PADDLEBOARDING

Paddle. Glide. Unwind. Repeat.

Stand-up paddleboarding on the Lizard Peninsula offers a relaxed yet engaging way to explore Cornwall’s coastline. Building on the experience and local knowledge behind the much-loved Lizard Adventure, our guided SUP sessions take place along sheltered stretches of coast where conditions allow for a calm, enjoyable journey on the water.

From your board, you’ll travel at an easy pace across clear water, moving quietly into coves and along cliff-lined bays, with plenty of time to take in the scenery and spot marine life. Paddleboarding encourages balance, awareness, and connection with the environment, making it as rewarding for first-timers as it is for those with previous experience.

Our fully qualified instructors are with you throughout the session, sharing practical coaching tips, local knowledge, and thoughtfully chosen routes that match your confidence and ability. With safety underpinning every aspect of the experience, you’re free to relax, grow in confidence, and enjoy your time on the water. While our team manages all the details, you can simply soak up the surroundings and discover paddleboarding on the Lizard Peninsula in a truly memorable and invigorating way.

Why choose MAKAI for paddleboarding?

Fun and Friendly Guides

AALA Licensed Provider

Easy to Use Inflatable SUP's

Expert Local Knowledge

Group Tour

Our most popular paddleboard tour. Open sessions for friends, families, or explorers looking to join others.

£55 per person.

Private Tour

A fully private session adapted to your group’s abilities, pace, and explorer preferences.

Prices start at £220 (minimum 2 people)

Family Tour

Specially designed for families wanting a private explore together. Emphasis on fun and safety.

Prices start at £220 (minimum 2 people).

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 262 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Paul Rush 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kids didn’t stop talking about it they loved it. Riuri was very helpful and calm even when it is quite intimidating. Brilliant experience they can’t wait to try again
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Debbie Badger 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family of five (middle aged parents, two 21 year olds and a 16 year old) had a fantastic private coasteering session this Easter. Our guide Ruairi was very knowledgeable and took us on a fabulous route round to Hotpoint, with plenty of exciting jumps and fun tidal channels for everyone. We were lucky to have perfect conditions this year and the views of the coastline were absolutely stunning. We even saw seals! We have been coasteering a few times before but this was the best session we have done, and we would definitely return for another private session with Makai. Thank you.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   David Edwards 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a few family lessons at Gwithian Surf School. Well worth it! They are all lovely people but a particular thank you to our coach Ian, who has a great taste in music as well as outstanding coaching skills. We hope to be back before too long.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jess 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a surf lesson with Steph on Wednesday earlier this week and she was brilliant! The lesson was very informative and she really helped me improve my confidence and make quick progress from my one lesson I had previously at another surf school. I will definitely be returning and asking for Steph as she made me feel at ease and enjoy the session!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Glenn Oxborough 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Steph is a fantastic instructor. When teaching children she manages to focus on every single one with great motivation and instruction!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Tom 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing surf school, my daughter has really enjoyed every session so far and as a nervous swimmer lacking little confidence Steph (one of the excellent surf coaches) took the extra time out to help build up her confidence. Thanks
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Matthew Stopp 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Had a lesson with Finn, and what an excellent coach. We were lucky as there was only 2 of us on the lesson so we got excellent one on one coaching, helping us progress massively. He took time explaining how to read waves and what will be good or bad. Extra credit due as the weather was torrential rain and he came back down the stairs to help with carrying the buggy back up the flooded steps for our spectating family. Top lad.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Bekka Rist 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you for the great surflession for US and our children, we had a fanatastic time!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dom Ventimiglia 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Gwithian Surf School Rocks!!!!! Lovely people and extremely good coaches, we’ve used several surf schools in Cornwall but this is by far best, Steph and her team are super attentive and very well organised.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Greg Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a fantastic surfing lesson with Jamie. He was upbeat, knowledgeable, really friendly and took great care of our youngest son Lucas (9) who hasn’t stopped talking about surfing since! Gwithian (3 mile beach) is also heartbreakingly beautiful. 10/10 recommend ❤️
  
 
  
  
 
     Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will we be paddleboarding?

When you book a paddlesport experience with MAKAI (kayaking or paddleboarding), your session will take place at one of two launch locations on the Lizard Peninsula: Mullion Harbour or Cadgwith.

The exact location is chosen by our team based on the safest and most suitable conditions on the day, including wind, swell, and sea state. For this reason, customers are not able to select a specific location at the time of booking.

We will confirm your session location the day before your booking via SMS and email, including full directions, where to meet, and what to bring—so you can arrive fully prepared and enjoy the best possible experience on the water.

Who are our paddleboard tours suitable for?

Our paddleboarding sessions in the open ocean are designed to suit a wide range of abilities and confidence levels. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, routes may include longer open-water paddles, navigating around headlands, reading swell and wind conditions, and developing efficient paddling and balance skills in dynamic seas.

For those who prefer a more relaxed journey, we offer steady coastal paddles at an easy pace, with time to take in the scenery, explore calmer sections of coastline, and build confidence on the board in supportive conditions. Every session is carefully tailored to the group and the conditions on the day, ensuring a safe, rewarding, and enjoyable experience for everyone on the water.

What is the minimum age to participate?

For safety reasons, the minimum age to take part in our open-ocean paddleboarding tours is 14 years old. This ensures all participants have the physical ability, confidence, and understanding required to paddle safely in dynamic sea conditions, under the guidance of our qualified instructors.

What if it is raining, and/or windy on the day of my booking?

The safety of our guests and instructors is always our top priority. When paddleboarding on the open ocean, wind is the biggest factor affecting conditions, as it can significantly influence stability, speed, and overall control on the board. If wind strength or direction, sea state, visibility, or any other open-water conditions are deemed unsafe, we will cancel the session and contact you as soon as possible to arrange a suitable alternative date or time.

Please note that paddleboard tours are not cancelled due to light rain or typical Cornish weather. Sessions will only be cancelled when conditions fall outside safe operating limits for open-ocean paddleboarding, allowing us to run tours whenever it is safe to do so while always putting safety first.

What if need to cancel our booking?

For full details of our cancellation policy, please refer to our Terms and Conditions. Wherever possible, we always aim to be flexible and will do our best to rearrange any sessions you are unable to attend, provided sufficient notice is given.

Please note that sessions cancelled at very short notice, or where participants do not attend their booked session (no-shows), cannot be refunded. This is due to the advance planning required, including staff allocation, equipment preparation, and venue logistics.

What do I need to bring for a paddleboard tour?

For an open-ocean paddleboarding session, it’s important to wear suitable clothing and footwear to keep you comfortable and safe on the water. All participants must wear appropriate footwear — bare feet are not permitted. Suitable options include trainers, water shoes, or wetsuit boots that can get wet and provide good grip when launching, landing, and moving around on the board. Flip-flops, sandals, or other loose footwear are not suitable for open-ocean paddleboarding.

Do I need to need to be able to swim?

All participants must be able to swim in order to take part in an open-ocean paddleboard tour. While buoyancy aids and safety leashes are worn at all times, paddleboarding takes place in open water and participants should be comfortable being in the sea to ensure a safe, confident, and enjoyable experience throughout the tour.

How long does a paddleboard tour last?

Each session lasts approximately 3 hours, including changing time. However, this can vary depending on group ability and conditions.

Paddleboarding not for you? Try our other Activities

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