Cornwall’s largest estuary, located on the South coast, the Fal Estuary is a spectacular place to plan an outdoor adventure. With six main tributaries and 28 minor creeks and rivers, the main part of the Fal offers an astonishing amount of natural beauty to explore. You can take a boat, but if you really want to get close to nature, you might want to consider watersports like kayaking or canoeing. One of the best ways to explore this beautiful part of Cornwall is on a stand-up paddleboard. Gliding on the estuary’s calm waters, you will have the unforgettable experience of taking in the scenic beauty of rolling green hills, picturesque creeks, and abundant wildlife, from curious seals to regal herons. It is a peaceful place, and on a paddleboard, you can go at a relaxed pace, taking it all in. For experienced paddleboarders and novices alike, the Fal Estuary offers a magical experience on the water.
How SUP Became One of the Favourite Watersports in Cornwall
It might surprise you to learn that stand-up paddleboarding has been around for thousands of years. In fact, there is evidence that as early as 3000 B.C., fishermen used a similar craft, though it was much less stable than our modern boards. Somewhere between the 8th and 13th century AD, fishermen in the Middle East started using a more sophisticated paddleboard, Hasake, to practice their craft. When Captain James Cook arrived in Polynesia in 1778, he witnessed the Polynesian people surfing, and the chief often used a very long board, about 15 feet in length. Manoeuvring this gigantic board was tricky, so a paddle was often used. While the islanders used their boards and paddles for practical reasons, they also had fun with them. In the 1940s, some Hawaiian surf instructors began surfing with a large kayak paddle, in order to stay dry while photographing their students as they learned to surf. This caught on, and in the 1990s, paddleboarding was refined and modernized, becoming an acknowledged sport. By 2013, standup paddle boarding (SUP) was the most popular activity for first-time participants worldwide, according to the Outdoor Foundation. And while modern SUP may have started in the Hawaiian islands, it has now been fully embraced in the UK. The British Stand Up Paddle Association was established in 2008, and since then, paddle boarding has grown into one of the most popular watersports in the country.
Why Paddleboarding the Fal Estuary is the Perfect Outdoor Adventure
If you are going to go stand-up paddleboarding in the UK, where better than Cornwall? With an absolutely breathtaking coastline and a wealth of sheltered coves and bays, as well as estuaries and rivers, Cornwall is heaven for watersports enthusiasts. Plan a day on the Fal Estuary, and you will be sure to make memories that will last a lifetime. Paddleboarding is an active adventure suitable for just about any age, so whether you are in a party of adults, traveling with children, or going solo, you are sure to have fun. Choosing to plan your SUP adventure in the Fal Estuary is perfect if you are a beginner, because there are different options for shelter, launching, and learning as well as exploring. There are many places to hire paddleboards, but if you are a true beginner, you may want to stick with a guide. Experienced guides take small groups and work with them, adapting the pace of the tour to the needs of the group.
For those who have stand-up paddleboarding experience, the estuary is perfect for exploring. The Fal River has lovely, sheltered waterways, ideal for exploring. If you are not worried about braving the busy Falmouth Harbour, you can launch from Falmouth’s Gyllyngvase Beach and go around Pendennis Port. However, if you prefer a quieter glide, try Mylor Bridge, Sunny Corner, Loe Beach, or St Mawes. Mylor Bridge is at the Restronguet Passage and Mylor Creek, a beautiful and peaceful section of the estuary. Sunny Corner is a lovely place to glide amongst the herons, passing the Trelissick estate, as long as the tide is high. Loe Beach, in Feock, is a quiet little beach that offers a nice, safe place to launch, and at St Mawes, you will find calm, sheltered waters, perfect if you are not quite an expert paddler yet.
The Rosevine Hotel Offers Both Excitement and Relaxation
When you are planning your paddleboard adventure, make plans to stay in comfort, at The Rosevine Hotel. A stone’s throw from Porthcurnick Beach, in the middle of abundant opportunities for wildlife watching, coastal walks, watersports, visiting historic landmarks, and more, The Rosevine is the perfect place to stay if you want to plan an exciting Cornwall holiday. It is also an amazing place to relax, offering the most welcoming, family-friendly accommodations in all of Cornwall. Designed to feel like your home away from home, our charming boutique hotel provides an atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy your family holiday. Each tastefully appointed apartment features comfortable furnishings, elegant décor, and modern amenities, offering warm hospitality along with stylish accommodations. Whether you want to stay in your own apartment, cocooning with your family, or spend your time in the shared spaces, communing with your fellow travellers, you will find space to enjoy your holiday here at The Rosevine. We want our guests to have the flexibility to enjoy their holiday however they wish, whether traveling alone or with friends or family. Many of our rooms offer stunning views of the sea, and our location is a short walk from the coastline, within easy reach of the charming shops, galleries, and local pubs in the village. When you are ready for the perfect getaway in Cornwall, it is easy to book your stay online. Should you need more information or directions, contact us through our website.
