Coasteering in Cornwall. Image credit: AdobeStock
Thankfully you don’t have to fly to Australia to experience the best of coasteering for yourself with dozens of experienced coasteering companies to choose from throughout the United Kingdom, the stunning Cornish coastline being particularly perfectly suited to it! Offering a landscape that has plenty to scramble over, jump from and drop into (if you’re feeling brave enough), and with companies operating out of places like Newquay, St Ives, Hayle and Falmouth it really is an ideal location to try out this fantastic hobby.
If your interest is piqued and you’re thinking that coasteering may be something you’d like to dip your toe into, locally-based company Luxury Coastal gives an overview of what to expect from a typical session in Cornwall so it’s worth considering giving the sport a go when you’re next in the area.
A combination of several activities, coasteering is dynamic in nature owing to the variety of natural features and formations found on different parts of the coastline. Some areas may have sea caves and coves to explore or natural pools for wild swimming, while others have gullies for clambering through, whirlpool eddies for getting washed around in or boulders and cliffs for deep water jumps so expect exhilarating action and a truly magical experience.
It is important to note that all reputable coasteering companies will have stringent safety procedures in place that will include the right safety gear like wetsuits, helmets and buoyancy aids as well as instructors who are both experienced and knowledgeable of the coastline, and who are au fait with details such as tide times, the location of riptides and any other danger areas to avoid.
Often viewed as dangerous, the sport is in fact deemed ‘low risk’ with children as young as 8 years old welcomed (accompanied by an adult of course), so it makes for a fantastic way to get up close to the local flora and fauna as well as being an adventure that all the family can experience together.
All participants will need to acknowledge that they are able to confidently swim 25 metres in open water to be able to take part.