Coasteering is one of the most memorable adventure activities you can do while visiting Cornwall. With adrenaline-fuelled scrambles around the rock face and exhilarating open water swimming, completed by rush-filled leaps into the west coast waves, coasteering is an unforgettable watersports experience.
But what actually is coasteering? Before you take the plunge, here’s everything you need to know from the thrill-seekers at King Coasteer.
What is coasteering?
Coasteering is a unique watersports experience like no other. It combines cliff jumping, rock climbing and sea swimming to create a one-of-a-kind adventure activity that takes place in some of the most hidden yet beautiful coastal areas.
What does coasteering mean? What will I actually do?
The term “coasteering” is a combination of the word “mountaineering” and “coast”. This only represents part of this multi-sport activity though.
As the name suggests, coasteering does include rock traversing, but this shouldn’t put off nervous climbers. Any rock climbing is low level with the soft landing surface of the lapping Cornish seas below you. And here at King Coasteer, our trips include a full safety briefing, support for experienced guides and all the required gear so you can climb confidently.
Coasteering also involves wild swimming and swell-riding around some of the most remote coastal beauty spots, caves and lagoons that you just can’t get to on foot.
And finally, the pièce de résistance, the cherry on top that coasteering is famed for – cliff jumping. On our trips, the King Coasteer guides provide all the advice, encouragement and giggles needed to help you leap into the cool, turquoise waters. But if you’re not feeling it, that’s no worries either – we go at your pace.
Who invented coasteering?
Elements of coasteering have been used for years to access remote coastline, and so, it’s debatable who invented it first. Word on the salty streets is that coasteering was invented by daring surfers in Pembrokeshire in the 1980s, but the adrenaline-filled activity was mentioned in a book way back in 1973 called “Sea Cliff Climbing”, so who knows?!
Is coasteering safe?
If you choose to embark on your coasteering escapade with an experienced and fully trained coasteering school, like King Coasteer, then it’s safe. Our highly skilled guides know the conditions and tides within our local Newquay area well. They give a full safety briefing on each trip and keep a close eye on all tour members (as well as mother nature) throughout the trip. So as long as you listen and follow the guidance of your tour leaders, you’ll enjoy an epic coasteering experience safely.
Who can do coasteering?
Coasteering might sound like it’s made for daredevils and adrenaline junkies, but the truth is it’s suitable for the whole family from age 8 years. You don’t need to be an Olympic-grade swimmer either. You will be given a buoyancy aid, so as long as you can swim 50 metres comfortably, you will be fine coasteering. Whether you’re adventurous or anxious, you do as much as you can/want to on a trip with King Coasteer. We can tailor a trip to meet your abilities and needs, and there’s no pressure either way.
What do you need for coasteering?
At King Coasteer, we provide everything you need to keep you protected and warm while coasteering, whatever the weather. We provide safety equipment like helmets and buoyancy aids, as well as wetsuits suitable for the conditions, grippy booties, and gloves and hoods if it’s particularly cold.
All you need to bring is yourself, your swimsuit and your sense of adventure.
Is coasteering good for me?
In coasteering, you use all parts of your body so it’s a great workout, from head to toe. Spending time in a stunning, blue space surrounded by awe-inspiring nature can do wonders for the mind too. What’s more, in coasteering you can push yourself mentally and physically to achieve things you never thought you could. It’s also a perfect way to bond with friends, family and even colleagues.
Do I have to jump? What if I’m scared?
We totally understand that some people may have reservations about jumping. While we guide you through how to jump safely and support you to take the plunge, we won’t force you to do anything you don’t want to. There’s always an alternative jump or route available, and we can adjust tours to meet your needs.
Can you go coasteering all year round?
You can absolutely go coasteering all year round. We have super thick, cosy wetsuits available, as well as gloves, boots and hoods to keep you warm.
What about the impact of the weather?
A bit of wind and rain won’t stop us, but exceptional tides and stormy seas may affect whether we can safely go ahead. Don’t worry though, we can reschedule any cancelled trips or give you a credit voucher for next time so you don’t lose out.
Coasteering in beautiful North Cornwall
North Cornwall is a spectacular place to go coasteering and our back garden in Newquay is particularly beautiful. With mile-upon-mile of rugged coastline, azure waters and favourable weather, Newquay is an amazing coasteering spot. You may even catch a glimpse of our native wildlife like seals and dolphins as they frolic undisturbed amongst the waves.
Why go coasteering with King Coasteer?
At King Coasteer, we’ve been scrambling, leaping and paddling around the stunning Newquay coast for over a decade. Our safety-certified trips are fully insured and rated 5 stars on Facebook and Airbnb. Our experienced team has all the skills, experience and personality to take you on the ultimate coasteering experience.
With trips running all year round from just £40 pp, get ready to take the plunge now.
Or if you need more convincing, check out these epic reasons to go coasteering this summer.
