This article was written on 7 December 2022
and is a 8 minute read
As SUP continues to take over the nations’ waters, we list some of our favourite places to go stand up paddleboarding in Devon. We highlight some of the best rivers and beaches across the county and share our favourite place to enjoy a self-catering SUP break.
Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) is one of the UK’s fastest growing outdoor sports. It’s great fun, easy to pick up and suitable for all ages to enjoy.
Devon is widely considered one of the most popular places to go paddleboarding in the UK – and for good reason, it’s absolutely beautiful. The county is home to a wide selection of award-winning beaches and some of the best scenery the country has to offer.
Paddleboarding works your entire body. You’ll use your glutes, calves and abdominal muscles to balance yourself. Your biceps, triceps and shoulders will then propel you through the water.
Paddleboarding can reduce anxiety and depression. A recent study on the physiological, musculoskeletal and psychological effects of SUP found that there is a positive link between the hobby and an improved quality of life.
Sidmouth is one of our favourite places to paddleboard in Devon. If you are confident and experienced enough to paddleboard without an instructor, you’ll love taking in the beautiful views.
Sidmouth Beach is known the ‘gateway to the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site’. With panoramic views from Jacobs Ladder and across the coastline, Sidmouth is a dramatically beautiful place to SUP in the tranquility of open water.
On the beach, Jurassic Paddle Sports are integral to Sidmouth’s reputation as a great place to SUP in Devon. Here, you can hire a variety of paddleboards, changing towels, wetsuits and buoyancy aids, as well as kayaks and surfboards – so you can try your hand at a range of watersports and spend all day on the water!
The real hero of Jurassic Paddle Sports are their large and mega SUPs! Head out to sea with your family friends on one giant board that holds up to 10 people in a completely new, fun experience!
Whatever size board you go for, the qualified team will show you how to use the paddleboard and equipment, and will do everything they can to ensure you have a brilliant time paddleboarding in Sidmouth.
Seaton is the place to go if you’re in the mood for a relaxed paddle and a trip to an interesting, historic town. The pedestrianised town features many examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture. You’ll love relaxing in the gardens and enjoying the quality food and independent shops.
Head towards the water and you’ll be met with a serene experience at Seaton Bay. Take in the views across Lyme Bay and admire the spectacular sunsets.
If you need to hire gear or would like to take a lesson to get a feel for the board – we recommend you pay as visit to Seaton Bay Watersports.
The Red Paddle Co boards that Seaton Bay hire out are extremely high quality, and will offer you a premium experience when paddleboarding in Seaton.
The River Exe is a beautiful 60 mile body of water that rises in Exmoor and runs throughout Devon. It is one of the closest SUP locations to Forest Glade – and one of the most idyllic, too! Although the river is popular with anglers, growing numbers of paddleboarders are taking to the water to enjoy the picturesque scenery. The rive bank is the perfect backdrop, whatever time of year you decide to visit.
There are a range of brilliant watersports providers along the River Exe offering equipment hire and guided sessions, if you need someone to show you the ropes. Exe Adventures offer the ‘Daily Pub Paddle‘. During this popular trip you’ll paddle to the famous Waterside Pub and enjoy some local food and drink, before paddling around the surrounding boat harbour.
Wimbleball Lake is a popular spot for walking, cycling and watersports in Exmouth. The idyllic location is perfect for a SUP session. You’ll find everything you need here to paddleboard in Devon – a changing room, café and watersports centre! Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced boardrider, we guarantee you’ll love taking to the water here.
If you’re looking for help to improve your SUP ability, why not book a session with one of South West Lake’s instructors. They’ll help you master the basics or hone your existing skills. If you’d rather explore the waters at your own pace, the team at SW Lakes also offer full equipment hire from as little as £16 a day.
Wimbleball is one of five local lakes that are popular SUP destinations. Roadford, Siblyback, Stithians and Tamar should also be on your hit list!
Photos credit: Andy Gates
Even if you’ve never been to Devon, you’ve most likely heard of Salcombe. The famous harbour is an iconic watersports destination and a must visit during your stay.
Salcombe-Kingsbridge estuary has everything you need from a watersports destination: excellent views of the green hills, rugged coastline, sandy beaches and sheltered waters. It’s great for paddleboarders, who are not ready to head out on the open water. Enjoy a guided tour, lesson or SUP equipment hire in Devon with Salcombe Watersports.
Photo credit: Mark
South Milton Sands is a sheltered haven in South Hams. Its natural archway is just one of the reasons it is amongst the most popular local beaches in the area, and a favourite for many looking to paddleboard in Devon. Nearby, you can also explore caves, shipwrecks, reefs and smaller beaches.
Although no providers offer lessons here, you can hire equipment from Surfin’ Sams – which is owned by a UK Women’s 14′ Stand Up Paddleboard 3x champion! Get tips from the best and a full safety briefing included with your rental!
Nearby, you’ll find an excellent scenic walk along the famous South Coast Path, which will take you to Hope Cove.
We feel extremely lucky to be situated under an hours’ drive from Dartmoor – one of the UK’s most beautiful natural areas. The vast landscape of moorland and rivers offers a brilliant opportunity to explore a range of SUP locations off the beaten track. We could easily write a standalone article on the number of excellent SUP destinations in Dartmoor, but for now, we’ll give you our top picks of rivers that we think are a must visit!
The following locations don’t offer equipment hire – so this is one for the SUP owners!
Spitchwick is one of the most popular areas to SUP in Dartmoor. If you are visiting in the spring/summer, we advise getting there nice and early to enjoy a peaceful boarding session before the crowds arrive.
Holne Bridge is one for the adrenaline junkies. Here, you’ll often find people who come for the deep water – which they take advantage of by jumping off the bridge! Whether you’d like to take the leap or keep your feet firmly on your paddleboard, Holne Bridge, is a must visit because it offers the opportunity to have an SUP adventure by travelling to the nearby weir by water.
Sharrah Pool is one for the explorers. It’ll take you 40-50 minute hike to reach the Pool, but if you are a keen adventurer, you’ll absolutely love the short trek. As an ‘off the beaten track’ location, you’ll often have the area to yourselves. It’s a great place to enjoy wild swimming, SUP and relaxing in the sun with friends. To really make the most of it, why not bring a picnic?
Forest Glade is the perfect place to stay to enjoy a watersports holiday in Devon. Bring your tent or tourer and get closer to nature in our five acre field! You may also choose to stay in one of our excellent holiday caravans or camping pods.
As guests at Forest Glade, you’ll have access to our brilliant facilities, such as; indoor heated swimming pool, shop, children’s play areas, tourist information room, tennis court, badminton lawn, table tennis area and more.
After a long day exploring the local SUP hotspots, enjoy relaxing with a hot shower and your choice of brilliant food.
