Paddleboarding, SUP, Kayaking, Canoeing, Windsurfing, Kitesurfing, Surfing, Sailing and Wild Swimming
Our guide to watersports in North Norfolk, a county that is full of natural features, stunning coastline, nature reserves and countryside. There are so many great locations for just about every watersport. And you'll find great pubs, cafes & restaurants nearby to keep you fed & watered while you explore this beautiful part of the world.
Deepdale is a great base when you are exploring the coastline. Our team at Deepdale Camping & Rooms can supply you with lots of information about the local area.
Deepdale Visitor Information Centre has a great selection of maps, guides and other information.
The North Norfolk Coast is a fantastic spot for watersports, with its beautiful beaches, creeks, and coastal waters. Here are some tips to ensure you have a great experience.
Choose the Right Location for Your Sport
Windsurfing & Kitesurfing: Brancaster and Hunstanton are popular spots due to consistent winds and wide beaches. |
Check Tide Times - Tides along the North Norfolk coast can be significant. We list tide times on our website. Always consult tide tables and plan your activities accordingly. High tide offers easier access to creeks and harbors, but low tide can also be a lovely time to paddle where there is water. Be cautious of the fast-changing tide, particularly around sandbanks like at Wells or Holkham.
Mind the Weather & Conditions
Wind: Essential for sailing and wind-based sports but can make paddleboarding or kayaking challenging. Check forecasts before heading out. |
Gear and Equipment - Bring or rent the appropriate gear for your chosen sport. Many local centers offer rentals and lessons. Wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket, especially for paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking or sailing. Use waterproof bags or cases for valuables if you're carrying them on the water.
Respect Wildlife & Habitat - The coast is home to seals, birds, and other wildlife. Keep a respectful distance, especially near Blakeney Point, a famous seal colony, and areas marked on beaches at certain times of the year. Avoid disturbing nesting birds, particularly in designated nature reserves. - Coastal Code & Countryside Code
Learn or Hire Locally - Take lessons if you're new to a watersport. Local instructors have in-depth knowledge of the area and conditions. Hire from reputable providers who can give advice on the best spots for the day's weather.
Plan for Access and Parking - Some beaches and creeks have limited parking or long walks to the water. Check access points in advance. Wells-next-the-Sea has a long causeway to the beach; a beach buggy shuttle operates in peak season.
Stay Safe - Always tell someone your plans, including your estimated return time. Carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case for emergencies. Stick to marked channels in creeks to avoid getting stuck on mudflats. - Remember that the emergency number in the UK is 999
Enjoy your watersports adventures on the North Norfolk Coast, and let us know what you got up to!
Rents paddle boards and wingfoils.
They also sell paddle boards, wingfoil boards, wings and foils plus wetsuits.
They are dealers for Jimmy Lewis, Ozone, DaKine, GoFoil, Axis plus other brands.
They do board, wing and sail repairs, plus make custom boards and foils.
They are situated in the middle of Brancaster Staithe with uncrowned direct access to to the marsh and harbour for SUP and WingFoil.
Tel: 07831 134031
General hire of both single and double sit on top kayaks from Brancaster Staithe harbour. Also offer guided creek safaris when the tides allow.
Creek Safaris of Brancaster Staithe offer a unique and picturesque way to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the Norfolk coast. Visitors can embark on guided kayak tours through the serene creeks and marshlands, providing opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the local flora and fauna. It's a great experience for nature lovers and families looking to connect with the natural beauty of the area.
Tel: 07810 188165
hunstantonkayaks.co.uk
Experience the thrill of Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) amidst the breathtaking scenery of the North Norfolk Coast!
Our 2 hour Taster Session offers a fun way to get on the water, learn new skills, while exploring the creeks and salt marsh and getting close to nature.
For the more experienced book onto one of our 3 hour Guided tours out through the creeks and salt marsh of 'Burnham overy staithe harbour' and nature reserve of Scolt Head Island.
Tel: 07768 123797
northnorfolkpaddleboards.co.uk
These pages from RNLI Wells' Water Safety Officer offer advice and tips to stay safe and make the most of your visit to our part of the coast, whether you are on on the beach, walking the coast path or out on the water swimming, kayinging or sailing. They have separate pages for Wells, Blakeney & Morston, and Burnham Overy Staithe ... though much of the advice applies in all the North Norfolk harbours and beaches and elsewhere along the Norfolk coast too.
Commitment to the environment, adventure, heritage, and mindful living is at the heart of what they do. Offering experiences that go beyond mere adventure, deeply rooted in the rhythms of nature and the richness of history. These journeys are designed to reconnect you with nature, recharge your spirit, and embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes slow and sustainable living. Join them in celebrating a way of life that respects our planet and its stories, inviting you to experience the beauty and tranquility of a mindful approach to life.
Tel: 07817 307551
coastalexplorationcompany.co.uk
Specialise in pairing fellow watersports enthusiasts with the perfect gear—from stand-up paddleboarding to winging to windsurfing! Whether you are just beginning your watersports journey or are a professional competitor.
