Where To Go Paddleboarding In South Cornwall In 2023 - Top 5 SUP Spots

Cornwall is up there with the very best places to go paddleboarding in the UK. The world-famous beaches in North Cornwall tend to be the most well-known among water enthusiasts, but South Cornwall offers some incredible locations that are perfect for a trip with your SUP.

Whether you are venturing across the county border for the day from nearby Devon or planning your summer holiday in Cornwall from further afield, make sure you pay a visit to at least one of the top SUP spots in South Cornwall this year. Quiet, unspoilt and generally less busy than the North, the rivers and seas of the South Coast offer a truly relaxing paddleboarding experience in Cornwall. Let’s jump straight into the best places to go:

Wacker Quay

First on our list of the top places to go paddleboarding in South Cornwall is Wacker Quay. This fantastic site is tucked away in the corner of the River Lynher, with ample parking that makes it popular with walkers, canoers, kayakers and paddleboarders alike. The beauty of Wacker Quay is undeniable, with lots of rare birds and wildlife about, but do plan carefully if you decide to come here as there is only one small tidal window (around high tide) in which it is safe to explore the neighbouring creeks. 

Charlestown Harbour

Famous for its unique and recognisable tall ships, Charlestown Harbour is a popular Unesco World Heritage site just a few minutes from busy St Austell on the South Cornwall coast. You’ll always see lots of paddleboarders here as there is plenty of space to park and the water is generally quite calm. You can launch from either the harbour or the beach side and explore as near or far as you wish. The waters on the harbour side are generally calmer and great if you want to just relax on your SUP for a bit, though our favourite thing to do around here is head east towards Carlyon Bay and take in some of the peaceful and hidden coves along the coastline.

Fowey River

If you are looking for a gentle adventure, the Fowey River is a great place to paddleboard in South Cornwall. Starting near Bodmin Moor and running all the way down to the gorgeous harbour town of Fowey, there are many places where you can launch your Red paddleboard. Depending on how far you want to go, Lostwithiel and Golant are great starting or finishing points, with ample opportunities to stop off for a picnic along the way or pub lunch at the end of your river paddle. If the tides are right and you plan to venture to Fowey Harbour, make sure that you abide by the harbour rules and register your SUP for use before venturing out onto the water.

Kingsand & Cawsand

Kingsand and Cawsand are two quaint villages located right on the tip of the breathtaking Rame Peninsula in South Cornwall. With easy transport links from the nearby city of Plymouth and a great restaurant and pub scene, both villages tend to get quite busy in the summer but never feel overcrowded. You can launch your paddleboard from the beach in either Kingsand or Cawsand and enjoy a short paddle from shore to shore, or venture a little further east towards Mount Edgecumbe for varied views of the city in one direction and the gorgeous coast in the other. 

St Michael’s Mount

Located not too far from Land’s End right at the bottom of South Cornwall is St Michael’s Mount, a spectacular tidal island that is an extremely popular destination for day-trippers. You can reach St Michael’s Mount on foot at low tide, by boat at high tide, or on your paddleboard in all conditions. The surrounding views make this a breathtaking place to go paddleboarding in Cornwall, particularly if you get the timing right and are able to safely make a trip around the whole island.

If you’re keen to explore Cornwall on your paddleboard, this list is just the start of the many adventures you can go on! Check out Red’s list of places to paddle or contact the team at Red for some expert recommendations. And don’t forget to P.L.O.T your paddle before head out to stay safe on the water!