Award Winning Kayaking & Stand Up Paddle Boarding in Cornwall

Welcome to Encounter Cornwall, our family-run Paddle Sports Centre, where paddle sports are a lifestyle we’re truly passionate about. We live and breathe the thrill of the water, and we’re excited to share that passion with you through immersive, unforgettable, and fun-filled adventures. 

Based in Golant and as a Paddle UK – Go Paddling Centre, our team of fully qualified Paddle UK Level 3 Coaches is here to ensure your experience is fun, engaging, and full of excitement.

Located on the stunning upper Fowey Estuary, Marine Conservation Zone, and National Landscape (formerly AONB), we offer a range of immersive experiences for everyone—families, friends, beginners, and experienced paddlers alike. From kayak trips and hire, and stand-up paddleboarding lessons to MEGA SUP hire, these experiences connect you to nature, allowing you to embrace the rhythm of the tides and the beauty of the environment around you—all while having a great time.

Since 2006, our award-winning team at Encounter Cornwall has been sharing their love for paddle sports through guided trips and hire from The Boatshed in Golant. Whether you’re paddling through calm waters, learning new skills, or just having fun on the water, we help you experience the Fowey Estuary in a way that reflects our passion for this lifestyle and the rich Cornish culture that surrounds us. From the timeless beauty of the landscape to the vibrant maritime heritage of the region, we invite you to connect with the spirit of Cornwall as you explore its waters. 

Your adventure with us is part of multiple award-winning experiences, the most recent recognised with Silver in the Cornwall Tourism Awards for "Active and Learning Experience of the Year 24/25." This reflects our teams commitment to providing exceptional water experiences, tailored to meet the needs of every individual.

Looking for a new adventure? Try the MEGA SUP, available for hire daily. It’s more than just an activity—it’s a fun-filled opportunity to embrace the water with friends and family, turning the experience into a shared passion and creating unforgettable memories.

Our guided kayak trips and SUP sessions are designed to connect you with the tidal waters of the Fowey Estuary, whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced adventurer. For a more relaxed exploration, our trips offer the perfect way to enjoy the landscape, while experienced paddlers can hire kayaks to enjoy the waters at their own pace.

For those new to SUP, our SUP Starter session is the ideal introduction, while our SUP Skills and Adventure SUP sessions are perfect for those ready to expand their skills and fully immerse themselves in the SUP lifestyle. Whether it’s kayaking or SUP, we’re here to share our love for the water and help you enjoy it to the fullest—all while having fun!

Picnic Packs
Want to make your adventure even better? Order a delicious picnic pack from the Fisherman's Arms to enjoy on your trip! Simply check out the menu on our ‘Local Links’ page, give Nick a call at 01726 832453, and we’ll have it ready for you at the Boatshed when it’s time to set off.

We can’t wait to see you on the water!

If you are finding it difficult to reach us via-the phones, we are probably on-water touring or coaching. So ping us an email us on [email protected] and we will get back to you asap.

"Many thanks for a great trip on Sunday, it was one of the highlights of our fortnight in Cornwall and you are on our list of must do's for our next visit!"

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