Water Sports

Have you ever wondered how it feels to have the ocean at your feet as you ride a crashing wave to the shore? Has the thought of gently sailing across glistening waters always appealed to you? Do you crave the thrill and excitement of canoeing or kayaking? Whether you’re a beginner or are experienced in watersports we’re sure we’ll have a wet and wild activity break for you.

Canoe Adventures in Devon

Salcombe

Canoe Adventures offer guided canoeing aboard Voyager 12-seat canoes working from Tuckenhay (40 minutes from YHA Salcombe), halfway between Totnes and Dartmouth in the green South Hams along the famous River Dart. 

This adventure is suitable for all ages, with full equipment provided and no previous experience necessary. Special rates apply on production of a valid YHA membership card.

For more information contact Phil Sheardown on 01803 865301 or visit www.canoeadventures.co.uk.  Green Tourism Business Scheme, Gold.

Tel: 0870 770 6016
Email: salcombe@yha.org.uk

Sailing in South Devon

Salcombe

South Sands Sailing School is just a five minute walk from YHA Salcombe and offers RYA sailing courses on Hobie Catarmarans, from a two hour taster to a four day course with a Level 2 certificate at the end.

YHA guests receive a discount. For more information please contact Ben Sherring on 01548 843451 or visit www.southsandssailing.co.uk.

Tel: 0870 770 6016
Email: salcombe@yha.org.uk

Surfing in South Devon

Salcombe

Discovery Surf is run by local surfer and BSA surf coach Martin Connolly at the beautiful Bigbury-on-Sea just a half hour drive from YHA Salcombe.

Have a beginners taster lesson or take a four lesson course to improve your skills. The Junior Surfer Scheme includes a BSA Young Athlete log book and certificate; and new this season is stand-up Paddle Surfing. For more information contact Martin on 07813 639 622 or visit www.discoverysurf.com

Tel: 0870 770 6016
Email: salcombe@yha.org.uk

Discover Kayaking (12+)

Okehampton

YHA Okehampton is a “British Canoe Union” accredited training centre offering kayaking and canoeing trips and skill courses throughout the year. With so many great touring rivers on the doorstep kayaking is fast becoming one of the most popular water sports. Full tuition is given, so no previous paddling experience is necessary.  This 2-day course is an BCU recognised course and is open to anyone 12 years or older.

2nts: 2.05.08, 27.06 08, 25.07.08, 22.08.08, 24.10.2008

Price: Adults £125, under 18s £114

Tel: 0870 770 5978
Email: okehampton@yha.org.uk

Discover Sailing (16+)

Okehampton

Using YHA Okehampton’s own fleet of Laser Picos at a local reservoir, this two day course teaches the basic skills of sailing.  It is RYA recognised and available to anyone 16 years or older.

2nts: 08.08.08, 29.08.08

Price: Adults £130, under 18s £119

Tel: 0870 770 5978
Email: okehampton@yha.org.uk

Canoe Expedition down the Exe (12+)

Okehampton

YHA Okehampton is a “British Canoe Union” accredited training centre offering kayaking and canoeing trips and skill courses throughout the year.  Open canoeing is a fun sport for all the family and this expedition allows you to see life from the River.  You will go down the River Exe, camp overnight, and return along the canal.  Full tuition is given so no experience is necessary. The expedition includes one night at YHA Okehampton and one night at a camp-site;  all equipment is included.

2nts: 23.05.08, 14.06.08, 25.07.08, 22.08.2008

Price: Adults £103, under 18s £92 

Tel: 0870 770 5978
Email: okehampton@yha.org.uk

Improve your Kayaking (18+)

Okehampton

If you've done some paddling before and want to develop more skills, then this is the course for you, as it allows you to practice on weirs and move to a grade 2/3 river conditions. If conditions allow, you will also be able to paddle down the River Dart, one of the most exciting rivers in the South-west.

2nts: 03.10.08, 31.10.2008, 14.11.08, 28.11.08.

Price: £130 (18+ only)

Tel: 0870 770 5978
Email: okehampton@yha.org.uk

Discover Surfing in North Cornwall (12+)

Okehampton

Some of the top surfing beaches are located less than an hour by mini bus from YHA Okehampton. Take part in a two day course in body boarding and surfing, which is a great introduction to this popular sport.  Boards, wet suits supplied or bring your own.

2nts: 25.07.08, 01.08.08, 15.08.08, 29.08.08.

Price: Adults £144, under 18s £133 (Includes meals and accommodation)

Tel: 0870 770 5978
Email: okehampton@yha.org.uk

Surfing at Manorbier

Manorbier

In conjunction with OuterReef Surf School, YHA Manorbier offers a fantastic surfing package for families and individuals.  Ideal as a complete introduction to surfing or for improving your skills, either way you’ll gain a great experience of riding the waves.

Price: Adults £121.00, Under 18 £111.00

Package includes two half days of tuition from experienced instructors, wetsuit, boot and board hire and two nights full board accommodation at YHA Manorbier.

