Surfing, SUP and coasteering at Big Green Adventures
Big Green Adventures runs surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, coasteering and kayaking from Crantock Beach on Cornwall's north coast, just across the Gannel Estuary from Newquay. Learn to surf in a small group, paddle the calm, National Trust-managed Gannel on a guided SUP tour, or scramble and jump along the Pentire headland. With family-friendly sessions for ages 8 and up, equipment hire and easy access from Newquay, Perranporth and Truro, it suits first-timers and confident paddlers alike.
Crantock, Cornwall
Perfect for families
Rentals available
Gift vouchers available
Closed for the winter – back for summer 2027
Big Green Adventures is closed for the winter and back for summer 2027. New dates will appear here as soon as they're released.
In the meantime, explore more things to do in Cornwall on eola, or give someone a gift voucher to use next season.
Big Green Adventures
National Trust Car Park, Beach Road,
Crantock,
Cornwall,
TR8 5RN
Big Green Adventures runs surfing, paddleboarding, coasteering and kayaking on Crantock Beach and the Gannel Estuary, about 2 miles from Newquay on Cornwall's north coast.
FAQs
Where is Big Green Adventures?
Big Green Adventures is based at the National Trust car park on Beach Road, Crantock, Cornwall, TR8 5RN, right by Crantock Beach. It's about 2 miles from Newquay town centre and about 10 miles from Truro.
Where can I go surfing near Newquay?
Crantock Beach sits just across the Gannel Estuary from Newquay and is a quieter place to learn. Big Green Adventures runs small-group surf lessons there for ages 8 and up, with boards and wetsuits included. For more spots, see our guide to learning to surf in Cornwall.
Where can I go paddleboarding near Newquay?
The Gannel Estuary between Crantock and Newquay is a sheltered spot for stand-up paddleboarding. Big Green Adventures runs guided SUP tours, low-tide taster sessions for beginners and paddleboard hire straight from Crantock Beach.
Where can I go coasteering near Perranporth or Truro?
Crantock is about 4 miles from Perranporth and about 10 miles from Truro. Big Green Adventures runs guided coasteering on Crantock's Pentire headland for ages 10 and up, with jumps, caves and gullies along the way.
Do I need any experience?
No. The surf lessons, SUP tours, SUP tasters and kayak tours are open to all abilities, and the instructors go at your pace. The SUP taster session is designed for beginners and younger paddlers, using calm, shallow pools at low tide.
What is included in a lesson?
All equipment and tuition are included in the lessons and tours. Surf lessons include a wetsuit and a board suited to your size and ability, plus beach safety and surf etiquette. Coasteering includes a wetsuit and helmet.
What are the age limits?
Surf lessons, SUP tours, SUP tasters and kayak tours are for ages 8 and up. Coasteering is for ages 10 and up. Most sessions need at least 2 people booked to run; if no one else books your slot, Big Green Adventures will offer another time, a different activity, an upgrade to a private lesson or a refund.
When can I paddle the Gannel Estuary?
You can paddle the Gannel from Crantock Beach on most days, but the most popular time is from 1 hour before high tide to 1 hour after, when the whole estuary is open to explore. The guided SUP tours are timed with the tide, so their times are a good guide if you're hiring.
What should I bring?
Wetsuits are included in lessons and can be hired for other sessions. It's worth bringing:
- Swimwear to wear under your wetsuit
- A towel and a warm change of clothes
- Suncream and a water bottle
- Snacks for after your session
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it's best to book online, especially at weekends and in the school holidays, as groups are kept small. Booking ahead also lets you plan around the tide.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
Yes. Big Green Adventures gift vouchers can be bought online and used for surfing, paddleboarding, coasteering or kayaking on Crantock Beach.