Why is Exmouth so great for watersports?
It’s the combination of two miles of sandy beach, heading into the estuary of the River Exe, all nestled in the arch of Lyme Bay, which makes Exmouth the perfect playground for those who like to play on or under the water.
These fantastic conditions give Exmouth the well-deserved title of ‘The Home of Watersports in Devon’ and an on-the-water playground to watersports enthusiasts from far and wide. No wonder the town has produced World Champions and Olympic medallists in several of these disciplines. The Exe Sailing Club being the RYA Club of the year and home to twice Olympic Silver medallist Joe Glanfield plus fellow Olympians Ben Rhodes and Stevie Morrision. Steph Bridge is also the three times World Kitesurfing Champion.
Exmouth is a fantastic place to learn to Kitesurf, windsurf and paddle board, whether you are experienced or a beginner in need of coaching. The “duckpond” as it’s known locally, is a sheltered area of the Estuary, which is perfect for beginners. For the more advanced watersports fans, the area around Pole Sands, where the River Exe meets the open sea is the ideal place to catch the wind and hone your skills in a truly challenging environment.
Head towards Orcombe Point at the start of the Jurassic Coast for kayaking or paddleboarding, alternatively head up the estuary for the most picturesque water-based fun you can imagine. Paddling out to the River Exe Café, located amid the estuary is a popular way to spend an afternoon or evening.
To help you take full advantage of the great on the water activities at Exmouth a visit to Edge Watersports– the new watersports activity centre which opened in 2021 at Slideshore is a must. Edge Watersports is a BSUPA (British Stand Up Paddle Association) & AALA affiliated centre which organise & run a range of watersports activities for all ages and abilities. Run & owned by Eric & Steph Bridge who have over 50 years combined experience coaching watersports in Exmouth, the family are responsible for making ‘Exmouth ‘one of the go to watersport destinations in the UK.
There is also Exmouth Watersports which offers residential school trips and full on activity days plus lessons for windsurfing, SUP and tours in a kayak. This is a great option for groups and schools trips.
Exe Wake based in Exmouth specialises in Wakeboarding and waterskiing plus unique experiences on their barge – including floating yoga. From the start of June to early September they run weekly yoga classes on the deck of the barge where you can practice yoga whilst surrounded by nature and the flow of the tide. They are located on the River Exe very near to Exmouth. Their barge also doubles as a private hire venue, a drive through coffee bar-ge or a private hire tiki bar. If you are out on the estuary on your own boat or paddle board and see the “open” flag flying, you are welcome to pull up alongside the barge and order coffees, cold drinks and snacks as part of a drive-thru experience.
So if you are looking for a unique destination to get on the water, Exmouth is definitely to be considered.
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