Tel: 0870 770 5954
Email: manorbier@yha.org.uk

Port Eynon surf lessons

Port Eynon

Get the adrenalin pumping with surfing lessons on the Gower peninsula. In association with Swansea Surf School you can enjoy daily surf lessons while staying in a fantastic location at YHA Port Eynon right on the beach. Surf lessons are available 7 days a week, all year round. Visit www.swanseasurfing.com

Price: 
July/August: Adults £17.95 + £35 surf lesson, U18 £13.50 + £35 surf lesson
Other times of the year: Adults £15.95 + £35 surf lesson, U18 £11.95 + £35 surf lesson

Price includes surf lessons, all equipment and accommodation.

Tel: 0870 770 5998
Email: porteynon@yha.org.uk

20% off kayaking adventures

Golant

Save 20% off kayaking trips with Encounter Cornwall when you stay at YHA Golant.

Join guided Kayaking trips on the stunning River Fowey Estuary overlooked by the hostel.  Options for everyone from gentle taster sessions on Wind in the Willows Creek to more challenging all-day paddles heading downriver to meet the sea. Or those with experience can book the canoe hire service for the freedom to explore the creeks and inlets at their leisure.

To take advantage of this offer simply book your accommodation with YHA Golant to receive the offer code, then contact Encounter Cornwall to arrange your activities. Visit www.encountercornwall.com for more information.

Tel: 0870 770 5832
Email: golant@yha.org.uk

Learn to kayak weekend for families

Coniston Holly How

Have boat – will travel. Learn how to master the basics of this increasingly popular sport which will give you the freedom of the water in spectacular lake and mountain scenery.

2nts: 05.09.08

Price: Adults £155.00, U18 £145.00 (minimum age 9 years). Includes meals and tuition.

Tel: 0870 770 5770
Email: conistonhh@yha.org.uk

Wet n Active

Exford

This two-day adrenalin filled break gives guests the chance to try a whole host of wet and wild activities including sailing, windsurfing, kayaking, canoeing and raft building.  Set on the stunning Wimbleball Lake in Exmoor National Park, you’ll be kitted up and given a full briefing on the equipment before you head out onto the water for some serious fun.

Selected weekends from April to August 2008, please contact YHA Exford directly for more details.

Price: £173.00 Full Board

This package is also available at YHA Minehead

Tel: 0870 770 5828
Email: exford@yha.org.uk

Introduction to Open Canoeing 16+

Edale

Focus on feeling at home in an open canoe. The course covers theory lessons, practical sessions, and the opportunity to take the British Canoe Union One Star test.

2nts: 16.05.08, 11.07.08, 3.10.08
£146

Tel: 0870 770 5808
Email: edale@yha.org.uk

Surf and Turf

Broad Haven

Enjoy the stunning coastal scenery of Pembrokeshire from two very different angles;  galloping on the beach and surfing in the sea!  Try a taster of two exhilarating sports which can be enjoyed from the beautiful beaches in the area. Price includes full board accommodation in a family en-suite room, a two hour surf lesson and a one and a half hour horse ride on the beach.  The package starts with an evening meal on the Friday and finishes on Sunday after lunch. Own transport required

2nts: 18.04.08, 16.05.08, 11.07.08, 05.09.08, 03.10.08

Price: £140 per person (minimum age 7)

Tel: 0870 770 5728
Email: broadhaven@yha.org.uk

Surfing Cornwall

Treyarnon

2, 3 and 4-day courses in North Cornwall - Britain’s number 1 surfing destination. For all levels of ability, friendly approved coaches. All-inclusive. Discounts available

All year
2 day: £150
3 day: £200
4 day: £250

In association with Harlyn Surf School, www.harlynsurfschool.co.uk
Please contact YHA Treyarnon Bay to book.

Tel: 0870 770 6076
Email: treyarnon@yha.org.uk

Introduction to Kayaking 16+

Edale

This course covers the basics of handling a kayak on flat water, and safety aspects are also covered in theory sessions. You will improve your balance, gain confidence, and have the opportunity to take the British Canoe Union one star test.

2nts: 6.06.08, 8.08.08 (run from YHA Hathersage), 19.09.08 
Price: £146

Tel: 0870 770 5808
Email: edale@yha.org.uk

Intermediate Kayaking 16+

Edale

Improve your skills on this weekend course where you will learn to move the kayak efficiently through water and also cover how to rescue other paddlers. There will be the opportunity to take the British Canoe Union two star test.

2nts: 23.05.08, 17.10.08 
Price: £149

Tel: 0870 770 5808
Email: edale@yha.org.uk

Advanced Kayaking (moving water) 16+

Edale

Maximum time on moving water to learn the paddling skills required to run the rapids. This will incorporate BCU 3 Star training.

2nts: 18.04.08, 31.10.08 
Price: £215

Tel: 0870 770 5808
Email: edale@yha.org.uk

Intermediate Open Canoeing 16+

Edale

The canoeing ethos is travel, and during this break you will learn to move efficiently through water. You'll improve your paddling techniques and have the opportunity to take the British Canoe Union Two star test..

2nts: 11.04.08, 13.06.08, 15.08.08 (run from YHA Hathersgae) 
Price: £149

Tel: 0870 770 5808
Email: edale@yha.org.uk