Paddle boarding In Devon

Devon is known for its gorgeous coastline, National Parks and, of course, stunning beaches. All of this makes Paddle boarding in Devon one of the most popular places in England, seeing millions rush to the shores each year. With many running to the beaches for surfing, hikes and family holidays, a new board-specific sport is in demand: paddleboarding.

As Devon is home to lakes, rivers and oceans, there are so many places to paddleboard in Devon, and we wanted to share with you our top ten places to visit.

What Is Paddle Boarding?

With Paddle Boarding taking the world by storm, you may be wondering what it is. A paddleboard is a larger board than your typical surfboard and can be solid or inflatable; either comes with a lightweight paddle, with the board being designed for balance and cutting through the water. And either board can be sat, stood or even knelt on when you propel yourself across the water. You can use your paddleboard in many ways, such as exercising or exploring beaches and coasts.

Where Is Devon?

Devon is located in the southwest of England, bordered by Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall. It’s a very rural county, with it being made up of hills, coastal cliffs and sandy beaches. Devon is also home to two National Parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, and has a sub-tropical climate making it perfect for walkers, surfers and now paddle boarders. With Devon being home to lakes, rivers and the sea, it has so much to offer depending on paddleboarding skill and confidence.

10 Best Places To go Paddle boarding In Devon

As Devon is such a popular place, we wanted to whittle down the best places for paddleboarders to visit. Here are our ten best places to paddle board in Devon.

Kingsbridge Estuary

With scenic surroundings, creeks and plenty of water to explore, Kingsbridge Estuary is the perfect place for paddleboarding from beginners to the more experienced. There’s a beautiful paddle from Kingsbridge to Salcombe, approximately taking an hour each way without stopping, but we recommend you do. With Captain Morgan’s Cafe, offering coffee, cake or breakfast. All you need to do is check the tide.

The River Dart

With the chance to launch from Warfleet Creek at high tide, The River Dart allows you to paddleboard past bustling towns such as Totnes and view rolling hills. For the experienced paddleboarders, the 9-mile route from Totnes to Dartmouth is highly recommended, with trees lining the way and the chance to see an abundance of river wildlife. If you’re after an adventure, the part of River Dart near Dartmouth Castle takes you out to sea, allowing you to explore coves and hidden canyons. The River Dart has something for all kinds of paddle boarders, making it an all-around must visit.

Salcombe South Sands

If you’re after picturesque waters, Salcombe South Sands beach is a great place to set your paddleboard down and enjoy the warmer weather. With a pretty harbour, yellow sandy beach, hidden coves and a stretch of coastline to explore. Take a picnic to make the most of discovering your own patch of sand.

If you need to hire Check out North Sands Paddle Boards – https://www.northsands.co.uk/

Wimbleball Lake

Located in the southeast of Exmoor, Wimbleball Lake is a 4km long and 50 metres reservoir nestled amongst trees and wildlife. With this reservoir lake open to the public, it is the perfect place for paddleboarding, with calmer waters and wide-open spaces. If family or friends don’t fancy getting on a board, plenty of other water activities and walks are available.

Croyde Bay

For the more experienced paddleboarders, Croyde is the perfect place to escape. Although dependent on the sea conditions, when they are right, it is one of the best places for paddle boarding due to the stunning coastline, secluded coves and vast waters. If you’re a beginner, the Croyde Surf Academy offer paddleboarding lessons and even have tours where they’ll take you around on a coastal day-tour with one of their experienced instructors.

Watermouth Cove

Tucked between Ilfracombe and Combe Martin, Watermouth Cove has amazing caves, coastal views and rugged rocks, making it a perfect place to explore on your paddleboard. It is an excellent place for beginners, as the sheltered cove eases you into sea paddle boarding. If you’re more experienced, getting out onto the waves will still provide plenty of thrills. Watermouth Cove is also a perfect stop if anyone in your party needs basic tuition on paddleboarding, as they have instructors and lifeguards on site.

Burgh Island

Burgh Island is highly regarded as one of the best paddle boarding posts in South Devon, and it also inspired two Agatha Christie novels. Consider making the trip from Burgh Island to Hope Cove, passing by small coves and hidden caves. If you’re short on time or wish for a more beach vibe, head off from Bigbury-on-Sea for a shorter trip. When you’re done, head to the 14th-century pub, The Pilchard Inn, for a nibble and a drink.

Exmouth Marina/ The Duck Pond

Exmouth Marina is perfect for lovers of paddleboarding and watersports as you can either explore the marina, the open sea or paddle to explore ‘The Duck Pond’. Albeit not a real duck pond, The Duck Pond is the locally used name for the Exe Estuary nearest Exmouth. It’s the perfect place for beginner paddleboarders as the water is relatively shallow, with much of it up to waist deep in high tide. Edge Watersports close by, provide lessons on paddle boarding and several other water sports. While visiting the marina, you can get a water taxi which will take you to the River Exe Cafe, a floating barge serving drinks and fresh fish meals.

Combe Martin

Tucked away, Combe Martin is a bay in North Devon that is home to England’s highest sea cliff. It’s the perfect place for all paddleboarding skill levels, having coves, caves and rock pools all to explore. If you need equipment or want paddleboarding lessons, the Surfside Kayak Hire has it all as well as kayaks for hire. The village looks out over the bay and is the perfect place to retire to after a long day of exploring and paddleboarding.

South Milton Sands

With the chance of spotting seals and even dolphins at South Milton Sands, it’s a must-visit for all. Grab your paddleboard and head out onto the clear water to paddle towards the iconic Thurlestone Rock. Navigating around rock pools and gaze at the views of the cliffs and beach. It’s sheltered, and when the tide is low, it is perfect for beginners as it becomes a more flat-water lagoon. If you forget anything, Surfin’ Sam has it all, including paddleboards and even kayaks.

Devon is a beautiful, scenic county that many travel to each year for the waters, coastline or National Parks. Now, with the love for paddleboarding on the rise, many places offer lessons and rent equipment out, meaning anyone from beginner to expert can get out into the lakes, rivers and sea to experience both Devon and paddleboarding.

Is there a place you think we’ve missed? Let us know below.