Watersports – A UK Hotspot

• Written by: Beeches Holiday Lets
• Written on: June 18, 2014
• Filed Under: Activities, Children, Days Out, Sports

In addition to our award winning beaches, what’s also pretty special about our little corner of this green & pleasant land is that we are surrounded by water on three sides (Margate to the north, Broadstairs to east and Ramsgate to the south) and have a very eclectic mix of sheltered coves, balmy bays and windswept waters … which makes our local area, you guessed it, the perfect place for watersports!

From Surfing and kite boarding, to jet-skiing, sailing or kayaking, you can take it from easy to extreme all in the space of a few square kilometers.

Joss Bay Surf School is based on the most popular surfing beach around. Here you can simply hire a board and a wetsuit (prices from £5) and go it alone or take surfing or paddleboard lessons, one on one or in a group … prices start from £35.  You can even round your day off with a catered sunset BBQ .. prices are based on individual requirements and group sizes.

Jetski World, just a little way around the coast at Palm Bay, offer Jet Ski hire and launching facilities.  They offer free parking, changing facilities and a there’s a café on site too.  Safety skis are on standby and there are safe swimming areas for your family to kick back and relax whilst you tear around the various offshore sights.

Heron Sailing in Ramsgate offer courses for everyone from absolute beginners up to super savvy ‘Yacht Masters.’  Beginners can spend a couple of days learning the ropes in and around the Royal Harbour (‘Start Yachting is a two day course, Adults £230, Juniors (12-17yr olds) £210 … all other courses – ‘Competent Crew’, ‘Day Skipper’, ‘Coastal Skipper’ & ‘Yacht Master’ are five day courses starting from £410.)

The Kent Surf School operates out of Viking Bay in Broadstairs and from Margate Main Sands.  Similar to Joss Bay Surf School, they also offer surfing and paddle boarding lessons.  In addition to this they also offer guided kayak tours …  they even cater to Hen and Stag parties (group surf lessons, surf and powerboat experience or surf and paintball in association with Quex Paintball).

But it’s not all about the open seas, Canoe Wild are based in the beautiful village of Grove Ferry on banks the River Stour (around a 15/20 minute drive from any of the Beeches Holiday Lets properties.)  Canoe hire and courses start from £15 and can provide a fantastic family experience in a beautiful setting.  Hire by the hour, ½ day or day depending on your stamina.  Thirsts can be quenched on the delightful neighbouring ‘Grove Ferry’ Pub.

So there you have it, from novices to noble seamen … our fair Isle can cater to you all … we hope this little write up has tempted you to come and dip your toe in!

You can of course come to Thanet just for the day, but we strongly recommend you book to stay at least a few days here to make the most of all the fun activities you could be getting up to. That’s where we at Beeches come in, offering you the flexibility of a self-catering stay … what could be better than a warm bath and a comfy sofa to rest your weary, salty self after a hard day out on the water.