Their service is built on extensive personal knowledge gained on the beach, combined with close relationships with industry-leading suppliers. If you'd like to chat or schedule a demo, just make contact.
And of course, accidents happen, but fear not they also offer a watersports equipment repair service!
Tel: 07767 606761
supslife.com
Hunstanton Watersports offers a wide range of courses and activities for all ages and abilities. From family paddleboard sessions, leaning to windsurf or 3 day BKSA Kitesurf courses, they have something for everybody.
Hunstanton Watersports also boasts Norfolk's premier watersports shop fully stocked with hardwear and clothing from all the top brands including DC, Roxy, Oneill,Fox, Oakley, Supersaturated, Mystic, Liquid Force, Naish, North, Typhoon and many more.
Tel: 01485 534455
hunstantonwatersports.com
Enjoy Norfolk's vast open landscape and big skies as you paddle alongside pristine salt marshes. Find out where to get the latest harbour information, when the tide makes the harbour impassable, and other important information for safe paddling.
One hour either side of high tide is the safest time to go kayaking or paddle boarding from Morston Quay, as the water is moving at its slowest during this period.
Check the tide times, but also important to check the weather forecast for wind speeds - the lighter the wind, the easier and safer it will be to paddle.
Made-to-measure boat trips from Blakeney under sail on “Selkie”, a sailing boat designed to explore the creeks and coastal waters of beautiful North Norfolk. Wildlife-watching, sunrise and sunset trips, seeing the seals under sail, wild swimming, exploring remote beauty spots and/or sailing instruction. 1-4 people (or 2 adults & up to 3 children).
We sail in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The harbour is tidal but protected by a spit of land, which leads to Blakeney Point. It is an ideal location for sailing or the added challenge of racing. We also welcome kayaks/canoes and paddle boards.
There is a comprehensive programme of events for members from March to October. In addition, during July/August we have mid-week holiday sailing, Fun Week and the annual regatta with a traditional bank start, which are open to non-members.
The club hut which is the meeting point for all events.
Based just outside of Kings Lynn in Norfolk, offering a wide range of watersports activities from sailing and windsurfing courses to kayaking and stand up paddleboarding introductory lessons. We also provide boat rentals including pedalo's and Canadian canoe hire, as well as corporate/team building and stag/hen party events here in Norfolk.
Tel: 07494 604675
bawseybay.com
Surf & SUP school, equipment hire & retail surf shop located in the quaint Victorian seaside town of Cromer, on the East promenade right next to the prominent iconic pier.
They provide daily Surf & SUP (stand up paddle board) lessons with an extensive range of equipment if you just want to hire.
Their bricks & mortar and online surf shops have all your essential surfing, SUP and water based accessories, catering from beginner to advanced.
Tel: 07966 392227 / 01263 805005
glidesurfschool.co.uk
North Norfolk offers numerous opportunities for open water and wild swimming enthusiasts, with its diverse landscapes of rivers, lakes, and expansive beaches.
Lots of swimming locations are listed and reviewed on the Wild website, including Brancaster Beach, Wells-next-the-Sea, Hunstanton and Heacham -
wildopenwater.com
The RNLI beach safety teams have lifeguards on various beaches along the Norfolk Coast. They are seasonal, and work with the various lifeboat stations around the coast.
| Beach | When | Times |
| Wells-next-the-Sea | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
| Sheringham West | Late May to mid September | 10am - 6pm |
| Sheringham East | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
| West Runton | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
| East Runton | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
| Cromer West | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
| Cromer East | Late May to mid September | 10am - 6pm |
| Mundesley Beach | Late May to mid September | 10am - 6pm |
| Sea Palling Beach | Late May to mid September | 10am - 6pm |
| Hemsby Beach | Mid July to early September | 10am - 6pm |
We have an excellent selection of maps, guide books and other information in Deepdale Visitor Information Centre. But if you'd like to get copies before you visit us, here are some of our watersports related favourites for sale online. You can see our full bookshop here. Links will take you to Amazon online store.
Norfolk Tide Times 2025
Paddle the East of England: The Best Places to Go with a Paddleboard, Kayak or Canoe
Taking the Plunge: The Healing Power of Wild Swimming for Mind, Body and Soul
The Art of Wild Swimming: England & Wales
The Little Book for Wild Swimmers
The Outdoor Swimming Guide: Over 400 of the best lidos, wild swimming and open air swimming spots
Tide Tables Norfolk 2025
Wild Swimming Hidden Beaches: Explore the Secret Coast of Britain
Wild Swimming Logbook
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Solstice Beach Yoga + Sea SwimsSaturday 21st June 2025 |
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Tide & Wild - A Women's Day RetreatSaturday 19th July 2025 |
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Naiad - A Tidal Immersive Day RetreatSaturday 26th July 2025 |
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Tide & Wild - A Women's Day RetreatSaturday 16th August 2025 |