Name: OSKC Watersports
Rating: 5.0

OSKC Watersports

OSKC Watersports, Borough Road, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0AN, UK

2-90 Years

Paid

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Description

Head down to the scenic North Devon coastline and enjoy an incredible marine adventure that the whole family will love. Booking a guided trip or renting some gear is one of the most exciting ways to explore the coastal waters, get active outdoors, and discover local nature spots with your children. If you are searching for the best things to do with kids in North Devon, this coastal activity centre provides a premier training and exploration hub that makes for a perfect marine family day out.

Getting your family set up for an afternoon on the water is very straightforward, with flexible rates tailored to different skills and timeframes. Standard sea kayak and paddleboard taster sessions start from £45.00 per person, while independent equipment hire rates are available for experienced paddlers. All activities depart directly from the village beachfront area, placing you right at the edge of the scenic marine environment from the moment you check in.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids that combines fresh sea air, active fitness, and beautiful scenery, this water sports venue is an exceptional choice. It gives older children and teenagers a hands-on opportunity to master new balance skills on the waves or paddle into hidden coastal bays. It is a fantastic option to get your kids active in the great outdoors while building their confidence on the water.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Key Features

Sensory Play on the Waves: Children can hear the crashing of the tide and feel the unique balance of ocean swells beneath their paddleboards.
Interactive Exhibits of Live Nature: The coastal cliffs serve as a moving sanctuary where kids can view wild marine birds and unique rockpools up close.
Educational Day Out: Fully qualified British Canoeing instructors teach families about ocean safety, coastal tides, and effective paddling techniques.
Active Outdoor Exploration: Navigating kayak trails along the rugged coastline keeps teenagers physically challenged and fully entertained.

Detailed Highlights

The Sea Kayak Safaris: These guided coastal excursions allow families to paddle alongside towering cliffs and explore hidden caves that cannot be reached by land. Kids love looking out for local marine life while learning how to steer their craft through small gaps in the rock faces.
Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) Taster Sessions: A fantastic introductory class designed to teach families the basics of balance, core stability, and control on a paddleboard. Instructors use fun games to help younger participants gain confidence standing up on the water.
The Combe Martin Bay Tours: A relaxed, guided tour around the sheltered local bay area, which is widely known as one of the safest spots for water sports in the region. It is an ideal first-time ocean experience for families with older children.
Premium Sit-on-Top Equipment Hire: For families who already have paddling experience, the centre offers top-tier rentals of stable, child-friendly sit-on-top kayaks. These vessels are virtually unsinkable, providing parents with peace of mind out on the calm waters.
Coasteering and Rock Scouting: Certain custom group sessions combine swimming, scrambling along the shoreline, and learning about the geology of the North Devon coast. It turns a standard holiday beach trip into an active, educational shoreline exploration.

Watercraft Activities & Guided Excursions

Introductory SUP Lesson: A 1.5-hour structured session covering basic paddleboard safety, balance, and directional turns.
Guided Kayak Coast Tour: A scenic 2-hour coastal trek mapping the historic cliffs and inlets around Combe Martin.
Sit-on-Top Kayak Hire: Independent hourly or half-day rentals of stable single and double holiday kayaks.
Paddleboard Equipment Rental: Direct hire of premium boards, paddles, and buoyancy aids for competent coastal paddlers.
British Canoeing Certification Courses: Specialised structural training clinics for families looking to achieve official paddling badges.

Facilities

Toilets: Changing areas and standard public toilet facilities are available near the main beach launch zone before you go onto the water.
Safety Equipment: Premium buoyancy aids, helmets for coasteering, and high-quality paddles are fully provided with every booking.
Wetsuit Hire: Full-length neoprene wetsuits are available at the centre to ensure families stay warm and comfortable during their session.

What to see

What Visitors Love

Highly Encouraging Instructors: Parents frequently praise the coaches for their patience, humor, and brilliant ability to settle nervous children on the water.
Top-Notch Safety Standards: Families appreciate the clear safety briefings and the constant, watchful eye of the guiding team during bay tours.
Stunning Coastal Views: Visitors love the unique perspective of the Devon cliffs and clear waters, noting how therapeutic the open sea feels.
Stable Craft for Newbies: Parents note that the sit-on-top kayaks feel incredibly secure, preventing younger riders from tipping over easily.

What Visitors Don't Like

Weather-Based Rescheduling: High winds or rough coastal swells can cause sessions to be postponed at short notice, though parents understand this is for safety.
Physical Exhaustion for Littler Ones: A few parents note that a full two-hour paddle can be tiring for children around the minimum age limit.

Pro-Tips

Book Your Tides Right: Ocean water sports are entirely dependent on local daily tidal cycles, so check the official booking calendar early to secure the best water conditions.
Bring a Change of Clothes: You will definitely get wet while paddleboarding or kayaking, so pack towels, dry clothes, and a plastic bag for wet gear.
Wear Secure Footwear: Old trainers or specialized neoprene water shoes are highly recommended to protect your feet from sharp rocks along the beach shoreline.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Single sit on top kayak hire

£25 for up to 2hrs
£35 for up to 3hrs
£45 for up to 4hrs
£55 for up to 5hrs

Double / 2+1 sit on top kayak hire

£35 for up to 2hrs
£50 for up to 3hrs
£65 for up to 4hrs
£80 for up to 5hrs

Stand up paddle board (SUP) hire

£25 for up to 2hrs
£35 for up to 3hrs
£45 for up to 4hrs
£55 for up to 5hrs

"Explorer" 4 person family SUP:

£55 for 1hr
£110 for up to 2hrs

"Super Tanker" giant 10 person SUP:

£110 for 1hr
£220 for up to 2hrs

Kayak tours (include wetsuits)

2hr "Beach and Cave" or "Coastal Cruise" tour: £45 per person (£30 for 13 & under)
2hr "Ultimate Exclusive" kayak tour: £65 per person (£50 for 13 & under) – also includes free reserved parking

Stand up paddle board tour (include wetsuits)

2hr SUP tour (intermediate level paddlers only): £65
With own equipment: £45

1hr Kayak or Stand up paddle board taster session (Price per group size)

1 person: £50
2 people: £90
3 people: £120
4 people: £160
5 people: £200
6 people: £240

SUP with Kim (include wetsuits)

2hr stand up paddle board lesson/mini tour: £65

Kayak-steering (include wetsuits)

£65 per person

Additions & Instructors

Wetsuit Hire: £10 for the duration of your activity or until 6pm (Note: returnable deposit required if only hiring a wetsuit)
Personal instructor (1-6 people): £45 per hour

Pricing URL: https://www.oskcwatersports.co.uk/prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

The main water sports season runs from April through to October, with daily session slots operating generally between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm depending entirely on safe sea conditions and daylight hours. Winter operations are closed.

Address: OSKC Watersports, Borough Road, Combe Martin, Ilfracombe EX34 0AN, UK

Post Code: EX34 0AN

Council: North Devon

County: Devon

By Car & Parking: Navigate to Combe Martin beach using the postcode EX34 0DJ. Large pay-and-display public council car parks are located right next to the beach slipway, offering flat and direct access to the water sports centre.
By Train: The nearest main railway link is Barnstaple Train Station, located roughly 15 miles away. From there, families will need to catch a regional bus route or hire a local taxi to reach the bay.
By Bus: Local bus networks connect neighboring coastal towns like Ilfracombe directly to Combe Martin high street, leaving you a very short walk from the seafront.