Ocean Sports

While many visitors to Carbis Bay Beach keep to a strict diet of swimming and sunbathing, others crave a little more activity. That could be a stroll or jog up the mile-long beach, or some frisbee-throwing and ball-and-bat. Another option is to take a craft out into the beckoning blue of St Ives Bay.

That’s where the Ocean Sports Centre comes in. Located halfway along Carbis Bay Beach, you may hire kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or Topper sailing dinghies. All equipment is maintained to the highest standards and, with friendly instructors on-hand, you can always glean a few handy tips before heading out. There’s no need to book ahead for hire; just turn up at the beach.

The SUPwise Starter is a fun and practical hands-on lesson for anyone who is new to SUP.

We will get you out on the water understanding the correct standing position, paddle stroke, self-rescue and water skills needed to enjoy the sport to its full. We will also help you to understand the dangers that do exist in the flat water paddle environment so that you and those around you are kept safe.

£30 per person for a 1hr 30min lesson – all kit provided.

The SUPwise Improver course will provide you with the advanced skills to stay upright for longer and become better at dealing with unfavourable conditions through modifying a variety of paddling strokes. Learn basic exposed waters paddle techniques and gain more confidence to paddle in uneven waters. Begin to use the Kahi and reverse Kahi stroke to stay on track in cross winds and develop greater understanding of how the paddle influences board tracking, turning and stability.

£30 per person for a 1hr 30min lesson – all kit provided.

We use ‘sit-on-top’ plastic kayaks which are inherently very stable and carry no risk of entrapment – the placid waters of Carbis Bay are ideal for first time paddlers and youngsters to enjoy a self paced voyage of discovery around the our coves.

We hire our fleet of single and double sit-on-top kayaks for either hourly or half-day (3hrs) sessions.

Single Seater 1 hour – £7.50
Double Seater 1 hour – £12.50

Please ask for half-day prices.

Our four- and six-man Hawaiian canoes are perfect for family and group trips. Running daily from Carbis Bay beach, we can tailor a trip perfectly for you, whether you are looking to see how fast you can paddle across the bay, get the ultimate all-at-sea selfie or surf the waves off Hayle Bar. A Hawaiian Canoe Experience will be the highlight of your holiday.

The Hawaiian Canoe Experience lasts for approximately 1 hour.

Life jackets, wetsuits and paddles supplied.

From £7.50 per person.

Our four- and six-man Hawaiian canoes provide stable viewing platforms as we take you on a magical exploration of the local coastline within Carbis Bay. The marine life normally visible only when snorkelling springs to life with stunning clarity with our specially designed ‘Bathascopes’ and you get to keep your clothes dry! You will see anything from juvenile lobster and silver pipe fish to breadcrumb sponges and blood sponges – and even inquisitive seal pups.

The Sealife Explorer experience lasts for approximately 1 hour.

Life jackets, wetsuits and paddles supplied.

From £7.50 per person.

The ecological diversity of the marine inhabitants in Carbis Bay never ceases to amaze. Our four- and six-man Hawaiian canoes provide stable viewing platforms as we take you on a magical exploration of the local coastline within the bay or extend further out toward the bustling harbour of St Ives, taking in Bamaluz Beach, Porthgwidden and even Porthmeor Beach (dependent upon conditions). We often see schools of Mola Mola (or Sunfish to you and me) and it is not uncommon to see pods of dolphin buzzing the local fishing boats off the ‘Island’.

The Coastal Explorer lasts for approximately 1hr 30mins.

Life jackets, wetsuits and paddles supplied.

From £10 per person.

As an Adventure Activities Licensing Authority-accredited centre, Ocean Sports always has the correct support craft and safety procedures in place should you ever need assistance.

Summer Opening Times:
7 days a week:
9am to 6pm

Out of Season:
By appointment only