Watersports
Let the sea be your blue gym. You can search out the perfect activity for your ability, whether you’re seeking something for beginners or a more advanced adventure.
Sea swimming
East Devon is a fabulous place to swim, with lots of lovely, safe beaches and a variety of scenery. Please be reminded that outdoor and cold-water swimming can be dangerous. You can find a number of small clubs and friends groups via Devon and Cornwall Wild Swimming.
Exmouth, Lyme Regis and Sidmouth beaches have lifeguards in the summer months. While Exmouth does have more sand it does have strong tides. So, for a safety-first approach head to Sidmouth.
If you want crystal, clear water but with the pay off of large pebbles go to Budleigh Salterton beach.
Surfing
Although no match for North Devon, when the waves are working, surfers suddenly appear from nowhere on Sidmouth beach. But only when the waves are breaking on the sand. You can see what’s happening with the waves via the Sidmouth Esplanade webcam.
Gig Clubs
Get your fitness to new levels with sea rowing or just enjoy the comradeship of the clubs on regatta days. Sidmouth, Exmouth and Lyme Regis gig clubs are open to new members and offer introductory sessions and taster days.
For more information:
Email Sidmouth: sidmouthgigclub@gmail.com
Exmouth: exmouthgigclub.com
Lyme Regis: lymeregisgigclub.com
Sailing Clubs
East Devon clubs are family orientated with sailing encouraged from an early age. There’s a healthy and friendly competitiveness amongst their sailors. Their clubhouse offer restaurant and bar areas with outside space to watch the races.
Paddle boarding
The following businesses operate in the summer and school holidays from Easter to October. The teams that run them put safety first and provide support if required.
Sidmouth Beach, by rock island and the Life Saving Surf Club.
Tel: 07580 161367
Email: Jurassicpaddlesports@gmail.com
Get on the water and experience the fun of being out in nature and staying fit and healthy in a SUP and Kayak. All ages and abilities welcome.
Budleigh Salterton Beach
Tel: 07745 526596
Email: mail@budleighpaddlesports.co.uk
Ian and Moss provide guided tours, or you’re welcome you to hire their SUPs and sit on top kayaks on your own. Safety first and customer service is their mantra.
Sideshore, Queen’s Drive Space, Exmouth EX8 2GD
Tel: 01395 222551
Email: info@edgewatersports.com
Edge Watersports provides top quality tuition and has a plethora of gear to rent or buy. Embrace a new sport or simply come and get some advice from one of the world’s most famous kitesurfing families –Team Bridge.
Lime Kiln car park, Granary Lane, Budleigh Salterton, EX9 6JD
Tel: 07814 405803
Email: info@seakayakexmouth.co.uk
Explore the Exe Estuary, with golden sands and beautiful sea close to its base in Exmouth. Sign up for a tour as a family, individual or group.
Royal Avenue, Exmouth, EX8 1DG
Tel: 01395 276599
Email: info@exmouthwatersports.co.uk
Come, make a splash. Enjoy lessons in windsurfing, paddle boarding, kayaking and the Mega sups. Equipment available for hire.
The Tackle Box, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JF
Tel: 01297 443373
Lyme’s best water sports provided. Head to the metal box on the beach front.