On e crest OF A WAVE

Ocean adventures reach new highs with Wavehunters surf and marine company

With its miles of coastline, North Cornwall boasts some of the most diverse and beautiful aquatic landscapes. Whether it be the arrival of ocean swells that create the perfect beach break, the clear calm waters of a still summer’s day or the ethereal beauty beneath the waves which team with sea life, this is an endless playground just waiting to be explored, both on and in the water. Helping people to do just this for over 20 years, Andy Cameron and his team at Wavehunters are the go-to, best in class when it comes to surfing, SUP-ing, boat charters and more. With beachside locations at Polzeath, Padstow, Port Isaac, Rock, and Watergate Bay there is an ocean adventure awaiting all who seek one.

Surfing is at the very core of Wavehunters. It’s where it all began and after expanding into premises at Watergate Bay last year both here, and their base at Polzeath, offer the opportunity for everyone to experience the thrill of the waves. Renowned for experienced surf coaches, there is something to suit every level from beginners, through improvers and beyond. Drop-off children’s surf club sessions run throughout the holidays and for locals the evening Groms Surf Club is always hugely popular.

In terms of equipment, you can hire on the beach or have all you need delivered to your accommodation. If you’re already a seasoned surfer but don’t want the worry of travelling with your kit, high-end boards and wetsuits are also available for hire. Watergate Bay is only a five-minute drive from Cornwall Airport Newquay, so you can leave the confines of the city behind and be in the ‘green room’ in no time.

Fitness and flexibility are just as important for surfing and SUP-ing as they are for any other sport. With that in mind, Wavehunters now has a dedicated yoga and fitness studio at Watergate Bay where they hold regular classes. If you prefer your workouts beachside, one-to-one or group sessions on the sand combine core, cardio, strength, balance, resistance and more… all with a large dose of vitamin D. Even if you don’t have time to visit one of the beachside locations, one of Wavehunters’ experienced instructors can come to your holiday home for yoga or personal training.

Adventures on the water can be just as thrilling as they are in it. Climb aboard one of Wavehunters’ fleet of three RIBs and be whisked across the bay to explore otherwise inaccessible coves and caves. You’ll be taken to the best spots for spotting dolphins, seals and seabirds – even the elusive puffin has been glimpsed nesting on one of the rocky crags. Group trips of varying lengths are available or, for the ultimate in exploration, why not take the hassle out of having to have your own boat and privately charter a Wavehunters’ RIB? Fully-fuelled, insured and complete with your own private skipper – plus a couple of SUPs for getting up close to the coast – this is surely the best way to see the north Cornish coast in all its magical beauty.

To top off the Wavehunters’ offering, this year will see the return of the Water Taxi which operates between Padstow and Rock when the ferry stops. Dine out in style with pre-dinner drinks aboard the ten-metre jet-powered catamaran as you’re transported across the estuary to your favourite restaurant. This is also ideal as a family picnic boat and is available for private hire during the day. All of Wavehunters’ activities and equipment can be booked online on their new website however, if you’re looking for multiple hires across a week or more then Emily, Wavehunters’ Customer Liaison Manager, offers a single point of contact, concierge service to ensure all ocean adventures are expertly catered for. www.wavehunters.co.uk

Steps from the Bay

Pendowr, Watergate Bay

7 Bedrooms | 6 Bathrooms

Sporting a fresh makeover under the careful stewardship of a new generation, the future of the St Minver Cricket Club looks bright!

Thanks to a raft of volunteers, generous donations, and visionary thinkers, the newly renovated club now offers a friendly and sociable facility perfect for both cricket (and non-cricket) fans. As well as hosting regular fixtures and screening all major sporting events, the club also offers tasty food and drink that can be savoured in the newly planted Wild Hop beer garden - a colourful wildflower meadow complete with a woodfired pizza oven. Inside, you’ll find comfy seating, a pool table, darts, and a fully stocked bar, alongside a rotation of local artwork brightening up the walls. This fantastic community hub now hosts regular live events and offers an eco-friendly venue perfect for private hire functions. With two senior teams, a women’s team and junior training for 8-15y starting in May, the St Minver Cricket Club is a sociable space for all the family to enjoy, where players of all ages are always welcome.

@stminvercc | @the_wildhop

Born and bred in Port Isaac, owner Jake Cleave, established Port Isaac Trading Co. in 2015. Growing up with fishing, music and art in his blood, it is no surprise that Jake has turned to design. His contemporary lifestyle shop is a veritable treasure trove of gorgeous things, located just steps from the harbour. Inspired by the sea and coastline, his climate neutral clothing range sits comfortably alongside an ever changing array of carefully curated and handmade homewares, making P.I T. Co. a must see for any visitor to the north coast.

Inside, a selection of original and unisex clothes designed to be worn by the coast, includes cosy beanies, with cotton tees and sweatshirts for layering under woollen guernseys. Waterproof rain coats and backpacks complete the range, proving there’s no such thing as bad weather in Cornwall, just the wrong clothes. A range of organic and earthy homewares including flasks, ceramic mugs, wool blankets, with handmade soap and candles from fellow Cornish makers, as well as organic and Fair Trade Nkuku homewares, works equally as well at home, as for a life on the move.

Find Jake and his friendly team in this little shop at the bottom of Fore Street, and if you're not in the area, fear not, as most items are also available online.

www.portisaactradingco.com