Sheltered kayaking cornwall

[wetny]

Hi.

Off to Cornwall tomorrow. I am looking for a sheltered spot to launch the kayak. We are not experienced so a nice sheltered spot free from strong currents would be ideal. Cheers.

[J3JCV]

wetny said:

Hi.

Off to Cornwall tomorrow. I am looking for a sheltered spot to launch the kayak. We are not experienced so a nice sheltered spot free from strong currents would be ideal. Cheers.

Where are you staying? There is about 300 miles of coastline and its all different. In general the South coast has the most sheltered spots.

[wetny]

We are staying near Perranporth, we always have a good tour around.

[Athlon]

Maenporth beach near Falmouth is perfect for kayaking, you can park right on the top of the beach, the right side is in the lee of the cliffs so flat calm for launching, plenty of hidden beaches, caves and even a fishing boat wreck to explore. £2 to park all day, toilets and a cafe, it can be a bit of a drag to the sea at low tide but it is flat and soft sand.

Totally recommended place for beginners, just remember to check the weather and tides and take some form of communication device with you and you will have a brilliant time from there.

[CubanPete]

I'd be looking at one of the flooded valleys on the south coast.

Helford River
Carrick Roads
Fowey
Looe

St Anthony on south side of Helford parking and launching for a small fee. Better at not low water!

[wetny]

Thanks guy. We sail, so are kitted out with handheld vhf and a load other safety kit.

[J3JCV]

Basically what they all said, tons of launching spots near Falmouth and you can go coastal or creek. The wind is looking fairly light for the next week so you will find lovely sheltered spots. I paddle board off Gyllyngvase and Swanpool beaches, or launch at the Watersports Centre and paddle around the moorings and up the Penryn River, 95% of the time its completely flat.

There are also some ancient, but very tidal creeks to explore if you launch at Malpas just beyond Truro. Or a very ancient pub if you launch at Mylor Harbour and paddle to the Pandora. http://www.pandorainn.com/

[towser44]

Lots of people kayaking off the beach at Pentewan Sands last week when I was frolicking in the water. Car park was a fiver all day and there is a well-stocked and reasonably priced supermarket on the campsite you can use (has a bakery, coffee machines etc) and a beach bar place right on the beach. You can kayak round to the harbour at Mevagissey or the opposite direction to Fowey.

[Phud]

Enjoy yourself down here, however please get a tide table and be aware our ranges are larger than most other areas.

Also parking in Falmouth, it is not really long stay friendly. South coast is normally flatter than the north.

[CubanPete]

My parents live on the Lizard, I smile when my Dad talks about big tides... We get over 12m in Portishead!

[CubanPete]

PS 7 month pregnant wife is desperate to get on the paddleboard this weekend... It will be in Helford creek, and I don't think she'll be standing up!

[CubanPete]

She did it standing up....

She's been on the board for a couple of hours each morning, and grinning loads as she has missed the water!