditions.

Postcode: EX35 6EP
Equipment Hire: No
Lessons, tours or surf schools: No
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Lynmouth Holiday Retreat - dog-friendly holiday homes and hot tub lodges, 10 minutes' drive from Lynmouth Beach

Saunton Sands. Saunton

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

With consistent year-round waves for surfing, calm waters for paddleboarding and a picturesque backdrop for kayaking, you can't really go wrong with a trip to Saunton Sands. The long sandy beach is regularly hailed as one of the best in Devon, and facilities including a beach shop, restaurant, surf school and rental store make it a haven for both beginner and intermediate watersports enthusiasts.

Postcode: EX33 2NU
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire surfboards and paddleboards from Saunton Surf Hire
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book surf lessons with Surf Saunton
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Ruda Holiday Park - caravans on the coast, 15 minutes' drive from Saunton Sands

Croyde Bay, Croyde

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Another firm favourite in the North Devon World Surfing Reserve, Croyde Bay is home to one of the UK's best surfing beaches, thanks to its reliable swell. Beginners should come here in the summer months, when the waves are consistent and usually not too big, whilst experienced surfers are best visiting in winter, when the crowds disappear and the serious swells appear.

Tip: Keep in mind this is probably Devon's most popular surf spot, so it can get very busy in peak season.

Postcode: EX33 1NZ
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire surfboards and paddleboards from several surf shops, including Tom's Surf Hire and Surfing Croyde Bay
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book surf lessons at a few different places, including Tom's Surf Hire and Surfing Croyde Bay
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Ruda Holiday Park - caravans on the coast, 5 minutes' walk from Croyde Bay

River Torridge, Bideford

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

The River Torridge winds its way through picturesque villages, lush green fields and wooded valleys, providing a tranquil and scenic setting for exploring the Devonshire countryside. One of the best spots for paddleboarding and kayaking on the River Torridge is in the town of Bideford. Here, you can launch your board or kayak from the quayside and paddle along the river, taking in views of the historic buildings and maritime heritage of the town. Keep in mind that as the River Torridge is a tidal river, you can only go out at high tide.

Tip: Sarah from Hoseasons has been paddleboarding on the River Torridge in Bideford and says, “it's a great place to explore on a paddleboard if you can catch the estuary at high tide. Head over to the East-the-Water bank, just north of the medieval bridge, and you’ll be able to find a shipwreck to paddle round!”

Postcode: EX39 2EY (Bideford Quay - tours and lessons may start from other parts of the river)
Equipment hire: Yes - there are several places you can hire paddleboards from in Bideford, including Sandy SUP & Surf and Adventure Boardsports
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book SUP lessons from a few different places, including Sandy SUP & Surf and Adventure Boardsports
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Bideford Bay holiday park - hilltop lodges and chalets, 15 minutes' drive from Bideford Quay

South Devon

In South Devon, you'll find even more opportunities for water sports. The crystal clear waters of Dartmouth and Salcombe are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding, with plenty of sheltered coves and inlets to explore. If you're feeling more adventurous, head to Bantham Beach or Bigbury-on-Sea for some exciting surf conditions and incredible views along the coastline.

Bantham Beach, Bantham

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Located near Kingsbridge, in the South Hams district of Devon, Bantham Beach is a favourite among surfers and paddleboarders for its consistent waves and beautiful scenery. This is another of Devon's best-loved surfing spots (maybe the best in South Devon) and is a reliable option at any time of year. There are plenty of options when it comes to equipment hire and lessons, so it's a good choice for beginners.

Tip: Check tide times in advance as surfing at Bantham Beach is best around low tide. For calmer waters, the nearby River Avon is a lovely spot for kayaking and canoeing.

Postcode: TQ7 3AN
Equipment hire: Yes - there are several places you can hire kayaks, paddleboards and surfboards from, including Bantham Surfing Academy
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book kayak tours, paddleboard lessons and surf lessons at Bantham Surfing Academy
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Swallow Barn - luxury dog-friendly holiday cottage, sleeps 4

Exmouth Beach & Exe Estuary, Exmouth

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Paddleboarding and kayaking around Exmouth, where the sea meets the river, offers a unique and enjoyable experience for all ages and skill levels. Glide through the beautiful waters along the Exe Estuuary, taking in lovely views of the marina and surrounding coastline. Both beginners and experienced paddlers can explore the waters in an exciting and relaxing way here.

Postcode: EX8 1DU (Exmouth Marina) or EX8 1BQ (Exmouth Beach)
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire kayaks and stand-up paddleboards at several places, including Edge Watersports
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - there are various sites where you can book kayak and SUP tours, including Edge Watersports
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Woodbury Woods - woodland caravans, 15 minutes' drive from Exmouth

Torre Abbey Sands, Torquay

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Torre Abbey Sands is a beautiful sandy beach in Torquay, the heart of the English Riviera. The beach is known for its gentle waves and calm conditions, making it an ideal spot for beginners looking to try their hand at surfing. Kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular activities here, with calm waters and plenty of space to explore.

Postcode: TQ2 5DG
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire kayaks and SUPs from Soak
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book guided kayak tours and SUP lessons at Soak
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Torquay Holiday Park - dog-friendly and family-friendly caravans and apartments, 15 minutes' drive from Torre Abbey Sands

Goodrington Sands, Paignton

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Another highlight along the English Riviera in South Devon, Goodrington Sands near Paignton is a clean, wide Blue Flag beach with plenty of space for watersports. Surfing is becoming more and more popular here, with the best time to surf in winter when the waves are usually good. There's also plenty of opportunity to try out paddleboarding and kayaking, with convenient hire shops and seasonal lifeguards on hand for added peace of mind.

Postcode: TQ4 6LP
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire kayaks and SUPs from Reach Outdoors (open seasonally)
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book kayak tours with Reach Outdoors
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Paignton holiday parks and lodges

Bigbury Beach & Burgh Island, Bigbury-on-Sea

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

The pretty coastal village of Bigbury-on-Sea is known for its stunning sandy beaches and great surf spots that attract surfers from all over the country. The waves here are consistent and can be powerful, making it an ideal spot for both experienced surfers and beginners. One of the biggest draws to Bigbury Beach is the nearby Burgh Island, which is connected via a tidal causeway that can only be reached on foot at low tide. Of course, another way of seeing the island is to paddleboard or kayak around it, and there are several tour companies you can do this with. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as seals and seabirds as you navigate through the crystal-clear waters.

Postcode: TQ7 4AS
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire surfboards, kayaks and SUPs from Discovery Surf School
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - you can book SUP and surf lessons with Discovery Surf School
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: 4 Coastguards (house) or Tarifa 7 (apartment) - sea-view holiday homes right by Bigbury Beach

Salcombe Harbour & Kingsbridge Estuary, Salcombe

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

A picturesque spot for paddleboarding and kayaking, Salcombe Harbour and the Kingsbridge Estuary offer calm waters to launch off from and stunning views to soak in. You can easily hire equipment to explore the estuary at your own pace, or you can join one of the local sea kayaking and paddleboarding tours which take you to top beauty spots along the South Devon coast, such as Mill Bay, Sunny Cove, South Pool and Ox Bay.

Postcode: TQ8 8PA (Salcombe Watersports in Port Waterhouse)
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire SUPs and kayaks from several companies, including Salcombe Watersports
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - there are a few different places you can book tours and lessons with, including Salcombe Watersports
Lifeguards: No

Hope Cove Beach, Kingsbridge

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Accessible from the South West Coast Path, Hope Cove is a secluded and beautiful cove made up of two sandy beaches, not far from Salcombe and Kingsbridge. Outer Hope beach, also known as Mouthwell Sands, tends to be the busiest and most popular, while Inner Hope has a sheltered and shallow bay that is perfect for beginner sea kayaking or paddleboarding.

Postcode: TQ7 3HG
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire paddleboards and kayaks to be delivered to you at Hope Cove Beach from companies including Adventure South and SUP Away
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes, you can book lessons with Adventure South
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Harmur (sleeps 5), Anchor Cottages - Smugglers Haunt (sleeps 7) or West Park (sleeps 4) - all within 500 yards of Hope Cove Beach

South Milton Sands, Thurlestone

✔ Surfing
✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Nestled between Thurlestone in the north and Hope Cove in the south, the National Trust's South Milton Sands sits at the end of Thurlestone Beach and is characterised by its sweeping golden shores, crystal-clear waters and iconic Thurlestone Rock archway. There are a range of watersports you can try in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with sheltered calm waters that are perfect for beginners.

Postcode: TQ7 3JR
Equipment hire: Yes - you can hire paddleboards and kayaks from Surfin' Sam (open seasonally)
Lessons, tours or surf schools: Yes - there are several options for tours and lessons, including Surfin' Sam
Lifeguards: Yes - RNLI lifeguards patrol the beach on a seasonal basis

Stay nearby: Harmur (sleeps 5), Anchor Cottages - Smugglers Haunt (sleeps 7) or West Park (sleeps 4) - all around 15 minutes' drive from South Milton Sands or around 30 minutes' walk along the coast

Exeter Quay, Exeter

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Exeter Quay is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the serene and scenic River Exe, boasting the convenience of being just a stone's throw from the city centre. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler, the Quay offers a variety of paddleboarding and kayaking routes to explore, from leisurely paddles along the canal to more challenging routes along the river. You can paddle past historic buildings, bustling cafés and quaint shops, all while enjoying the tranquillity of being out on the water.

Postcode: EX2 4AN
Equipment hire: You can hire SUPs and kayaks at several places right by the river, including AS Watersports and Kayakhub Exeter
Lessons, tours or surf schools: You can book guided kayak or paddleboard trips and lessons with Kayakhub Exeter
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: OPP Apartments - 2LH (sleeps 3) or RTF apartment (sleeps 4) - both around 15 minutes' walk from Exeter Quay

River Dart, Totnes

✔ Kayaking
✔ Paddleboarding

Flowing through the beautiful Dartmoor National Park all the way down into the sea at Dartmouth, the River Dart offers stunning scenery, calm waters and plenty of wildlife-watching opportunities. One of the best spots for paddleboarding and kayaking on the River Dart is at Longmarsh in the town of Totnes. Here, you can launch your board or kayak from the town centre and paddle up or downstream (depending on the tide), taking in the picturesque views of the surrounding countryside and historic buildings. The waters in this area are generally calm and easy to navigate, making it suitable for paddlers of all ability levels.

Tip: The River Dart is tidal, so be sure to check the tide times in advance. Booking a guided tour is a brilliant and safe option to make sure you don't get caught out!

Postcode: TQ9 5AL (Longmarsh Car Park)
Equipment hire: There are plenty of places where you can hire paddleboards and kayaks, including Paddle Devon, Totnes Kayaks
Lessons, tours or surf schools: You can book guided kayak or paddleboard trips with Paddle Devon and Totnes Kayaks
Lifeguards: No

Stay nearby: Devon Hills Holiday Park or Primley Meadow luxury caravan park - both around 10 minutes' drive from Totnes

Embrace the adventure on your holiday in Devon!

Whether you are a seasoned surfer, a beginner kayaker or just want to enjoy a peaceful paddleboarding session, Devon offers some of the best locations in the UK for watersports. From the iconic waves of Croyde Bay to the tranquil waters of the River Dart, there is something for everyone to enjoy on a beach holiday or rural escape. No matter where you choose to surf, kayak or paddleboard in Devon, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience. So, grab your swim stuff, lather on the suncream, and hit the water to make the most of this beautiful corner of the UK!

Discover our Devon lodges and holiday parks today!

About us

Welcome to Hoseasons, one of the UK’s leading self-catering accommodation specialists, home to over 30,000 places to stay throughout England, Scotland and Wales.

With 80 years of experience providing holiday homes to millions of customers, you can trust Hoseasons to help you find the perfect accommodation for your next UK break. We’re proud to be rated Excellent on Trustpilot, demonstrating our commitment to providing first-class customer service. We're committed to maintaining a high standard of service to our customers by abiding by ABTA's Code of Conduct.

Book Now with Hoseasons